Coach Vicky Jepson’s team aiming to win the USA’s first U-20 World Cup title since 2012 is the most experienced American squad ever at that age group. Eight members play in the NWSL and three of them are in their third season of the world’s strongest women’s pro league. They’ll be tested in group play by Japan, which reached the last three finals, Italy (Sept. 6 opener) and New Zealand.

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Soccer America Executive Editor Mike Woitalla has written freelance articles about soccer for more than 30 media outlets in nine nations. The winner of eight United Soccer Coaches Writing Contest awards,...