The United States was eliminated by Sweden in a penalty shootout after a goalless match that knocks out the perennial favorite and sends the Netherlands through to the quarterfinals after beating South Africa 2-0.
The lack of accuracy punished the world champions, who couldn't find a way to overcome Sweden and were eliminated for the first time in the round of 16.
The 21 shots on goal by the American players showcased their dominance, but it wasn't enough to beat a solid Swedish team.
The United States sought the opposing goal from the start of the match and Sweden, currently in third place in the FIFA rankings with 9 goals in the group stage, couldn't get hold of the ball and finished the second half without shots on goal.
Alex Morgan had her chance on the cusp of the end of the match with a header after a cross, but once again the goalkeeper saved the clear scoring opportunity and sent her team into extra time.
With both teams feeling the fatigue, the United States continued to create clearer chances on goal and, with some urgency, the North Americans didn't hesitate to shoot from anywhere near the opposing area.
The match remained goalless and was decided in the penalty shootout, where Megan Rapinoe missed. Ultimately, Hurtig secured the victory for Sweden with a penalty that had to be reviewed by the goal-line technology. The Nordic team will face Japan in the next round on Friday at Eden Park in Auckland.