unior Ben Berg has been waiting for his chance to become Penn soccer's starting goaltender.
And after two years of biding his time on the sidelines, his time has finally arrived.
"It's very rare to come in as a freshman and start right away," Berg said. "There are usually two guys ahead of you who have more experience and know what the college game is all about.
"In high school and club, I was my team's starting goalkeeper for years. It was frustrating, but I knew my time would come."
Berg will be defending the net on his first true road trip when the Quakers (0-1-1) travel to California this weekend to compete in the San Diego State tournament. Penn will face the Aztecs (0-2) tomorrow and San Diego (2-0) Sunday.
"They're two very good programs that have had success in the past," coach Rudy Fuller said of the competition. "We're trying to play as many good teams as possible, and we're fortunate enough to be able to make a trip out to California."
The Quakers will look to rebound from last weekend's games in which they lost, 3-2, to Seton Hall and drew Villanova, 0-0, after beating both teams in 2008 en route to winning an Ivy championship.
"I think this past weekend … a was an important one for us," Fuller said. "We were certainly disappointed with the results, but start to finish, I think we grew as a team."
Despite the disappointing outcomes, Penn's players and coaches agree that this year's team has meshed nicely so far, especially on the defensive side.
"Our back four have been playing solid," Berg said. "So far, it's really been a strong, cohesive year."
"We have guys who have played roles over the past few years, and they're on the field," Fuller added. "But now they need to step up and step into more leadership roles."
Senior defender and team captain Lee Rubenstein is one player that has happily embraced his new responsibility.
Though the Quakers graduated 12 seniors from last season, Rubenstein is confident in this year's team.
"When it comes down to it, we have enough confidence to know that against any team in this country, we are definitely going to be competing, having a realistic shot to win," he said.
The return of forward Tobi Olopade will provide a boost for a squad that struggled offensively in its first weekend of play. The junior was out sick for the first two games.
Although small tournaments like this one are usually intended as a tune-up for Ivy League play, the Red and Blue will not settle for anything less than two victories.
"Any time we step on the field, we are looking to win," Rubenstein said. "Our approach stays the same no matter who we're playing," he added. "Whether it's Manchester United or whoever."
