Ranked 16th in the preseason NCCAA/Adidas poll, the Penn State men's soccer team looked to ruffle some feathers in the season opener against UCLA, last season's national champion and the team to knock Penn State out of the playoffs.
The Nittany Lions marked their calendars months in advance, circling the day that they could seek revenge.
Aug. 29 came and went, and still, Penn State lacked the payback they so desperately desired, not to mention national ranking.
The Penn State men's soccer team, hoping to reclaim a piece of the top 25, will be looking to start the season over against Bradley on Friday and Tulsa Sunday in the Ohio State Classic at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
After losing to UCLA 5-2, Penn State was upset 2-0 by Cal State Fullerton. In the second defeat, Penn State junior midfielder Pasi Karpinnen was ejected following a second yellow card. Although Karpinnen would be available for the matchup against Tulsa, coaches decided against taking him along.
The Ohio State Classic has become a late-summer tradition for Penn State, who last competed in 2001 against Creighton and Southwest Missouri St., emerging victorious in both matchups.
Because of the Big Ten rivalry, Columbus has a recognizable feel for Penn State, said Penn State men's soccer head coach Barry Gorman.
"We've become so familiar with the setup and routine of the tournament that it's almost like playing a home game," Gorman said.
High-scoring forward Joe Ducci leads an undefeated Bradley squad, which is ranked 28th in the nation and coming off a tournament title in the Holiday Inn City Centre Classic. Sophomore defender Kevin Erickson has also performed admirably for the Braves, keeping shots on goal to a minimum from the sweeper position.
Tulsa has found similar success, starting the season 2-0. Tulsa goalkeeper Terry Boss is the reigning Missouri Valley Conference defensive player of the week. Tulsa's senior class is comprised of midfielders Mario Gonzalez and Stephen Warwick and forward Kris Glasser.
Gorman believes that the team is well-rested and healthy, two qualities that will aid Penn State's cause.
"We looked brilliant in practice, we have come out of this week with an upbeat outlook, and we would like to prove that last week's performance will not become a habit," Gorman said. "We are ready to go and get the job done."
