This preseason, the new buzzword for the Penn men's soccer team is potential. With a strong mix of upperclassmen and freshmen, the Quakers are now a legitimate contender for the Ivy League title.
"This is the strongest that we've been on paper in the last four or five years," junior Nick Severini said. "We have some newcomers who are going to make an immediate impact on the field."
This weekend, the Quakers' potential will be thoroughly tested by two talented opponents with NCAA College Cup experience.
The Red and Blue open the Princeton Classic today against Seton Hall and conclude on Sunday against Fairleigh Dickinson.
The Pirates are looking to exact revenge, as the Quakers pulled off a 3-2 upset last season when they traveled to Seton Hall.
"On paper it's a close match," Penn coach Rudy Fuller said. "Seton Hall is going to come out with a lot more energy after last year."
Leading the way for the Pirates is senior forward Phil Svenda, who was recently named Big East offensive player of the week.
Svenda is known for his clutch play, having scored five game winners last season.
"He could turn a game into his own," Fuller said.
While Fairleigh Dickinson may lack a superstar the quality of Svenda, the Knights should not be mistaken for anything other than a powerhouse.
In last year's NCAA tournament, the Knights displayed remarkable teamwork, reaching the Elite Eight. Though they put in a valiant effort, Fairleigh Dickinson would advance no further, the hard-luck loser in a 3-2 triple overtime game against eventual national champion North Carolina.
Despite their adversaries' strengths, the Quakers are confident that they can come away this weekend with a pair of wins. The Quakers attribute this confidence to a more serious preseason this year.
"Every player is really very talented," junior midfielder Louis Lazar said. "It makes our practices much more intense."
The intensity is also amplified after Penn's major offseason moves, including a renovation of Rhodes Field and the recruitment of a particularly strong freshman class.
Though he was reluctant to predict the outcome, Fuller guaranteed "a very entertaining [pair of] game[s]."
Fuller emphasized that coming off the heels of a mediocre season, the Quakers need to establish themselves early.
"Our guys have something to prove this season," Fuller said.
The Quakers are looking to carry a strong first weekend throughout the season.
"We have everything we need to be good," Severini said. "Now it's our duty to set the tone."
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