Sounders Sign Fucito

Friday, July 3, 2009

Draft Pick Finally Gets the Nod and the Ink

July 3

Photo: Sounders FC

Sounders FC today signed midfielder Michael Fucito, the club’s fourth-round selection in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft out of Harvard. Michael traveled to Portland, as revealed on Prost Amerika, but didn’t get a place on the bench due to sesamoiditis in his right foot. He has been immediately placed on the disabled list for all MLS matches through August 15.

He will be eligible to play in U.S. Open Cup and friendly matches prior to that date. Fucito has been added to the roster as Senior Development player.

“Fucito adds for us a left-sided player, and we don’t have many left-footed players on our team,” said Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid. “He can play wide left and can also play up front. He’s a little bit different player; he’s quick with a low center of gravity, so he’s different from the other forwards we have.”

Fucito, 23, was taken by Seattle with the 46th pick overall in the draft. He was a second team All-American as a senior, leading the Ivy League in total points and helping Harvard reach the second round of the 2008 NCAA tournament. Fucito finished as the Crimson’s No. 4 career scorer with 32 goals and 24 assists.

Due to injuries, Fucito played in only three preseason games for Seattle, scoring one goal. He rejoined the team for training in early June following his graduation.

Michael Fucito Factfile

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-9

Weight: 165

Birthdate: 3/29/1986

Hometown: Westford, Massachusetts

College: Harvard