The Matildas’ Olympic journey has come to a heartbreaking end with a 2-1 defeat to the United States.

This loss marks the team’s second tournament setback, following their earlier loss to Germany, and their earliest exit from the Olympics since 2000.

The result is particularly bitter for Australia, who had reached the World Cup semi-finals only recently.

The match kicked off with the Americans asserting dominance early on. Trinity Rodman had an early chance at goal but Mackenzie Arnold made a strong save. Australia also had a near miss in the first half when Mary Fowler’s strike went wide.

Arnold was kept busy throughout, making crucial saves against Crystal Dunn and Lindsay Horan in the first half. Arnold saved another Rodman long-range effort, but a corner led to Rodman scoring the opener.

The US led 1-0 at halftime. Post-break, a long-range shot from Naomi Girma’s went wide, while Australia struggled to find space. An attempt at goal from Hayley Raso was easily saved by Alyssa Naeher.

Substitute Michelle Heyman and Emily van Egmond energised the Matildas, but it was the US who scored next. Korbin Albert’s 18-yard strike made it 2-0, with Albert later hitting the post.

Australia pressed hard in the closing stages. Steph Catley’s header narrowly missed, and in the second minute of injury time, Alanna Kennedy scored from a Heyman cross, making it 2-1. Despite a late push and bringing Arnold forward for a final chance, the Matildas couldn’t equalise, resulting in their Olympic campaign drawing to a close.

Despite the loss, Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson told his team “that they should be extremely proud of the performance”.

“They stuck to the game plan… We were playing one of the most in-form teams of the tournament,” he added.

Fans of the Aussie team also expressed immense pride, taking to social media to share their admiration and support.

-with AAP.