Can Michael Fucito Achieve More Late Game Heroics?

Michael Fucito came to the Seattle Sounders with an impressive resume.  The Westford, Massachusetts product starred at Harvard, earning second team All-American honors as a senior.

Fucito led the Ivy League in total points as a senior in 2008 finished number four on Harvard’s all-time scoring list.  This prompted attention by the Sounders, who on January 15, 2009 selected him in the fourth round and as the 46th selection of all of the MLS Super Draft.

The rookie’s 2009 season was frustrating as he was placed on the disabled list with sesamoiditis in his right foot immediately after signing with Seattle on July 3.  He saw no MLS action that season.  His activity was restricted to reserve appearances in friendlies against Chelsea and Barcelona.

With a new 2010 season in hand Fucito made his MSL debut in the opener, playing 14 minutes as a reserve against Philadelphia.

Coach Sigi Schmid commented favorably on the 24-year-old Harvard All-American’s potential by saying, “Michael’s a powerful player with an excellent shot.”

On April 17, Schmid’s words were confirmed under critical circumstances.  Eager for a home win after a disappointing 2-2 final on the road at Salt Lake City in a game the team appeared to have clinched before a last second goal by the hosts, there was a feeling of frustration as it appeared that visiting Kansas City would escape with a point and a scoreless tie.

Fucito changed all that by booting home a game winner in stoppage time for what is probably the most exciting single Sounders goal of the season along with the brilliant 40-yarder of Fredy Montero last week at Dallas.

The Sounders have had trouble in those crucial closing minutes of contests this season.  Michael Fucito provided magic on one occasion against Kansas City in crucial circumstances.

So this begs the question...can we now look for more of the same from the Massachusetts product as the Sounders seek a way to win the close games down the stretch?