When asked if he was experiencing a bit of déjà vu, all Penn State men's soccer coach Barry Gorman could do was knock on the wooden desk at Monday's media day.
After a promising 2007 season spiraled downward because of injuries to four starters, the 2008 season has gotten off to a similar start.
Forward Vincent Salvatico will miss at least two weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament (MCL) he suffered 10 minutes into Saturday's scrimmage with Pittsburgh when he was slide tackled trying to beat a defender.
Gorman already knew weeks ago that All-Big Ten forward and leading scorer Jason Yeisley and junior defender Andy Parr would most likely miss this season with injuries carrying over from last season.
Salvatico's sprain was just more bad news.
"Vince was doing real well in the preseason," Gorman said. "But obviously we'll have to move on because we're going to have at least four games before he can come back."
Salvatico came off the bench in 19 games last season to tally three goals and two assists and was tied for the team lead with two game-winning goals.
He figured to be a favorite for a starting forward spot in an attack-minded Nittany Lion offense.
"Of course it's disappointing because you don't want to miss too many games," Salvatico said. "The timing was off because our first game is Friday, but I'll get back into the swing of things."
With Salvatico sidelined, the Lions may have to rely on junior midfielder Frank Costigliola to step into more of an attacking role.
The job could also go to one of three newcomers to the offense: transfer Dennis Sellis, freshmen Patrick Krispin and Corey Hertzog, who subbed for Salvatico on Saturday and scored a goal.
"At the moment it's pretty much up in the air," Gorman said about the status of the vacant starting spot.
Gorman must decide quickly, however, because the Lions open their season on Friday against Central Florida in Columbus, Ohio.
Salvatico targeted his return for when the Lions play Saint Francis on Sept. 13.
But Gorman was skeptical as to whether Salvatico would be ready even then. Last season, defender Geordie MacNeill missed 10 games with a similar injury.
"Depending on how much they can get the swelling down in the next few days is how quickly he can get back into training," Gorman said.
