THE UNITED STATES U-17 men's national team won its first three matches in the CONCACAF championship tournament in Honduras, and seemed to be in cruise control.

But after a tie and a loss, Richie Williams' team now faces a do-or-die playoff game Sunday night against Jamaica (7pm ET; Fox Sports 2, Univision Deportes) with a trip to the 2015 U-17 World Cup in Chile on the line.

The Americans came within minutes of qualifying last Sunday but conceded an 88th-minute equalizer to the host nation. On Wednesday, the U.S. only needed a draw against Jamaica but lost 1-0 to the Caribbean nation—a shocking result.

If the Yanks win tonight's rematch, few will remember the qualification struggles. A loss, however, would be a massive failure for one of the most heralded U.S. youth national teams of the past decade.

Christian Pulisic has been the team’s key offensive playmaker throughout this cycle, and last year he made headlines after signing a professional contract with German powerhouse Borussia Dortmund. Everybody, it seems, recognizes Pulisic's huge potential. But he is solely focused on the task ahead.

“We’re definitely ready for the challenge,” Pulisic told American Soccer Now from Honduras. “Jamaica is a good team so it’s going to take everyone. It’s going to take all the players. We’re definitely making some adjustments because we know [Jamaica] better. But everyone is really positive and we’re doing everything we can to be as prepared as possible because it is a big game.”

In the 1-0 loss to Jamaica on Wednesday, the U.S. had a half-dozen great scoring chances in the first half but failed to execute on any of them. In the second half, Jamaica turned up the pressure and moved in front after earning a penalty. Following that goal, the Americans desperately tried to force their way back into the game but the faster, stronger Jamaicans expertly contained the U.S. attack.

“I think we just have to bring more energy—especially in the second half,” Pulisic said. “We have to execute and finish our chances in the first half. We have such great attacking players—we are going to get our chances. We just have to put them away. We have to be really productive. We need a lot more energy right from the start because in the last game they brought energy.

"We need to match that and think we’ll definitely be able to fix it.”

U.S. coach Richie Williams echoed Pulisic’s assessment.

“I thought we played well in the first half,” Williams said. “It’s just, again, you need to take your chances. You have to take responsibility in the final third and score, and we didn’t do that. For the large majority of the tournament we’ve played well. We just didn’t get the job done.”

“They have another opportunity,” Williams added. “It’s for everything to go to the World Cup. So you better be motivated.”

The missed opportunity, and the significance of today's contest, is not lost on the players.

“We were devastated after,” Pulisic said following the loss. “The whole night there was not much talking. It was pretty much quiet. I think it took in the morning, during breakfast time, and we were still pretty quiet. We then had a meeting just to regroup and the coaches talked to us and after that, they let us be alone—just the team.

"Everyone then just let out their emotions and how they’re feeling and what we have to do because we really were that close to getting our ticket to the World Cup in Chile.”

Against Jamaica, Pulisic will once again be asked to play an important role for the Yanks. As the team’s No. 10, the offense will run through him and his ability to generate chances will go a long way toward determining the U.S. team’s success.

Pulisic, 16, is one of an unusually large contingent of U-17 players now based abroad. FIFA rules limit players from signing abroad until they turn 18 but Pulisic’s move was facilitated by his acquisition of a Croatian passport through his grandfather and because his father moved to Germany as well.

On the current U-17 team, Danny Barbir is at West Bromwich Albion, Joe Gallardo is at Monterrey, Luca de la Torre is at Fulham, and Brandon Vazquez is at Club Tijuana. Other unaffiliated players on the squad have been linked to foreign clubs in recent months.

“I knew I wanted to go abroad eventually one day and I kind of had to wait for the right time,” Pulisic explained. “I didn’t want to move too early but I also didn’t want to wait and miss an opportunity. When I saw this opportunity at Dortmund and everything it offered, it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. I know this is going to be a great experience for me. I am already improving. We knew this was the right time.”

Like many American players who make the move at such a young age, it was a struggle given the culture shock and being from a country that is viewed skeptically by the world’s elite soccer nations. But the experience has inspired Pulisic to play with a chip on his shoulder.

“You just have to earn everything," Pulisic said. "The kids don’t know who I am or that I play for U.S. national teams. I am just a new kid that has to earn their respect. I have to show them I can play. The language barrier is a really big thing and something I have to overcome but I am working on it. Once you play your game and they see, 'Wow, this kid can play with us,’ then they’re going to get you the ball and treat you just like everyone else.

“I just want to do everything to move my way up in that academy and be one of the most respected players in the club.”

The Hershey, Pa., native isn't about to let his Bundesliga dreams supersede the task at hand.

“We have a big challenge ahead of ourselves,” Pulisic said. “It is the biggest game in our careers so far. I don’t see why this team can't be successful at the World Cup and go a long way. I see so much talent on this team.

"We just have to work hard Sunday since it all comes down to this one game just to get that chance.”

Brian Sciaretta is an American Soccer Now columnist and an ASN 100 panelist. Follow him on Twitter.