The cold and rain did not stop the soccer players from reporting to the practice they didn't have to attend.

As they trudged off the field for one mid-practice water break, senior fullback Drew Helmstetter announced, "I'm missing free Olive Garden for you guys!"

The bond between the players on the men's club soccer team is beyond a common desire to play soccer. It is their dedication to the team and each other off the field that enables them to be successful on the field. Sometimes this means missing a pasta dinner with friends.

Starting today, the Penn State men's club soccer team will travel to the University of Alabama to compete in the national championship tournament. The players will be competing in the championship division for the first time in the past three years.

They earned their place at the nationals after winning the Eastern Regional Tournament on Oct. 22 at Fort Dix, N.J. The club beat all five teams it faced, notching five shutouts and scoring 15 goals.

The team had an equally impressive regular season, ending with a 15-3-1 record.

"The team's really come together this year," junior fullback and club president Ed Miller said. "Last year, the talent was there, but we never jelled together until nationals. But by then, it was too late."

Miller said that one key difference in the team this year is its ability to put the ball in the back of the net. The offense, led by forwards Brian Tully and Peyton Mait, has taken some pressure off the defense led by Miller, Jason Wilkins and Helmstetter, who have matured over the past year. Another key asset of the team is its depth on the bench. Miller said the team is completely comfortable with anyone coming off the bench and contributing to the game.

One key win during the regular season came against the national powerhouse in the University of Delaware. Finding itself down 1-0 early, the team came out strong in the second half and won, 3-1.

"A come-from-behind win shows you have heart and don't give up," said senior forward Andy Porter.

If anything, this team appears to have heart. Without a coach, the training sessions are run by the team captains and the players themselves.

"I really got to commend the guys. They're always at the training and always working hard," Miller said.

Not only does the team train hard, but it also has a unique bond both on and off the field. With players from Nigeria, Japan and Venezuela, the friendships even go beyond cultural boundaries. They even sponsor a THON team together.

"This year the guys have more fun together. This year at practice you can tell guys want to come out and play," senior midfielder Jim Ogunkua said. "The fact that we are playing well and having fun carries onto the field, and that's why we're doing well this year."

Porter, a member of the 2001 men's club soccer team that won nationals, said that he feels this team may be even better.

"This team has more talent, more determination and more camaraderie than that team," he said.

The friendships the players carry onto the field has helped them work together for success.

"When one guy makes a mistake, there's always someone there to back him up. In my four years, this is the best teamwork I've seen," Helmstetter said.

The team hopes to carry this success into the national tournament over the weekend.

"No one is going to nationals with the mindset of just playing OK. Everyone is completely set on winning the tournament," Miller said.

"It's not just a soccer team. We make friendships to last a lifetime," Porter said.