At the beginning of the soccer season, some two and a half months ago, Penn State soccer enthusiasts were more than excited about the new freshman class that would be gracing Jeffrey Field for the next four years.

In some cases their expectations were met and even exceeded, especially in the cases of midfielders Brian Devlin and David Walters. But in some cases, things didn't pan out the way people thought. Players such as defenders Michael Curran and Paul Omekanda didn't see much playing time this season, which, of course, could be expected because, hey, they're only freshmen.

So, with just three regular-season games left before the Big Ten Tournament, are the freshmen and their coaches happy with how this season played out for the youngsters?

"This class came in with major accolades, and some stood out more than others, but we are very pleased with [the freshman class'] efforts and contributions," Penn State men's interim head coach Marlon LeBlanc said.

In Devlin's case, everyone is happy. And how could they not be? Not only has he started every game this season, but has almost played every minute of every game.

"I met my expectations personally," Devlin said Sushi, as Devlin is called by his teammates, has tallied four points this season on one goal and two assists. Although Devlin didn't score like he would have liked this season, he has had his opportunities. His 14 shots are fourth on the team behind only Chad Severs, Brent Jacquette and Joe Zewe.

Omekanda, on the other hand, was stuck on the bench and for obvious reasons. Omekanda plays defense and not only are Penn State's defenders either seniors or returning starters, but three of the four are team captains. But Omekanda knew that that was the situation and doesn't hold any grudges for his lack of field time.

"I can't say I got cheated out of it," Omekanda said. "I understand that I have a role on the team and my time will come."

While Omekanda did play in 12 games this season, his time has come in spurts and his main priority is just to give the starters a breather.

Putting the playing time issue aside, Omekanda realizes that with such talent and experience playing in front of him, there is a vast amount of soccer knowledge to be learned from his mentors.

"With Brent Jacquette, what more can you ask for?" Omekanda said.

Then there is the rest of the freshman cast. There are players like David Walters, who has contributed just as much as Devlin. Then there are others like Kyle Patterson, Mike Curran and Argentinean sensation Malcolm Torino, who the team was excited about during camp this summer, but who have been put on the back burner by injuries and other issues.

Whatever the case is, these players are ready to help the team get into the NCAA Tournament, but there is also a buzz surrounding them and the future of the Lions.

"We don't like looking ahead to next year," LeBlanc said. "But this program is going to be in good shape for the next three years."