Fucito Leads the Charge for Ivy League Title

Coming into last weekend, nobody believed that the Harvard men’s soccer team could muster a victory against traditional powerhouse Brown.

That is, nobody but the Crimson itself believed such a feat was possible.

“There was a little bit [of] added incentive given that it’s Brown, and they’re always at the top of our league,” senior co-captain Michael Fucito said.

Previous to Harvard’s thrashing, the Bears had been unbeaten for over a month, dropping their last matchup in early September to Charleston.

However, No. 22 Brown’s seven-game unbeaten streak was shattered this past weekend by an unlikely competitor—at least according to the polls.

Harvard and offensive leader Fucito, though, have always relished the role of the underdog.

“We’re not really getting any respect in the polls, but I’d rather float under the radar and prove to the others that we can compete,” Fucito said.

The men’s soccer team, who boosted their record to 6-3 in overall play and an impressive 3-0 in Ancient Eight play with this weekend’s victory, proved just that.

The squad’s ability to be a competitive force was seen by all who attended the matchup, as well as by those who merely looked at the decisive 4-1 score that marked the Crimson’s triumph.

However, anyone lucky enough to see Harvard’s performance at Brown’s Stevenson Field would also have noticed something more remarkable than the score—the skills of the Crimson’s main offensive threat, Fucito.

A perfect blend of speed and explosiveness, Fucito was especially effective against the counterattack this weekend.

Offensively, he led his squad with one goal and one assist. For his performance against the Bears, Fucito earned himself the title of Ivy League Player of the Week.

Fucito tallied his first points of the night when he found the net off of a pass from junior Adam Rousmaniere in the 63rd minute of play. The goal, which brought the Crimson’s lead up to 3-0, was a picture-perfect shot to the bottom left of the net.

Only four minutes later, Fucito helped put the nail in the Bear’s coffin, with an assist to freshman Baba Omosegbon, and a four goal lead over Brown.

With these skills and the ability to finish, teammates couldn’t help but be impressed.

“With the speed and ability he has, [Fucito’s] always attacking,” senior midfielder John Stamatis said. “Brown tried to put a lot of pressure on us. If we [have] an opportunity to counter, he’s the best asset we have on the counterattack.”

And while the Harvard offense was firing all cylinders, the defense was bend-but-not-break, allowing only one goal in 16 attempted shots.

“We knew going into the game what to expect from Brown,” Fucito said. “With that being said, we try to play soccer the way it’s supposed to be played. I think our versatility helped us come out on top.”

Despite significant contributions from all members of the team, it was Fucito who played the primary role in turning the Crimson into valid conference contenders after three games in league play.

So far this season, Fucito leads the Ivy League in both points (16) and goals (7), while pacing Harvard with three game-winning tallies.

Though Fucito’s play has been stellar, his coach believes that his best days are still ahead of him.

No one would know it by watching him on the field, but Fucito is still on the mend from a serious hip injury.

Fucito underwent surgery this past summer and has yet to fully recover, but through his determination and training, he is already proving himself a vital member of the Crimson squad.

“[Mike Fucito] is potentially the most gifted athlete in the Ivy League for soccer this season,” head coach Jamie Clark said. “If he manages to stay healthy, he’ll quite possibly lead the conference in scoring and points. When he’s on the field, he’s second to none.”

Fucito is not only number one on the field, but off the field as well.

Elected captain by his teammates, Fucito is a paradigm of what it truly means to be a scholar-athlete.

As a result of his prowess both on the pitch and in the classroom, Fucito was named as a finalist for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award and is one of 48 players named to the 2008 Missouri Athletic Club’s Hermann Trophy Watch List.

“I really don’t know what to make of it,” Fucito said.

Teammate, and roommate, Stamatis thought differently.

“I think it’s just reflective of [Fucito’s] character,” Stamatis said. “Not only is he so athletic on the field, but he’s great at bringing some of the younger and quieter guys under his wing. He’s a great leader.”

With Fucito’s help, the Crimson appears to be slated for an Ivy League championship run this season.

Harvard has both of the ingredients needed for a stellar season—experience and talent.

Most importantly, however, the Crimson is led by an all-around player who creates jaw-dropping highlights with his playmaking skills and who has earned the respect of everybody around him.

And to Fucito’s satisfaction, the Harvard men’s soccer team may have finally garnered some respect.

After all, they debuted in the polls this week ranked 22nd.

—Staff writer Alexandra J. Mihalek can be reached at amihalek@fas.harvard.edu.