Francisca Ordega didn’t score in Nigeria’s second World Cup match, a 2-0 loss against Australia. That should probably worry, not assuage the US Women’s National Team, which plays Nigeria on Tuesday night. The 21-year-old Ordega is a football phenom, so fast and brilliant with the ball that she’s a constant threat — taking energy away from defenses just because of how much consideration she demands. The Americans know Ordega well, she’s playing for the Washington Spirit these days in the National Womens’ Soccer League.
Nigeria will need to score and hope its defense finds composure. Nigeria has given up five goals, but still managed an unlikely 3-3 tie against Sweden in the first game. Ordega scored the tying goal in that game with just three minutes to go. Hope Solo and the Americans hope Ordega has an outing more like her scoreless Australia game. Ordega is determined it be otherwise.
