If the World Cup has made one thing clear, it's that Europe remains king of the soccer world.

But this summer, 18 of the top youth players in the U.S. will look to prove that America is not far behind.

As the U.S.F.C. SuperElite® Discover Europe ™ International Showcase kicks off this week, a select group of American players will give some of the top youth clubs in Europe a run for their money - and with games scheduled against clubs like Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg and Austria Vienna, the SuperElite team will be tested from start to finish.

But midfielder A.J. Corrado said he and his teammates relish the challenge.

"I'm extremely excited," he said. "It's a great opportunity to play with the best American players, against the best European players, at amazing venues in a very professional environment. Europe is the ideal destination for any soccer player, and this is a chance for us to show how far we've come."

After months of preparation, the Discover Europe ™ tour is a golden opportunity for the SuperElite players to prove their worth as a group, and to open the doors of professional soccer to American players of the future.

The roster is set and the boots are packed, but the results will be the true measure of success.

Here's Part I of our 18-man roster preview.

A two-time national champion with Indiana United at the club level, A.J. Corrado is an industrious midfielder, smooth and composed on the ball. He's a natural leader and the engine in the middle of the field.

Dekonte Donyen of Shattuck's St. Mary's is a versatile player with speed and the ability to attack as a forward or from a deeper position as an outside back.

Sean Cunningham of Derby County Wolves is a tall, physical defender with the experience to play in the center or as an outside back. His craftiness and technique make him a mistake-free defensive force.

Isaiah Trejo of Cal Odyssey is a sharp center back with quickness, leadership skills and the game awareness to be proficient at any defensive position.

DeAndre Yedlin of Seattle Sounders is an energetic attacking midfielder with great technique, work rate and the ability to distribute and score goals in equal measure.

Miles Byass is a dynamic left winger for Arsenal FC whose confidence allows him to break defenders down one-on-one. He's dangerous on the dribble and lethal with the ball anywhere near the box.

Reed McKenna of Nomads is a speedy forward who finds space behind the defense by making great runs off the ball. He stretches the field and must always be accounted for.

Zachary Batteer is a young player whose game is still developing with Beadling SC, but he's smart, has loads of potential and makes great decisions in the final third of the field.

Paolo Del Piccolo of Colorado Rush is an attacking player with great physical tools. He's technical, dangerous lurking around the box, and nearly impossible to knock off the ball.

Stay tuned for Part II of our preview tomorrow, where we'll preview the second half of the SuperElite roster.