U17 Team USA Rivalry Challenge: 2028 Players to Watch

The Team USA U17 squad will take the field later this week (Sept. 18–21) at USA Lacrosse Headquarters and St. Paul's Schools for the Rivalry Challenge, facing off against Canada in both full-field and Sixes formats. The event features three age divisions on both the boys' and girls' sides—U15, U17, and U19—with Canada fielding East and West teams in the full-field format while both nations shuffle their rosters differently for Sixes.   For the 2028s on Team USA, it's a unique chance to compete alongside and against many 2027s, including players already committed to Division I programs. It serves as a true measuring stick for where these young players stand on the national stage. For more info on how you can buy tickets to the game or stream the games, visit USA Lacrosse's website.      Kennedy already plays like someone well beyond his class. He put up an eye-popping 123 points (64 goals, 59 assists) this past spring at Pope John Paul II in Tennessee. After an explosive summer, he transferred to Culver, where he'll test himself against some of the best high school talent in the country. Kennedy's game draws easy comparisons to JT Cross, the No. 1 player in the 2027 class.   At 6'2", he looks like a man among boys, combining athleticism, creativity, and true two-handed ability to pile up points from any spot on the field. He scores in a variety of ways, making it look effortless, whether dodging, finishing inside, or creating plays for his teammates. Playing with Team USA this weekend will be his first big national spotlight before he suits up for Culver this spring—and it's only the beginning of what should be a highly watched high school career.     Strohmeier has consistently separated himself from his 2028 peers with a blend of IQ, skill, and goal-scoring ability that makes him one of the most complete midfielders in his class. A true two-way presence, he's more than capable of making plays on the defensive end and then pushing transition to create offense. This summer, Strohmeier's offensive game took another step forward. He showed confidence using both hands to generate scoring opportunities and impressed with his ability to evade sliding defenders and finish under pressure. It will be worth watching how his game translates with Team USA this weekend and later at Salesianum, where he's expected to get more playing time after making varsity as a freshman.     The lefty scoring presence from Ohio will be a tough matchup for opposing national teams this weekend. He spends much of his time on the lefty wing, where he's equally dangerous going top side or underneath. When he goes top side, he's a threat to rip a well-placed shot; if you slide, he can thread a skip pass or hit an open cutter. When he goes underneath, he's efficient finishing in tight and has a knack for freezing goalies. Off-ball, he's just as dangerous. He times his cuts well, forcing defenders to abandon their assignments and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. With his combination of shooting, vision, and off-ball IQ, he projects as one of the toughest lefties to gameplan for in the 2028 class.     The big lefty from Boston can both rip it and dish it, putting up 23 goals and 21 assists for Roxbury Latin this spring. With the ball in his stick, he uses a variety of release points to keep goalies guessing. He has a cannon when his feet are set and is equally dangerous shooting on the run.   When defenses collapse, Young shows his unselfish side, drawing slides and moving the ball to open teammates for high-quality looks. With his size, versatility, and balanced scoring and feeding ability, Young is the kind of midfielder who can anchor an offense at the next level.     With a strong lacrosse bloodline and experience across multiple positions before picking up a pole, Nyman has the foundation for long-term success. On ball, he stands out for his disciplined footwork and ability to apply constant pressure with cross-checks and stick work. Off ball, he plays sound team defense, communicating well and showing strong instincts with his slide timing.   Nyman is also confident in transition, where his stick skills allow him to make quick, accurate reads in the clearing game. His all-around game makes him a steady presence on the back end with clear upside as he continues to develop.

The Team USA U17 squad will take the field later this week (Sept. 18–21) at USA Lacrosse Headquarters and St. Paul's Schools for the Rivalry Challenge, facing off against Canada in both full-field and Sixes formats. The event features three age divisions on both the boys' and girls' sides—U15, U17, and U19—with Canada fielding East and West teams in the full-field format while both nations shuffle their rosters differently for Sixes.