For the second straight match, the U.S. experienced early jitters before a wildly supportive packed house. In Saturday's opening 3-0 victory, Denmark was unable to convert a free run into the right side of the box in the second minute. Against Nigeria, the U.S. was not as fortunate. Again in the second minute, U.S. midfielder Julie Foudy was only able to weakly clear a ball lofted into the penalty area. Striker Mercy Akide picked up the loose ball and passed left to midfielder Nikiru Okosieme who drilled a low shot into the far corner.
Every game has that.
The whistle is blown, the ball is kicked and you are thrown into the game. The only thing that helps that is time. It is a feeling. You can't settle down, so you have to make the best of what you can until you find your rhythm. Two minutes later, U.S. defenders Brandi Chastain and Carla Overbeck collided in the box, allowing Okosieme another close-in shot that went wide left.