Sweden's women's ice hockey team lost the 2026 Olympic semifinal to the USA 5–0 in Milano. Three quick goals in the second period decided the match, and a controversial hit on goalkeeper Emma Söderberg sparked anger. They now face Switzerland in the bronze medal game on Thursday.
In Milano's Sant'Giulia Arena, Sweden held off the USA in the first period, where defender Cayla Barnes scored 1–0 at 5:09. The Swedes managed only two shots on goal against the USA's 13, but goalkeeper Ebba Svensson Träff saved several chances. In the second period, the USA capitalized on a power play when Taylor Heise made it 2–0, followed by three goals in under three minutes: Abbey Murphy, Kendall Coyne, and Hayley Scamurra. The score reached 5–0, and Svensson Träff was replaced by Emma Söderberg.
With just under four minutes left in the period, Murphy hit Söderberg behind the net, resulting in a two-minute penalty for goaltender interference. Swedish defender Jessica Adolfsson responded by punching Murphy in the chest, leading to penalties for roughing for both. Söderberg described it as: 'She clips me right in the head.' Adolfsson said: 'If they touch my goalie, they will suffer for it.'
Head coach Ulf Lundberg commented: 'It’s about getting a full hit in a match like this, and we don’t. It goes a bit too fast.' Defender Mira Jungåker added: 'We still end the match with some dignity and have a good third period.' The third period ended scoreless, with Sweden winning the shots in that frame.
Sweden has not won an Olympic medal since the silver in 2006 in Turin. They now face Switzerland in the bronze medal game on Thursday, after Switzerland lost their semifinal to Canada 1–2. Expert Jonas Andersson raged over the hit: 'It’s clearly a match penalty – I get angry.' USA captain Hillary Knight defended Murphy: 'She’s not out there to injure.'
