The US women’s water polo team suffered a shocking loss in the Olympics in Paris 2024 semifinals on Thursday, losing to Australia in a shootout and ending their hopes of winning a fourth straight gold medal.
The Americans led Aussies through the first three periods and took an 8-6 lead into the fourth.
Members of Team United States react in the women’s semifinal match between Team Australia and Team United States. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Australia’s Bronte Halligan would reduce that margin at the 6:36 mark, tying the game just four minutes later. The U.S. could not respond, leading to a penalty shootout.
Zoe Arancini got on the board first for Team Australia, but Maddie Musselman would tie it with the Americans’ first penalty kick.
USA MEN’S WATER POLO VESSELS INTO SEMI-FINALS AFTER LAST-MINUTE GOAL, EPIC SHOOTOUT
Australia celebrates defeating Team USA in the women’s water polo semifinals on August 8, 2024. (Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
With both sides at 5-on-5, a place in the gold medal match would go to Musselman after Arancini scored the sixth penalty for Australia.
Goalkeeper Gabriella Palm would be substituted again and in a heartbreaking twist, Musselman failed to find the back of the net – ending Team USA’s pursuit of gold.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The U.S. has won Olympic gold three times in the last six games – in 2012, 2016 and most recently in 2021.
Team USA head coach Adam Krikorian consoles his team after the shootout defeat. (Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
They will now settle for a chance to win bronze against the Netherlands on Saturday.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.