Team USA went out of this year's FIFA Women's World Cup in a way that absolutely no one expected; in a blaze of fiery despair.
Despite the sorrow that filled their hearts on Sunday, Kristie Mewis showed back up to the stadium the following day to watch Australia and Denmark duke it out.
Her girlfriend of a few years now, Sam Kerr, came off the bench for Australia, helping the Matildas advance to the quarterfinals for the fourth time. This is Kerr's fifth World Cup appearance, and the quarterfinals are a round her country has never managed to succeed in.
The pair were photographed after the final whistle on the sidelines, Kerr reaching up to Mewis in the stands to embrace and share joy in her achievement.
Despite being eliminated from the World Cup earlier in the day, Kristie Mewis still showed up to support her partner Sam Kerr and Australia ❤️ pic.twitter.com/vTwnUglTWt
— espnW (@espnW) August 7, 2023
DeCOURCY: What's next for USWNT after World Cup elimination?
Whether Mewis sticks around to support Kerr on Saturday or not remains in question.
Who is Sam Kerr?
Kerr, 29, is a longtime Australian women's national team star. She also plays for the club Chelsea based out of London.
She spent time in the USWL with the Western New York Flash (2013-2014), and the NWSL with Gotham FC (2015-17) and the Red Stars (2018-2019).
She's currently on the roster and competing in her fifth FIFA Women's World Cup for the Matildas. On Monday, Australia defeated Denmark 2-0 to advance to the quarterfinals — a stage they've never made it past.
The game was also Kerr's return from a calf issue — the superstar striker had been ruled out previously after injuring herself in practice.
MORE: FIFA 23 ratings: Top women players in the game including Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis relationship timeline
Kristie Mewis and Sam Kerr started dating during the COVID-19 pandemic, per Just Women's Sports.
They officially went public at the postponed Tokyo Olympics when they made headlines as pictures circulated of Mewis comforting Kerr on the pitch after the USWNT beat Australia in the bronze medal match.
