Noteable Alumni: Fucito and Akpan See Playing Time in the MLS

Two former Crimson men’s soccer standouts currently playing in Major League Soccer—Michael Fucito ’09 and Andre Akpan ’10—are making their presences felt as the 2011 MLS season continues into the late regular season and into the CONCACAF Champions League Group Stage.

On Aug. 16, former Crimson midfielder Fucito scored two goals for the Seattle Sounders in the team's 4-1 Champions League victory against Guatemalan side Comunicaciones. While a day later, former Harvard forward Andre Akpan had a goal and an assist to lead the Colorado Rapids to a 3-2 comeback win over the El Salvadoran club Metapán. On Aug. 27, Fucito scored the fourth goal in the Sounders’ 6-2 demolition of the Columbus Crew.

Fucito, who has been receiving more playing time with the Sounders as of late, has appeared in 17 games and started in 10 so far in 2011. Out of his 17 appearances, 13 have come in regular-season MLS play, with his remaining appearances shared between the U.S. Open Cup and during continental club play in the 2011 CONCACAF Champions League.

At 13-5-9 on the year, Fucito and the Sounders currently hold the second-best record in MLS and stand in second in the Western Conference with 48 points, four points behind the LA Galaxy.

During his time at Harvard, Fucito completed his collegiate career ranked fourth in scoring in Crimson soccer annals with 32 career goals. He also boasts 24 assists despite playing injured in his final two seasons.

In just his second year in the MLS, Akpan has similarly been featured in many of the Colorado Rapids games this season. In his 12 game appearances, Akpan has started in five. During his time at Harvard, Akpan scored 47 goals and added 33 assists to finish his collegiate career as the Crimson’s all-time leading scorer.

At 10-7-11, the Rapids currently stand in fifth in the Western Conference with 41 points.