While most people spent their August enjoying sunny days and beautiful vacations, the Penn State men's soccer team chose a different route.

The Nittany Lions decided to embark on a two-week European tour that allowed them an early start on a season they hope will be successful.

Last season, Penn State finished with a 19-4 record with a loss to Big Ten rival Indiana, but junior midfielder Derek Potteiger said this season the Final Four is an expectation for the team.

With two weeks before the Lions season kicks off in New England, Potteiger said the European trip gave them an early advantage on their opponents.

He said going to Holland and playing against the overseas competition will get the team into a mindset to be prepared for the beginning of the season.

"The Holland trip gave us a lot of good experience," Potteiger said. "We have a two-week jumpstart on the season."

The trip also gave Penn State a chance to see the younger players who will make an impact this season, and allowed the coaching staff to see who might best fit the job for the vacant goalkeeping position.

The early favorite has to be sophomore Ryan Sickman, but Penn State men's soccer assistant coach Kevin Doyle said no decisions have been made.

However, Doyle said he was pleased with the defense against the European squads and with the addition of returning junior defender Jorma Makipaa, the Lions defense will be strong.

"We have a lot more games under our belts," he said. "It gave us a good opportunity to see the young players."

No serious injuries occurred during the Lions' tour, but Doyle said some players have come back a little beat up and sore.

Whether it is a question of being out of shape or being less physical than their European counterparts, Potteiger said the team learned a good lesson from their summer trip.

"The European style of play is a lot different than our way," he said. "But the trip was only good for us."