The United States men's soccer team had a solid 2022 World Cup, advancing to the round of 16 for the first time since 2014. 

Its defeat of Iran in the group stage galvanized the country with over 12 million people watching the match. 

Christian Pulisic of the United States reacts at the final whistle after a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match against the Netherlands at Khalifa International Stadium Dec. 3, 2022, in Al Rayyan, Qatar.  (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

USA soccer's World Cup dreams ended Saturday against the Netherlands. The U.S. lost 3-1, sending the team home after failing to reach the quarterfinals. 

US CAN’T SEIZE MOMENT AS WORLD CUP DREAM ENDS IN ROUND OF 16

Star player Christian Pulisic thanked fans for their support after the game, apologizing for being ousted in the round of 16. 

Christian Pulisic of the United States is helped by team doctors after he scored his side's opening goal during a World Cup Group B match against Iran at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 29, 2022.  (WHD Photo/Luca Bruno)

"Thank you guys so much for all the support. It really meant a lot to us," Pulisic said. "We’re sorry. We wanted it so bad, and I hope we gave you some kind of excitement and showed you what this country is about, what this team is about. Just thank you guys."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON WHD News

Pulisic, who was injured against Iran as he scored the game-winning goal, was proud of the effort but disappointed by the result.

Christian Pulisic of the United States at the end of a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match against the Netherlands at Khalifa International Stadium Dec. 3, 2022, in Doha, Qatar.  (James Williamson/AMA/Getty Images)

"I’m really proud of this team, how far we’ve come," Pulisic said. "I hope we’ve shown a lot of people what we can do. It really is a shame.

"We deserved more from this tournament. At the end of the day, we couldn’t get it done, but I think there’s a lot of things we can be proud of."

The Netherlands will play Argentina in the quarterfinals.