RIO DE JANEIRO -- Alex Morgan isn't sugarcoating it. The visibly somber soccer star is still overwhelmed by the team's loss to Sweden in the Rio Games quarterfinals last week, officially ending the U.S. women's soccer team's quest for a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal.

We caught up with the 27-year-old at the P&G Family Home in Rio, where she's hanging with her family, supporting Team USA at other events and talking about her partnership with the Always #LikeAGirl campaign. She opened up about the loss and discussed what's next for her and the national team.

espnW: The U.S. team played its games in Brasilia and other cities, and now you're finally in Rio de Janeiro. What has your experience in Rio been like so far?

Coming to Rio, I feel like I was still heartbroken over our loss because we actually didn't make it to Rio. We ended in Brasilia. Had we won, we would have come to Rio. For me, deciding to come to Rio with my family -- as most of my teammates went home -- was very uplifting. I feel like I was able to support Team USA and I was able to experience the culture of Rio and Brazil in general. It's been really nice and a good distraction from everything else that's going on and the loss we had a couple of days ago.

Christen Press and Alex Morgan missed their penalty kicks in the quarterfinals against Sweden. "We took it really hard," said Morgan. Icon Sportswire

How have you and the team been handling the loss?

For a day or two it was really, really difficult and bitter. And I think it will be bitter for a long time. But it was a humbling experience because this team has such high expectations for winning and doing well historically in tournaments, [since we were] consecutive, three-time Olympic gold medalists. I think it was very devastating and heartbreaking at first. I think we will come back even stronger, but it will take time.

What's the biggest hurdle for the national team going forward?

It's not like we played a bad game. For us, it's more about getting over the heartbreak. I don't think there's a huge hurdle to get over. But I think it's going to take time and luckily there's three years between now and the next major tournament, so time is all we have right now.

What did you say to Christen Press after the penalty kicks against Sweden? [Both Morgan and Press missed their penalty kicks.]

It was devastating for the whole team, but for us in particular. We took it really hard. In the locker room, when we were all trying to be very supportive of each other, I just said, "It happens to the best of us." And I think for us that gave us a quick smile or giggle for a second. It honestly could have happened to anyone.

I feel like the effort was there when we played against Sweden. The passion and the heart was there. We were just extremely unlucky that day, especially in the penalties. But we'll bounce back from it. It's something so small in perspective given the career we're both going to have with the national team.

What was it like playing against former U.S. coach Pia Sundhage, who is now Sweden's head coach? Did that make it extra nerve-wracking?

No, we've played quite a bit against Pia, but I think we wanted to win even more because it was against her. At the same time, I do respect her at such a high level. She gave me my first Games with the national team. I respect her so much and she knows the game really well. So it's not surprising that [Sweden is] in the final.

Speaking of youngsters, how did Crystal Dunn and Mallory Pugh perform at the Olympics?

They performed great. They both scored and did extremely well in their first major tournaments. With Mal being 18 years old, I can see the pressure getting to someone so young, but I feel like she took it in stride and performed exceptionally well. I'm really proud of both of them.

How did the U.S. midfield perform at the Olympics?

Going into the Olympics, there were a lot of changes in the midfield because of Allie Long coming onto the team late in April. I feel like the midfield performed really well for having only a month or two to learn how to play together. Being knocked out in the quarterfinals isn't a good reflection of the way we played. That's just the way it goes sometimes.

Do you expect Amy Rodriguez and Sydney Leroux to join the team next year?

I hope so because they are amazing soccer players. They were my teammates for many years. They're two close friends who I would love to see back on the national team. With Amy just having her baby and Sydney having her baby within the next month, the most important thing is getting back healthy. As long as they can do it healthy, I would love to see them back as my teammates.

You and Sydney always dress up for Halloween. Any plans for this October?

I'm sure she'll have some good ideas. We'll see. Ask me in like two months.

What do you think of Sweden advancing to the gold-medal game?

It's hard for us to swallow because we want to be there, but at the end of the day, I just hope it's a good match for the fans.

Who are you picking: Sweden or Germany?

I don't know. I'm not really rooting for one over the other.

What's next for the team?

Now, it's just rebuilding and continuing to get back on course. We have two friendlies in September. That will be about getting the team back together, thinking positively and getting back on the right track.