The 2015 U17 World Cup kicks off tomorrow. The laborious two-year process for the U.S. team is at its culmination with this event. The group joined the Residency Program in the fall of 2013, which began the cycle and the process for head coach Richie Williams and his staff to shape this group into the most complete team possible in that time frame. For some of the players though, the process within U.S. Soccer was much longer. The first camp for the 1998/1999 age group came in 2011. There are 10 players on this World Cup roster that were part of that camp in August of 2011. It’s been a long journey for that group.

Prior to the U.S. kicking off the event against Nigeria on Saturday, TopDrawerSoccer previews the U.S. squad and projects a starting lineup for the first game. 

U.S. U17 World Cup Schedule:

Oct. 17 - U.S. vs. Nigeria, 4 p.m. (ET), Telemundo, Fox Sports 2

Oct. 20 - U.S. vs. Croatia, 4 p.m. (ET), NBC Universo

Oct. 23 - U.S. vs. Chile, 7 p.m. (ET), NBC Universo 

More on the U17 World Cup Team: Meet the Team | U17 World Cup Roster

Projected U.S. Starting XI vs. Nigeria

Player to Watch vs. Nigeria:

M Luca de la Torre, Fulham - If de la Torre is on the ball against Nigeria, the U.S. will have control of the game and a good shot at getting a result for the opening clash. If de la Torre is getting bypassed, the game will be too open for the U.S. to gain any control and the track meet style will not favor the U.S. defense, which can get caught flat-footed from time to time. 

U.S. Players to Watch in Group Play:

GK William Pulisic, Richmond United - Playing against the host country, one of the most successful U17 programs in the world, and a strong European opponent, the U.S. goalkeeper will be tested often in group play. Pulisic has shown in the past that he can rise to the occasion, but it will be needed consistently. From the crosses to the long range shots, Pulisic will need to be sharp to keep the U.S. close in Group A play. The U.S. defense has also had a bit of trouble in recent games with conceding penalty kicks. Pulisic will be in the spotlight in Chile. 

M Tyler Adams, New York Red Bulls II - Adams is the most versatile player on the roster. He could be the starter at defensive center midfield or the starter at either outside back position. Adams, one of two players born in 1999 on the U.S. roster, has been a favorite of Williams and his staff for the past year. Outside of the Residency Program, Adams has enjoyed success with his club as well. A strong showing in Chile should be enough to open doors for him to jump to Europe at the end of the World Cup. 

F Haji Wright, New York Cosmos - Christian Pulisic will draw much of the attention in Chile, but if the U.S. is going to be successful at the World Cup it will depend on the other parts of the attack working in harmony. Wright is one of the pieces of the attack that will likely feature in every game. The difference that Wright brings to the team is his pace. The U.S. depends on that pace to catch the opponent on the counter and open up the game. If Wright finishes his chances in Chile, the U.S. has a good shot at advancing out of this tough group. 

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