For Danny Kelly, the biggest test of the year -- at least on the soccer field -- may be avoiding the sophomore jinx.

Last season, Kelly was named the Atlantic 10's Rookie of the Year and was awarded a spot on Soccer America's All-Freshmen team. The nationally-published magazine honored 11 players in the United States with selections to the rookie squad.

Kelly was the fourth-leading point scorer for the Lions in 1987, having tallied seven goals and two assists for 16 points. As a freshman, he started 20 of 21 games at the midfielder position.

Last year marked an impressive beginning for Kelly, but when the Lions open their season Thursday against Muhlenberg at Jeffrey Field, first-year soccer coach Barry Gorman will be looking for a bigger contribution from the sophomore.

"Danny Kelly is a very exciting player," Gorman said. "We think he is capable of scoring more goals. What we're trying to get from Danny is more confidence so he can move to the goal."

One of the first steps in getting Kelly to score more is to move him to center.

"Last year, I was outside," Kelly said. "This year (at center) I should see more of the ball."

As a freshman, Kelly took just 23 shots on goal and cashed in seven times; that translates into a 30 percent scoring ratio. In comparison, Kamel Haddad and Jan Skorpen -- who finished second and third in team points, respectively -- took a combined 111 shots on goals, and, as a pair, scored 15 times (13.5 percent).

"This year, Danny will be in a more central position," Gorman said. "He is one of those players who has a very fast touch on the ball, and a great change of pace he can slow down, and he has excellent acceleration."

But, according to Kelly, last season's accolades won't help him this year.

"There is competition no matter what you did the previous year," he said. "I have to go out and fight for a spot. Everyone has respect for one another."

However, with a year's experience, fighting for that spot may be a little easier this year than it was in 1987.

"Last year, coming in as a freshman, I'd pass before I'd shoot, just out of sheer nervousness, I guess," Kelly explained. "Now I know what to expect."

While Kelly will know more of what's to come this season, Penn State opponents will be more aware of Kelly.

"You have to bear in mind the kids who have good freshman years catch people by surprise," Gorman said. "So this year, Danny has to realize people are prepared for him. He has to be ready for it.

"He may be a marked man; he's not an unknown in the college ranks."

Kelly, who started playing soccer at age nine, was recruited by Penn State through his club, rather than his high school soccer program.

"In high school, soccer wasn't as big," said the Clarkstown South High School (New City, NY.) grad. "Certain honors (I received) really weren't a big deal."

At 5-10 and 145 pounds, the lanky Kelly is one of the smaller players on the team.

"It doesn't matter about size, if you have the skills, determination and strength Danny has," Gorman said. "He may look small and wiry, but he's strong and difficult to push off the ball.

"Everyone in the soccer world speaks highly of Danny. They know he's a good player."