USWNT stuns with NWSL stars and ex-pro coach: Can they take down Spain?

The 2024 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, set to kick off in the Dominican Republic, will already be a historic moment in history for the U.S. U-17 Women's National Team. Why? For two major reasons: it is the first time the squad features professional players from the NWSL and will be led by a coach who, too, had a career in the league.

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This is a reflection of how women's soccer is developing in the U.S., where the gap from youth development to the professional game is shrinking to provide players with important experience that sees them more prepared than ever when they step onto the biggest stages. Perhaps this could signal something new for U.S. women's soccer, one wherein its base is shored up through a solid professional league.

Standouts of NWSL in the U-17 team: To shine finally Among the pros wearing the colors of red, white, and blue are four names. Not only do they bring in experience with the NWSL to the youngsters, but also they might express themselves at the global level.

Kennedy Fuller of Angel City FC became the youngest to sign in the NWSL by the start of the season. With 18 appearances, scoring one goal in her first season, Fuller already shows tactical and technical maturity way beyond her years. The pacey player quickly became an integral part of her team and since then took over the captaincy of the U.S. U-17 squad.

Joining her are Melanie Barcenas and Kimmi Ascanio, both playing for San Diego Wave FC. San Diego-born Barcenas became the first NWSL player to go pro before turning 16 and recently scored her first goal in the league, cementing her status as one of the rising stars in women's soccer. Ascanio had a slightly later-than-expected debut in the league but has already made six appearances for the San Diego Wave, being quite priceless to the team.

Completing the group is Ainsley McCammon of Seattle Reign FC. McCammon has only just made her professional bow and initial performances suggest a great deal of potential that could further blossom during this tournament.

Players with experience at that level, because most youth players their age just don't have to compete against some of the best athletes in the country and the world in the NWSL. And there they are now, square in the center of the U.S. strategy in this World Cup, as the team doesn't just aspire to show talent but also position the U.S. as a powerhouse in youth women's soccer.

Katie Schoepfer: A leader who knows the field and the bench

Adding an extra layer of depth to the team is head coach Katie Schoepfer-a former pro player in the NWSL herself. Schoepfer brings a different perspective-being a former player, now a coach. She is the first-ever former NWSL player to take a U.S. team to a U-17 World Cup and only the second to coach at the youth level-the other being Rhian Wilkinson, who coached the Canadian U-17s in 2018.

Her playing career was sound: four seasons with the Boston Breakers from 2013 to 2016 saw her make 68 appearances, scoring seven goals in the NWSL. She built a reputation as a natural leader on and off the field, with a keen ability to lead young and promising athletes-something that will be critical to this team finding success.

But Schoepfer also knows what it's like in their shoes. She's been there. Now, from the sidelines, her mission is to make sure they're provided for on that big stage.

Spain to face in opener: A real test

It won't be the most gentle of introductions for the U.S., since their immediate opponent will be the reigning champions, Spain, on October 16. Going up against Spain goes to being up against probably the most dominating force the sport has seen in years in women's youth soccer. This will be an acid test for the American squad, and undisputedly an opportunity to prove if this mix of NWSL talent combined with Schoepfer's guidance can hold their own against a juggernaut already oiled as a cohesive unit.

It's in this match that players like Fuller, Barcenas, Ascanio, and McCammon will have their chances to show how good they are at world-class football.