UNC 2025

[10 10 2]

3 current Carolina players and one rising HS Senior committed to UNC made the U-20 Team USA training squad:
Brady Wambach
Owen Duffy
Peter Thomann
Anthony Raio

[wgdsr]

3 current Carolina players and one rising HS Senior committed to UNC made the U-20 Team USA training squad:
Brady Wambach
Owen Duffy
Peter Thomann
Anthony Raio

curious about whether duffy was able to participate given what may have been a bad injury. either way, seems like good news as it'd seem they expect him back to evaluate, be recovered.

[CloutierPoutine]

3 current Carolina players and one rising HS Senior committed to UNC made the U-20 Team USA training squad:
Brady Wambach
Owen Duffy
Peter Thomann
Anthony Raio

Anthony Raio making the squad is impressive. Other 3 players were no brainers.

[GaitsRightHand]

3 current Carolina players and one rising HS Senior committed to UNC made the U-20 Team USA training squad:
Brady Wambach
Owen Duffy
Peter Thomann
Anthony Raio

curious about whether duffy was able to participate given what may have been a bad injury. either way, seems like good news as it'd seem they expect him back to evaluate, be recovered.

"North Carolina rising sophomore Owen Duffy attended in street clothes as he continues to recover from injury, and seemed to be really animated and enjoying himself talking to the other guys on the bench."

-https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/ ... e_vignette

[Sportin' Life]

Wishing the best to Kevin Unterstein who is on the move to Durham to take the assistant role recently vacated by Alex Ready: https://x.com/MChandik26/status/1807835733387837617.

[Laxfan016]

3 current Carolina players and one rising HS Senior committed to UNC made the U-20 Team USA training squad:
Brady Wambach
Owen Duffy
Peter Thomann
Anthony Raio

curious about whether duffy was able to participate given what may have been a bad injury. either way, seems like good news as it'd seem they expect him back to evaluate, be recovered.

"North Carolina rising sophomore Owen Duffy attended in street clothes as he continues to recover from injury, and seemed to be really animated and enjoying himself talking to the other guys on the bench."

-https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/ ... e_vignette

Did they officially say what the injury was? curious if was ACL,MCL, PCL type of situation

[GaitsRightHand]

3 current Carolina players and one rising HS Senior committed to UNC made the U-20 Team USA training squad:
Brady Wambach
Owen Duffy
Peter Thomann
Anthony Raio

curious about whether duffy was able to participate given what may have been a bad injury. either way, seems like good news as it'd seem they expect him back to evaluate, be recovered.

"North Carolina rising sophomore Owen Duffy attended in street clothes as he continues to recover from injury, and seemed to be really animated and enjoying himself talking to the other guys on the bench."

-https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/ ... e_vignette

Did they officially say what the injury was? curious if was ACL,MCL, PCL type of situation

I'm also trying to figure this out. No mention of what it is. He had a BIG knee brace though, so I assume it must be one of those.

[thegman]

3 current Carolina players and one rising HS Senior committed to UNC made the U-20 Team USA training squad:
Brady Wambach
Owen Duffy
Peter Thomann
Anthony Raio

curious about whether duffy was able to participate given what may have been a bad injury. either way, seems like good news as it'd seem they expect him back to evaluate, be recovered.

"North Carolina rising sophomore Owen Duffy attended in street clothes as he continues to recover from injury, and seemed to be really animated and enjoying himself talking to the other guys on the bench."

-https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/ ... e_vignette

Did they officially say what the injury was? curious if was ACL,MCL, PCL type of situation

I'm also trying to figure this out. No mention of what it is. He had a BIG knee brace though, so I assume it must be one of those.

I was told by a reliable source it's his patella tendon and chance of re-injury/longer term consequences are behind the abundance of caution keeping him out

[GaitsRightHand]

3 current Carolina players and one rising HS Senior committed to UNC made the U-20 Team USA training squad:
Brady Wambach
Owen Duffy
Peter Thomann
Anthony Raio

curious about whether duffy was able to participate given what may have been a bad injury. either way, seems like good news as it'd seem they expect him back to evaluate, be recovered.

"North Carolina rising sophomore Owen Duffy attended in street clothes as he continues to recover from injury, and seemed to be really animated and enjoying himself talking to the other guys on the bench."

-https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/ ... e_vignette

Did they officially say what the injury was? curious if was ACL,MCL, PCL type of situation

I'm also trying to figure this out. No mention of what it is. He had a BIG knee brace though, so I assume it must be one of those.

I was told by a reliable source it's his patella tendon and chance of re-injury/longer term consequences are behind the abundance of caution keeping him out

Ahhh not great news. His COD is what sets him apart from others.

To be fully recovered from a patella tendon it can take anywhere from 6 months (mild tear) to a year (full tendon rupture w/ surgery)...

Not sure the severity of his... but not great either way. Rooting for the kid.

[Brownlax]

3 current Carolina players and one rising HS Senior committed to UNC made the U-20 Team USA training squad:
Brady Wambach
Owen Duffy
Peter Thomann
Anthony Raio

curious about whether duffy was able to participate given what may have been a bad injury. either way, seems like good news as it'd seem they expect him back to evaluate, be recovered.

"North Carolina rising sophomore Owen Duffy attended in street clothes as he continues to recover from injury, and seemed to be really animated and enjoying himself talking to the other guys on the bench."

-https://www.insidelacrosse.com/article/ ... e_vignette

Did they officially say what the injury was? curious if was ACL,MCL, PCL type of situation

I'm also trying to figure this out. No mention of what it is. He had a BIG knee brace though, so I assume it must be one of those.

I was told by a reliable source it's his patella tendon and chance of re-injury/longer term consequences are behind the abundance of caution keeping him out

Ahhh not great news. His COD is what sets him apart from others.

To be fully recovered from a patella tendon it can take anywhere from 6 months (mild tear) to a year (full tendon rupture w/ surgery)...

Not sure the severity of his... but not great either way. Rooting for the kid.

I tore my patella years ago and I made a full recovery. With today’s new surgery and PT methods I am sure you he will be back just fine.

[CloutierPoutine]

USA Lacrosse Magazine article that reviews UNC’s 2024 season:

https://www.usalacrosse.com/magazine/co ... pieces-unc

Dangerous midfielder please stand up.

[thegman]

USA Lacrosse Magazine article that reviews UNC’s 2024 season:

https://www.usalacrosse.com/magazine/co ... pieces-unc

Dangerous midfielder please stand up.

Not sure we have one for '25 but the incoming class has two who will be problematic for opponents before they leave CH. Summer circuit highlights of Szewczyk and Harshbarger have been impressive.

[GaitsRightHand]

USA Lacrosse Magazine article that reviews UNC’s 2024 season:

https://www.usalacrosse.com/magazine/co ... pieces-unc

Dangerous midfielder please stand up.

Not sure we have one for '25 but the incoming class has two who will be problematic for opponents before they leave CH. Summer circuit highlights of Szewczyk and Harshbarger have been impressive.

25 class has a better incoming midfield than the 24 class.. thankfully.

3 Five Star Middies-
#2 Overall- Gary Merrill (St Anthonys)
#7 Overall- Luke Bair (St Pauls)
#10 Overall- Anthony Riao (Half Hollows East)

Szewczyk and Harshbarger are legit though.

[CloutierPoutine]

USA Lacrosse Magazine article that reviews UNC’s 2024 season:

https://www.usalacrosse.com/magazine/co ... pieces-unc

Dangerous midfielder please stand up.

Not sure we have one for '25 but the incoming class has two who will be problematic for opponents before they leave CH. Summer circuit highlights of Szewczyk and Harshbarger have been impressive.

25 class has a better incoming midfield than the 24 class.. thankfully.

3 Five Star Middies-
#2 Overall- Gary Merrill (St Anthonys)
#7 Overall- Luke Bair (McDonough)
#10 Overall- Anthony Riao (Half Hollows East)

Szewczyk and Harshbarger are legit though.

Did Luke Bair transfer? Thought he was a St. Paul's kid. Anthony Riao was one of a few rising seniors to make the U-20 cut which is very impressive. Have not seen or heard much about the play of Merrill and Bair but I can only assume they are legit given their recruiting rankings. A JHU fan will most likely comment on IL rankings not mattering or our inability to develop talent but I like the odds of one or two of these guys panning out.

[GaitsRightHand]

USA Lacrosse Magazine article that reviews UNC’s 2024 season:

https://www.usalacrosse.com/magazine/co ... pieces-unc

Dangerous midfielder please stand up.

Not sure we have one for '25 but the incoming class has two who will be problematic for opponents before they leave CH. Summer circuit highlights of Szewczyk and Harshbarger have been impressive.

25 class has a better incoming midfield than the 24 class.. thankfully.

3 Five Star Middies-
#2 Overall- Gary Merrill (St Anthonys)
#7 Overall- Luke Bair (St Pauls)
#10 Overall- Anthony Riao (Half Hollows East)

Szewczyk and Harshbarger are legit though.

Did Luke Bair transfer? Thought he was a St. Paul's kid. Anthony Riao was one of a few rising seniors to make the U-20 cut which is very impressive. Have not seen or heard much about the play of Merrill and Bair but I can only assume they are legit given their recruiting rankings. A JHU fan will most likely comment on IL rankings not mattering or our inability to develop talent but I like the odds of one or two of these guys panning out.

Oops, you are correct. Fixed my original post.

Gary Merrill latest film- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2IKqI43fvg&t=17s
Luke Bair latest film- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1Xz9IRuF4k&t=56s
Anthony Riao latest film- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnoATHBb1gY&t=166s
(Unfortunately all 3 tapes are from last year)

They are legit. I usually take the rankings with a grain of salt. But typically the 5 star guys are the kids every school wants. IL collab's with college coaches for the rankings. It's not just based on watching some spring/summer games. I expect all 3 to meaningfully contribute early in their careers... With very high hopes for Merrill. Love his game.

[CloutierPoutine]

USA Lacrosse Magazine article that reviews UNC’s 2024 season:

https://www.usalacrosse.com/magazine/co ... pieces-unc

Dangerous midfielder please stand up.

Not sure we have one for '25 but the incoming class has two who will be problematic for opponents before they leave CH. Summer circuit highlights of Szewczyk and Harshbarger have been impressive.

25 class has a better incoming midfield than the 24 class.. thankfully.

3 Five Star Middies-
#2 Overall- Gary Merrill (St Anthonys)
#7 Overall- Luke Bair (St Pauls)
#10 Overall- Anthony Riao (Half Hollows East)

Szewczyk and Harshbarger are legit though.

Did Luke Bair transfer? Thought he was a St. Paul's kid. Anthony Riao was one of a few rising seniors to make the U-20 cut which is very impressive. Have not seen or heard much about the play of Merrill and Bair but I can only assume they are legit given their recruiting rankings. A JHU fan will most likely comment on IL rankings not mattering or our inability to develop talent but I like the odds of one or two of these guys panning out.

Oops, you are correct. Fixed my original post.

Gary Merrill latest film- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2IKqI43fvg&t=17s
Luke Bair latest film- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1Xz9IRuF4k&t=56s
Anthony Riao latest film- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnoATHBb1gY&t=166s
(Unfortunately all 3 tapes are from last year)

They are legit. I usually take the rankings with a grain of salt. But typically the 5 star guys are the kids every school wants. IL collab's with college coaches for the rankings. It's not just based on watching some spring/summer games. I expect all 3 to meaningfully contribute early in their careers... With very high hopes for Merrill. Love his game.

Merrill and Raio on the same Summer ball line is cool and bodes well. Bair dodges with 0 hesitation.

[Kleizaster]

saw Szewczyk play St. Anthony early last season. He's a tank. Not the fleetest of foot due to his size but has great speed at that size and defenders just bounce off him. Also has a heavy shot.

talent has never been a problem at UNC. especially in the midfield. But feels like alot of the guys UNC has landed recently have all been finess, skill guys. and they got bullied alot in the ACC where you have to grind nonestop. Not saying those types of players are bad but you need some sandpaper to go with that skill. Szewczyk is exactly what UNC has lacked. physical, tough, not afraid to get dirty.

I'm impressed breschi and co have managed to dominate recruiting even with the terrible on field product. But boy is next season a big one.

[CloutierPoutine]

saw Szewczyk play St. Anthony early last season. He's a tank. Not the fleetest of foot due to his size but has great speed at that size and defenders just bounce off him. Also has a heavy shot.

talent has never been a problem at UNC. especially in the midfield. But feels like alot of the guys UNC has landed recently have all been finess, skill guys. and they got bullied alot in the ACC where you have to grind nonestop. Not saying those types of players are bad but you need some sandpaper to go with that skill. Szewczyk is exactly what UNC has lacked. physical, tough, not afraid to get dirty.

I'm impressed breschi and co have managed to dominate recruiting even with the terrible on field product. But boy is next season a big one.

I think "terrible on field product" is pretty harsh. Certainly failing to meet expectations but still competitive... kind of.

[camskidamski]

What's a realistic expectation for UNC this year coming off of last year's performance? I think the team showed some flashes of really good play but just too inconsistent. I think they can make some noise if they get the midfield and defense rolling. FO will be a question as well as depth at LSM/close D

[Sportin' Life]

FO is the one position about which there are no questions for the next three years provided Wambach stays healthy. The main question is can Breschi and his staff develop the talent on the roster in order to consistently get the best out of the players they have. Unfortunately history tells us the answer is no but I'm an optimist and will hold out hope.