The Penn State men's soccer team has felt the sting of Bloomington, Ind.

The Hoosiers provided that pinch in the Nittany Lions' 2-1 loss last Friday.

If Penn State had defeated them at their home field, the Lions would have taken the Big Ten Tournament first-round bye and the regular season title.

Because of the loss, the second-seeded Lions must face seventh-seeded Michigan today, but the matchup will transpire in a familiar location -- the same place Penn State visited less than a week ago.

Bloomington -- this time around -- may be the exact dose the Lions need to kick-start a postseason run.

Because Penn State competed in Bloomington last Friday, some Lions believe they have an advantage heading into the game against Michigan.

Sophomore defenseman Justin Lee equated the scenario to last year.

In 2008, the Lions lost to Wisconsin 4-1 in an October showdown, and less than three weeks later, Penn State traveled back to Madison, Wisc., for the Big Ten Tournament.

"Even though we lost that game," Lee said, "because we were just there, we might have had an advantage."

The loss came in double overtime to Northwestern in a 2-1 decision.

The Lions aren't looking for the same results in the first round this year. Instead, they look to solidify a NCAA Tournament berth and possible Big Ten Tournament title.

Mackenzie Arment thinks the Lions hold a hefty advantage against Michigan because of last Friday's game. The sophomore midfielder said because the team doesn't have any games between the two, the upper-hand element increases.

"The field won't change much from the next week," Arment said. "We'll know the surroundings a lot better. We'll be used to it."

One thing that could differ from one week to the other is the weather. Penn State coach Barry Gorman mentioned the weather factor as a reason why the Lions wouldn't possess leverage.

Gorman said all Big Ten teams have a legitimate shot in winning the conference, which is a statement he has let known all season.

Similar to Gorman, senior forward Jason Yeisley didn't see the edge but thought traveling to Bloomington twice in one week couldn't be a disadvantage.

"People have to realize it's the same for both teams," Gorman said. "It's that edge that if you win, you go on. If you lose, you go home."