U17 Team USA Rivalry Challenge: 2027 Players to Watch

The Team USA U17 squad will take the field this week (Sept. 18–21) at USA Lacrosse Headquarters and St. Paul's Schools for the Rivalry Challenge, squaring off against Canada in both full-field and Sixes formats. The event brings together elite talent across three age divisions— U15, U17, and U19 —with Canada fielding East and West squads for the full-field games while both countries mix their rosters differently for Sixes. For the 2027s on Team USA, this weekend offers the perfect stage to showcase their skills against international competition while building chemistry with some of the top players in their class.    Leland is one of the most complete players in the 2027 class and a prospect I've had the chance to watch extensively at Gonzaga this spring and throughout the summer circuit. What stands out most is his blend of skill, competitiveness, and versatility. Offensively, he shoots with velocity and accuracy, using all four corners of the cage and mixing in a variety of release points to keep goalies guessing. Leland isn't the fastest player on the field, but he's strong, and his ability to change speed and direction makes it difficult for defenders to square him up. On top of that, he's a legitimately high-level face-off specialist—rare for a player with his offensive skill set. With his unique versatility and competitive edge, whichever college program lands Leland will be getting a true difference-maker.     Walters is the type of player every coach wants on their roster. He's skilled, unselfish, and plays with confidence no matter where he has the ball. At 6'1", he's difficult to knock off his path, yet shifty enough to leave defenders lunging at air. He consistently makes scoring plays happen and can create offense in multiple ways. Most importantly, Walters makes the right play time after time. He's just as comfortable delivering the hockey assist as he is threading a skip pass through traffic. An underrated talent, Walters has the size, skill, and IQ that should draw far more attention from college coaches.     Jack Abraham's versatility makes him a valuable piece for Team USA U17 in both full-field and Sixes formats. He can play midfield or attack and impacts the game on both ends of the field. Offensively, he finds step-down opportunities, using sidearm and underhand release points to keep goalies guessing, and his quick release allows him to bury shots off skip passes. Abraham also brings relentless effort in the ride. He plays like a junkyard dog, hounding defenders, disrupting clears, and forcing turnovers. That two-way impact should make him an important contributor for Team USA throughout the Rivalry Challenge.     Meszaros is the lone faceoff specialist for Team USA U17, earning his spot after beating out tough competition during tryouts. He combines strength and control to win draws and turn them into possessions. His balance and body control give him an edge in ground ball scrums, and he looks smooth boxing out opponents before scooping it cleanly or goosing it to a wing. He's effective with his pinch-and-pop and often uses between-the-legs exits to leverage his size and positioning. Opposing teams may try to counter by throwing poles at him, but Meszaros has enough burst to escape pressure, push to open space, and continue winning matchups. His ability to consistently secure possessions makes him one of the most important pieces for Team USA this weekend.     “Gamer” is the word that best describes Jake Fitzgerald. He's the type of athlete who looks like he could excel at any sport in PE class, and that competitiveness translates directly to the field. With his blend of athleticism and skill, Fitzgerald finds ways to impact the game all over the place—and he should thrive when Team USA shifts into the Sixes format on Saturday and Sunday. Serving as one of the primary short-stick defensive midfielders for Team USA U17, Fitzgerald matches feet well and is physical enough to force dodgers to move the ball. He's quick to ground balls, capable of being a one-man clear, and consistently makes plays in transition and between the lines. That energy and versatility should make him a key piece for Team USA throughout the Rivalry Challenge.

The Team USA U17 squad will take the field this week (Sept. 18–21) at USA Lacrosse Headquarters and St. Paul's Schools for the Rivalry Challenge, squaring off against Canada in both full-field and Sixes formats. The event brings together elite talent across three age divisions— U15, U17, and U19 —with Canada fielding East and West squads for the full-field games while both countries mix their rosters differently for Sixes. For the 2027s on Team USA, this weekend offers the perfect stage to showcase their skills against international competition while building chemistry with some of the top players in their class.