Sweetlax Upstate 2027: Built for the Next Level

Sweetlax Upstate, a premier club program based out of Upstate New York, has firmly established itself as one of the top club programs in the country. Their 2027 team, which is currently ranked #2 in the nation with a 16-4-1 record, has proven they're more than just talented; they're battle-tested, well-coached, have a ton of team chemistry, and are ready for the national spotlight. With 26 college-caliber players on the roster, Sweetlax Upstate is built for both team success and long-term individual success, making them one of the most highly recruited teams in the 2027 class as the summer heats up.   This past weekend at the Prime Time Summer Invitational, held at Yale University in New Haven, Sweetlax Upstate made a massive statement by taking home the tournament championship. In one of the most prestigious and highly scouted events of the summer, they defeated three nationally ranked teams in the playoffs, including a 6-4 win over #21 Leading Edge in the quarterfinals, a 10-6 statement victory over #4 Laxachusetts Black in the semifinals, and a hard-fought 8-6 win against #19 Prime Time in the championship game.   What sets this team apart isn't just the results, but the depth and balance across all positions. Every player contributes, and every player brings something to the table, whether it's lockdown defense, dominant faceoff work, explosive midfield dodging, high-IQ, unselfish offense, or elite goalie play. From top to bottom, this roster features athletes who play the game the right way, disciplined, fast, physical, smart, and have that upstate grit. Their chemistry is elite, their lacrosse IQ is advanced, and their ability to play as a true unit makes them extremely difficult to game-plan against.   With 26 players on the roster, there's a strong belief that every single one of them has the tools to play college lacrosse, and college coaches have taken notice. As the Class of 2027 enters its critical rising junior summer, this Sweetlax Upstate team is expected to be one of the most heavily recruited groups in the country. Their performance at the 2025 Prime Time Summer Invitational, under the eyes of over 160 College coaches, only confirmed what many already knew: this team is loaded with next-level talent.   As the recruiting period ramps up and more top events appear on the summer calendar, Sweetlax Upstate 2027 will continue to draw attention not just for their ranking and record, but for how they play the game. Tough. Smart. Together. They're not just competing, they're setting the standard for what elite club lacrosse looks like in the 2027 class.    James Holbrough, a 6'0 righty attackman from Berkshire School, has firmly cemented himself as one of the best 2027 attackmen and overall players in the nation. Putting up 86 points (48 goals, 38 assists) as a sophomore in the NEPSAC speaks volumes about his talent, vision, and composure under pressure. Holbrough pairs lightning-fast footwork with a quick and lethal shot and the ability to finish with either hand. He is, without a doubt, one of the best inside finishers in the class. He isn't afraid to absorb contact and thrives as both a scorer and distributor. With elite vision, two-handed versatility, and a dynamic scoring skill set, Holbrough is a nightmare for defenses and a centerpiece for any offense.     [player_tooltip player_id='124899' first='Cole' last='Goetz'] is a high-level, right-handed midfielder whose experience and composure have stood out since he first stepped onto the varsity field as an eighth-grader. He plays with sharp instincts and excellent field awareness, consistently creating opportunities for his teammates with precise passing and smart decision-making. As a sophomore, Goetz posted an impressive stat line with 22 goals, 23 assists, and 73 ground balls, highlighting his ability to contribute in every facet of the game. He's an active presence in all phases; his tenacity on the ride causes problems for opposing clears, and he's just as comfortable finishing in traffic as he is distributing. With his combination of vision, skill, and competitive drive, Goetz is the kind of player who elevates the pace and intelligence of any offense he's part of.     Cole Stankavage, a 5'10 lefty attackman from Ardrey Kell High School in North Carolina, is a dynamic offensive threat with elite quickness and sharp finishing ability. An All-American and First Team All-State as a sophomore, Stankavage racked up 72 points (45 Goals, 27 Assists) thanks to his smooth dodging, two-handed scoring, and a lethal lefty shot. He has excellent stick skills and thrives in one-on-one situations, creating separation and capitalizing with precision. His speed and craftiness make him a constant threat from anywhere on the field. Stankavage's combination of athleticism, IQ, and versatility sets him apart as one of the top young attackmen in the Nation.     [player_tooltip player_id='124896' first='Jahyden' last='Maiorani'] is an explosive two-way midfielder whose blend of speed, toughness, and skill allows him to thrive in every zone of the field. He's a constant threat in transition, pushing the pace and creating offensive chances off the clear. On offense, his shooting range and ability to initiate makes him dangerous from up top, while defensively he brings physicality and hustle that set the tone. Whether it's making a key stop, sparking a fast break, or burying a shot in stride, Maiorani brings value in every situation and continues to elevate his game with each rep.     [player_tooltip player_id='121642' first='Grady' last='Goodberlet'], a 6'2 right-handed midfielder from Honeoye Falls-Lima High School, is a versatile offensive threat with size, speed, and a high-level skill set. A true sharpshooter with both hands, Goodberlet can stretch defenses with his range while also serving as a poised feeder with excellent field vision. His combination of speed and physicality allows him to beat both LSMs and close defenders off the dodge consistently. Whether initiating from up top or distributing in the flow of the offense, Goodberlet brings a dynamic presence to the midfield that makes him a matchup nightmare.     [player_tooltip player_id='142033' first='Joseph' last='Macaluso'], a right-handed LSM from Canisius High School, is a high-motor, high-IQ pole who thrives in the middle of the field. Known for his speed and crisp footwork, Macaluso excels in transition and is more than capable of clearing the ball himself and initiating offense. He's extremely patient under pressure and can turn defense into scoring opportunities with his stick skills and awareness. Whether it's picking off passes, dominating ground balls, or pushing tempo between the lines, Macaluso brings game-changing energy and precision to every possession.     [player_tooltip player_id='121681' first='Carter' last='Chase'], a 5'11 right-handed defenseman, is a fundamentally sound and physically imposing presence on the back line. He rarely relies on flashy stick checks, instead using elite positioning, strong footwork, and discipline to lock down his matchup, making him the ideal one-on-one defender. Chase combines the footwork of a polished close defenseman with the straight-line speed of an LSM, allowing him to cover ground and recover quickly. He brings a physical edge to his game, delivering hard, timely hits while maintaining composure. Chase is the type of defender who quietly dominates and consistently neutralizes top threats.

Sweetlax Upstate, a premier club program based out of Upstate New York, has firmly established itself as one of the top club programs in the country. Their 2027 team, which is currently ranked #2 in the nation with a 16-4-1 record, has proven they're more than just talented; they're battle-tested, well-coached, have a ton of team chemistry, and are ready for the national spotlight. With 26 college-caliber players on the roster, Sweetlax Upstate is built for both team success and long-term individual success, making them one of the most highly recruited teams in the 2027 class as the summer heats up.