Photo Credit: USA lacrosse

The World Lacrosse U20 Championship is two weeks away, and Team USA announced their 22-man roster for the event on Tuesday. This year’s USA team will have a lot to live up to, as Team USA has never lost this event. The Americans are looking to win their tenth championship in this discipline.

In case you missed the initial roster release, the full roster can be found here. The tournament kicks off August 16th in Jeju Island, Korea.

I will be publishing several articles looking ahead to the tournament, beginning with a breakdown of the USA roster and eventually the Canadian and Haudenosaunee rosters as they are announced. Make sure to stay tuned to LCD for coverage all August long. 

Before looking at the individual players, let’s start with some of the big takeaways. 

Starts Up the Middle 

There is no question, the strength of this team is up the middle. Pat Jamieson and Anderson Moore are two proven options in the cage, while Shawn Lyght, Brady Wambach, and Owen Duffy are already elite college lacrosse players. 

Lyght and Wambach were both first-team All-Americans this past year, with Lyght co-winning the Schmeisser award as the nation’s best defender. Duffy will likely start at X to run the show as quarterback for the offence. 

Elite hockey teams tend to build through the middle of the ice, from goalie, to defender, to center. This USA team is similarly designed to dominate the middle of the field. 

Age is a Differentiator

My first thought when I saw the roster is that this USA team is old. In total, 14 of the 22 players are 2027 college grads who have already played two years of college lacrosse. I was lucky to play in this tournament in 2016 when it was a U19 age bracket, so some of the age difference is attributed to the new format, but it is notable to have so many proven college players already on the roster. 

I expect this USA team to be significantly older on average than the two other lacrosse powerhouses. Age is the easiest thing to miss in college and Jr. lacrosse, but is often one of the biggest differentiators. The difference between 18, 19 and 20 year old players is significant, especially when some have had access to college strength and conditioning programs. 

Adjust Your Eyes

Another takeaway is the plain reality that this team might not have the absolute sickening firepower of the last two USA teams in this tournament. 

Last time around, Team USA had three eventual Tewaarton winners, with Pat Kavanagh, Brennan O’Neill, and CJ Kirst, not to mention Graham Bundy, Cole Kirst and others. In 2016, that group featured Michael Sowers, Jared Bernhardt, Dox Aitken, Mac O’Keefe, Brad Smith and others. 

This team likely won’t look quite so legendary in hindsight, it’s hard to imagine a team ever living up to the one the USA fielded in 2022. But the legacy that counts is the colour of the medal, and this USA roster will look to lead their team to victory yet again. 

Expect Versatility

In short tournaments, versatility is key. Fans should expect several players on the roster to play positions other than where they are listed. For example, most of the players listed at attack will likely come out of the box for the US, and those positions will likely fluctuate throughout the tournament as they find their footing. 

The interesting spot is on defence, where the team decided to carry just five long-poles for the tournament. I would expect at least one of the defensive midfielders, likely Kyle Bergen or Will Erdmann, to pick up a pole at some point. The success of that player will be something to watch throughout, especially in the event of an injury.

I decided to break the teams down by position, starting with the offence and heading towards the defence. Let’s get right into it. 

Attack 

Coaches Buczek and Nadalen have some decisions to make here, but I would expect the opening group to include Owen Duffy, Tim Shannehan, and Jack Spiedell. Duffy is the logical favourite to be tournament MVP and is likely the most talented offensive player in the tournament. Meanwhile, Spiedell scored more goals than anyone on the team last year with 49 goals for Harvard. Shannahan is the lefty of the group, and had a balanced 32 goals and 29 assists for Boston University this Spring.

For the full breakdown, check out the list below.

Owen Duffy – 34 Goals, 27 Assists for UNC

The only thing that slowed Duffy down this year was his own injury luck, as he didn’t look quite like himself later in the season. Now presumably healthy, he is a two-time All-American and one of the best dodgers in the game. He likes to operate both behind the net and in the high wing, giving USA some options, but I would expect him to start behind the net. He will be the focal point for the Americans. 

Jack Spiedell – 46 Goals, 13 Assists for Harvard

One of my favourite players to watch this season, Spiedell is a very sneaky off-ball player who finished in the top 15 nationally this year in goals. I think it will be a good fit for Spiedell, who spent his college season playing alongside Sam King. Duffy and King share a lot of similarities, they are both very two-handed and can attack from anywhere. Spiedell knows how to play off that action. 

Tim Shannehan – 32 Goals, 29 Assists for Boston University 

Shannehan is the obvious candidate to start at left-handed attack. Keep in mind, that spot in Connor Buczek’s offence has been filled by Jeff Teat and CJ Kirst in recent years, so expect Shannehan to be used similarly. His balanced scoring and assists is exactly what you want out of the third spot in this unit that features an initiator (Duffy) and finisher (Spiedell). 

Rhett Chambers – 18 Goals, 8 Assists for Providence

Chambers is almost guaranteed to play midfield, the position he plays for the Friars and coach Bobby Benson. A solid all-around player, he can play with and without the ball, and will be key to the depth scoring for Team USA. Chambers is one of two left-handed players on the offence, so expect him to play on the power play. 

Brendan Millon

The number one player in the class of 2025 according to Inside Lacrosse, Millon will follow his brother to UVA this fall. The MIAA and Maryland player of the year, he was in the conversation for best high school player in the country. While admittedly I haven’t had much chance to watch him play live, Millon’s skillset will allow him to be effective as a midfielder if necessary. 

Rowyn Nurry 

The Cornell bound Nurry is the 18th ranked player in the class of 2025 according to Inside Lacrosse. Having just completed his last year at Loomis Chafee, Nurry is a slasher/shooter type who does most of his work on the righty wing. 

Offensive Midfield 

The official roster lists all the midfielders together, so there is some guess work here. The interesting one is Charlie Packard, who played both sides of the ball for Richmond this year. We will list him as a defensive midfielder. Again, the attackmen listed will play midfield, so this is a small group of guys headlined by a pair of Big Ten standouts. 

Colin Kurdyla – 27 Goals, 13 Assists for Rutgers 

Kurdyla was the leading scorer for the Scarlet Knights this year despite playing 11 of the 14 games at midfield. One of several New Jersey natives, Kurdyla was an Honourable Mention All-American and second team All Big Ten. Kurdyla can do a bit of everything, but I noticed his outside shooting the most, he can really stretch it from deep. 

Jack Schultz – 8 Goals, 6 Assists for Maryland 

Schultz played important minutes for the Terps this year and even scored in the championship game. He was another big time high school recruit who got some valuable seasoning this year and brings lots of experience to the table. A natural righty, he flashed the ability to score with two hands and will be a dodging option in the midfield. 

Anthony Raio

Named the best high school player of the year by USA lacrosse, he is fresh off a nice performance in the New Balance All-American game. The New York native is a burner who will be an initiator in this offence, think a different take on Hugh Kelleher. Another one of the high schoolers, Raio will head to UNC once the tournament is over. 

Defensive Midfield

The SSDM position is obviously harder to project given the lack of relevant stats. As mentioned, Packard is the swing man here with the ability to play on both sides of the ball. He played most of the season on defence before scoring four times in the final three games of the season. 

Kyle Bergen – 8 Games Played for Notre Dame 

One of two Irish defenders on the roster, Bergen played in eight contests for Notre Dame last year. He is also likely the option to pick up a long stick if needed, and will play an important role on this team. 

Will Erdmann – 19 GB’s, 9 CT’s for UVA 

It was a down year for the Cavaliers but Erdmann played his role well, creating havoc in the middle of the field. Nine caused turnovers is a lot for a short-stick, and Erdmann will hope to do more of that in Korea. 

Thomas Gravino – 15 GB, 2 CT’s for Maryland 

Another Terp, Gravino hails from Victor, New York and is another player who gained big time experience this year. He had an assist vs Syracuse in the final four and can handle the ball well. 

Charlie Packard – 4 Goals, 3 Assists for Richmond 

The Swiss Army Knife for Team USA, Packard can play all over the place and help with offensive and defensive transition. 

Defence

Lyght is the leader of this group, there is no question. The interest comes more at the LSM spot, where fans will get their first real chance to see highly touted Robby Hopper. Then the staff will have to decide who is the odd man out at close D and shift that player to the second LSM spot. 

Shawn Lyght – 19 GB’s, 7 CT’s for Notre Dame 

It’s not hyperbole to suggest that Lyght has the potential to become one of the greatest college defenders in the history of the sport. Already named the best defender in the country, he is a national champion and two-time All-American. The only thing that threatens his dominance is opportunity… simply put, nobody dodges at Shawn Lyght. 

Quintan Kilrain – 28 GB’s, 11 CT’s

A higher risk player than Lyght, Kilrain is incredibly gifted and has been a day-one starter for Hopkins. His offensive numbers don’t jump off the page, but he can handle the ball very well and does not lack confidence. Crucially, he is a lefty as well, a major asset against the two-man games that will come from Canada and the Haudenosaunee. 

Kyle Foster – 10 GB’s, 11 CT’s 

The first stat to know with Foster is his size… at 6’4, he is an imposing presence on any defence. He started every game for the Ohio State Buckeyes this year and will bring that experience to Team USA. 

Robby Hopper 

Heading to UVA this fall, Hopper is a 6’5 LSM who will remind Cavalier fans of Jared Conners. Albeit in high school, Hopper scored 13 goals and added 8 assists this season. As mentioned, he is the only natural LSM on the team and will have a major role. 

Michael Marshall 

A highly-touted recruit and former New Jersey Defender of the Year, Marshall played in only six games this year for the national champion Big Red. He’s another lefty option on the back-end and another guy who can push transition for the Americans. 

Specialists 

One of the major positions of strength on this team, the specialists group is very good. Wambach should be the no-doubt first option at the X, while Jamieson and Moore will have to battle for the net. But any of these four options are good ones for the USA staff. 

Brady Wambach – 64% FO% for UNC

Simply put, Wambach was the best FOGO in America last spring, being named first-team All-American by Inside Lacrosse, USA Lacrosse, and the USILA. He has been dominant since the day he stepped foot on campus, and will look to dominate this tournament. His aunt, Abby, is no stranger to the USA jersey, and Brady will look to begin his own similarly decorated legacy with the national team. 

Zach Hayashi – 53% FO% for Navy

Hayashi was the Patriot League rookie of the year in 2024 before getting hit by the injury bug in 2025. He is a career 58% winner, but was north of 60% the last time he was healthy. 

Patrick Jamieson – 53% SV% for Duke 

Jamiesone was a rare freshman starter between the pipes for Duke and had a very nice season going 53% on the year. It was a bit of tumultuous year at times for the Blue Devils, but Jamieson was solid throughout. 

Anderson Moore – 53% SV% for Georgetown

A two-time Honourable Mention All-American, Moore is likely the first player from Alabama to ever be named to Team USA. An elite athlete for the position, Moore has back-stopped some very good defences for the Hoyas. He will look to do the same for the national team. 

Stay tuned for more coverage as the tournament approaches. The tournament begins August 16th in Jeju Island, Korea.

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