If the current U17 residency program roster is any indication, the future of U.S. soccer goalkeeping is in good hands.

Pun definitely intended.

We’re so quick to become smitten with attackers as they mesmerize us with their ball skills - players like Carlos Martinez, Jack McInerney and Alex Shinsky - but as the Americans prepare for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Nigeria, goalkeeping will be paramount.

Meet the four youngsters who will be minding the box for the U.S. during the fall semester in Bradenton, Florida, and dictating a major part of their international hopes.

Earl Edwards is already a national team veteran and will be looked upon to lead the foursome. A Southern California native, Edwards played for Nomads SC where he developed through the years. He stands out for his physical size and ability to lay out for balls.

Edwards has a very strong presence and will command the respect of his entire team. His communication and attentiveness are both strengths, and he’s quick off his line. If the less experienced keepers want a model to follow, Edwards is a good candidate.

Spencer Richey is another player who has earned his stripes, and joined Edwards at the 2009 CONCACAF U17 Championships in Tijuana, Mexico. Another big and fast specimen, Richey is athletic with good reflexes and excellent distribution.

He also comes off his line well and is a player coach Wilmer Cabrera should be confident about having in net.

A young wildcard of the group is Fernando Pina, a player who has departed Houston Dynamo to join the elite U.S. group. Pina is a dynamic player who has the potential to grow into a star.

Pina, who has been in camp a few times with national teams, made a trip to Europe with the Dynamo this past summer and performed especially well against a collection of Real Madrid players.

Pina is 6-foot even and will likely grow a few inches in the coming years. He’s a rangy keeper

“It’s a big loss for us to lose him,” said Dynamo coach James Clarkson. “He’s been with us for two and a half years, he just has great shot reaction and his management of the game is superb.”

The experience will be an especially valuable one for Pina as he continues to develop.

Last but not least in the U.S. rotation is Keith Cardona, a player who has made a major impact on the Development Academy with the New York Red Bulls. Cardona is an entertaining player to watch, displaying quick reaction and good instincts. His play last season earned him top honors as the best U16 goalkeeper in the Eastern Conference. It will be fun to see how that translates with this group and important to see how these four impart their will on the U17 squad.