As the game ended, Penn State captain Gabe Bernstein lie on the ground, motionless and covered in sweat and grass stains. For Bernstein and the Nittany Lions, it was a successful but exhausting weekend.

Led by forward Chad Severs, Penn State won 2-1 games against Boston College Friday and Hartwick Saturday to prevail in the Nike Classic at Jeffrey Field.

In each game, Penn State (4-2) surrendered a first-half goal then responded by scoring two unanswered. According to Severs, who was named tournament MVP, Penn State never quit and eventually wore down the opposition.

"It shows what kind of character this team has, to come back after falling behind," he said.

Penn State men's soccer coach Barry Gorman was also pleased with his team's ability to counter the first half goals with two strong second halves.

"We did a much better job in the second half in terms of controlling the ball and keeping a high level of intensity," he said.

Penn State's Simon Omekanda, a freshman forward and the younger brother of defender Paul, drew double and triple teams and a strong fan following in his first collegiate home games. By being able to sprea out the defense in the second half, Simon and Severs were able to create openings and in turn put points on the board.

Ranked 13th in the NSCAA/Adidas national rankings, Hartwick brought a perfect record and goalkeeper Josh Wagenaar's 350-minute scoreless streak to Jeffrey Field. Severs' first goal of the game ended that streak at 418 minutes, 52 seconds, and his second goal ensured victory for the Lions.

Hartwick men's soccer coach Ian McIntyre was pleased with his team's performance following the game, and honored to participate in the tournament.

"Any streak has to end sometime," McIntyre said. "The tournament was a great experience for our young team and we're looking forward to continuing our season."

In its first game, Penn State was carried by goals from Severs and midfielder Brian Devlin, who netted the game winner against Boston College in the 71st minute. Assists were awarded to Omekanda, David Gray and Joe Zewe, who also tallied an assist in the second contest.

Penn State freshman goalkeeper Matt Novchich made some minor mistakes but allowed only one goal in each game.

"Novchich was on a roller coaster ride," Gorman said. "He had some good saves, but he needs to play smarter."

Penn State defender Paul Omekanda, who injured his knee in practice Wednesday, started in Friday's contest, but was removed midway through the first half. He did not return to action the rest of the weekend and will be re-evaluated today.

"There was some irritation near the knee cap, and I came back from the injury too early," Omekanda said.

Along with Severs and Simon Omekanda, Zewe and midfielder David Walters, who contributed to the game winner against Hartwick, were also named to the all-tournament team.

In other action, Hartwick defeated Ohio State 1-0 Friday and Boston College beat the Buckeyes by the same score Saturday.

Bernstein, who set up the game-tying goal against Hartwick, feels that Penn State's victories will help the squad gain momentum heading into Friday's game at Akron.

"This is a good Penn State team, and we won't go down easily," he said.