JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT there would be a respite for weary U.S. Soccer fans, the time comes for yet another referendum on the embattled program. On Saturday, the much-exalted U.S. under-17 Men’s national team kicks off its World Cup campaign in Group A against defending champions Nigeria (4pm ET, Fox Sports 2) on the opening day of the tournament.

It’s been a long road for this age group. The 21-player roster chosen by head coach Richie Williams form a tight-knit core of players, 15 of whom were called for the age groups first camp in September 2013. That fraternity will be out to the test by another extremely tough draw which sees an American squad once again thrown in the proverbial “Group of Death." Set for group stage matches with youth powerhouse Croatia and host nation Chile next week, the Americans will need a quick start against Nigeria to have any hope of advancing.

"They are a very talented team and have a great history in the U-17 World Cup, four-time winners and two other times a finalist," Williams said during a conference call on Friday afternoon. "We have our hands full ... and we have to prepared and ready to go. We excited about the opportunity to face the defending champions in the opening match."

Following a shaky qualification campaign in March, which saw the Americans defeat Jamaica on penalty kicks in a decisive elimination match during the CONCACAF Championships, the U.S. squad has struggled to put together an inspiring run of form. Despite a pair of recent 2-1 wins over South Korea, the team has had trouble finding the scoring touch, netting more than one goal only once in seven straight matches since earning their spot in the tournament.

Williams, however, is not concerned: "We're happy with the group and the players that lead us through qualification. We have faith that they will do a good job here at the World Cup."

The squad's offensive output will depend on a potent attacking corps centered on Borussia Dortmund midfielder and U.S. No. 10, Christian Pulisic. Perhaps the most promising American prospect of this generation, the 17-year-old has been lighting it up for Dortmund’s youth teams while seeing regular training time with the clubs reserve and first team. Having registered 21 goals and 15 assists during the cycle, Pulisic has shown the ability to take over matches with his liquid movement and preternatural awareness.

"He's been one of our best offensive players over the past two year and has been a key part of our group," Williams commented. "We have high expectations and I'm sure he does for himself. We think he's a super talented player and has obviously done very well in Germany, we expect him to lead us in the attack. He’s super competitive and wants to win."

Joining Pulisic up front is a quartet of dynamic options including Europe-bound Josh Perez, Tijuana's Brandon Vazquez, and Monterrey's Joe Gallardo—who missed much of the cycle with a broken leg. The team's leading scorer, Haji Wright (30 goals, 11 assists), will also be available.

Utilizing as many athletic buzzwords as possible, Wright is an imposing forward and can bring goals in bunches, despite the questions that remain about his long-term potential. Heavily rumored to be bound for Europe during the summer, Wright has since remained stateside to join NASL’s New York Cosmos but has received scant playing time for the club’s first team.

The variety of goal-scoring options leaves Williams with confidence in the squad's offensive potential.

"We feel comfortable with the group we brought in. They've proved they're capable of creating changes and taking their opportunities. The thing they have to understand is the lessons of the second-to-last game of qualifying—where we lost because we didn't take our opportunities."

Given the pressure being placed on the senior team and under-23s, Williams believes his players are ready for the challenge.

"It was a good experience the qualifying, they had to deal with pressure.  [The media] put a lot of pressure on this group because they had a good two years. We obviously didn't get the results wanted ... but we hope the experience has helped us to grow and shown us that there are going to be tough games." 

Utilizing all the standard coaching clichés, Williams discussed his expectations for the team in the wake of failing to qualify for World Cup in 2013—the first time the Americans had missed out on the tournament since it began in 1985. Deflecting the idea that this tournament could be a referendum on his coaching future, Williams instead is taking the long view.

"The focus is taking one game at a time, not to look ahead. The first goal, like anyone here, is to move on from the group. We don't go to any tournaments and say, 'We want to come in second place.' Our goal is to come here and win the World Cup."

ASN Contributing Editor Josh Deaver is a former academic turned soccer obsessive. Follow him on Twitter.