There is a defining moment in every championship-caliber season, and for the Penn State men's club soccer team, if it hopes to repeat its past success, that moment is this weekend.

The Lions are traveling to the University of Maryland for a 16-team tournament that is taking place today, tomorrow and Sunday on the College Park campus. Thus far, the Lions have posted a mediocre 8-5-3 overall record, and, after a frustrating 2-0 loss to Delaware last Sunday, they are looking to make a statement in Maryland.

This past weekend the Lions played a rigorous five-game schedule behind the Intramural Building in hosting Clemson University, Boston College University and regional-rival, Delaware. It came away with a 3-1-1 record, which included a 4-1 win and 1-1 tie against Clemson, and two shutout wins versus Boston College. However, the lone loss was the most significant outcome of the weekend.

Going into the game the Lions were No. 1 in the region, and Delaware was ranked No. 3. The loss left the Lions with a 4-1-1 regional record, and knocked them from the No. 1 ranking. It is important to win all of the games, but the way the rankings and bids are determined for the national tournament relies most heavily on a team's regional record, said Penn State senior defender Elliott Toobin.

"Our record doesn't look good right now," Toobin said. "But, I mean, how good we've been in the past is keeping us afloat right now [in regards to a bid for nationals]."

A national championship in 2000 and a national ranking of No. 3 to finish off last season are impressive credentials to boast, but with their most recent regional loss and an unimpressive overall record, the Lions are undoubtedly in a must-win situation every time they step on the field. For the Maryland tournament the Lions are splitting their roster into two teams, Penn State white and Penn State blue, and if either of the teams can go the distance there will be no more must-win games.

"If we win the Maryland tournament we are automatically in [nationals]," said Lions' senior forward Josh Castillo, whose three goals last weekend were instrumental in the Lion victories. "The Delaware loss made us think we have to win this tournament this weekend."

Maryland, Rutgers, John Hopkins, Georgetown, George Washington, Loyola, Navy and Salisbury are all teams from Penn State's region that are participating in this weekend's tournament, but none of them figure to pose any threat to the Lions. Right now, Cornell, who we tied earlier in the year, and Delaware are battling with the Lions for the region's two guaranteed spots in nationals, Toobin said.

"We are looking to win the tournament down there," Toobin said.

Even after the Delaware loss, the team's confidence is not lacking - especially since it has won the Maryland tournament the last two years. The Lions know they have an array of highly skilled players, but are still looking for a combination that will click.

"If we put the right guys on the field at the right time I don't think anyone can beat us," Castillo said. "We expect a PSU-PSU final."