On the offense of the Harvard men’s soccer team, specific players have become known for certain styles of play.

Sophomore Charles Altchek uses his height to collect balls from the air. Classmate Matt Hoff has the dribbling skills to beat almost any defender. Junior Anthony Tornaritis employs craft to get around opponents in his way.

And newcomer Michael Fucito is just plain fast.

“He’s got that breakaway speed, so he makes defenses play him honestly,” coach John Kerr said. “They can’t get too tight on him because he’ll blow past them. [He gives us] a number of weapons up there which is quite nice.”

After the arrival of Altchek and Hoff last year, the Crimson offense was filled with a smorgasbord of young talent. Fucito’s arrival this season adds yet another weapon to the Harvard team.

But despite a set of quick, mongoose-like reflexes, teammates note that he has not quite acclimated himself to the rhythm of the college level of play.

“I’d say [his style is] more hectic,” said junior midfielder Brian Charnock, who was one of the starting forwards last season. “He’s not calm and controlled. He’s very quick, and moves around a lot. But he doesn’t use as much finesse as maybe some of the other guys on our team.”

Fucito is from nearby Westford, Mass. and played his high school soccer for The Brooks School.

Additionally, Fucito plays with the FC Greater Boston Bolts—a highly competitive under 18 select team with whom he will continue to work out until the end of this year. For incoming Ivy League players, this previous level of play is the norm.

At Harvard, Fucito was moved to a starting role following Altchek’s injury on Sept. 19 against UMass. Prior to the loss of Altchek, Fucito had mainly been utilized as a midfield substitute.

“I’ve never had a set position,” Fucito said. “It depends on game-to-game and how the flow of one particular game is.”

But with Altchek likely returning to the lineup on Saturday against Yale, Fucito will most likely be seeing playing time at both positions. Kerr has said that Fucito’s place on the field will likely depend on Altchek’s strength.

“I think he’s got a lot more to offer than what he’s been showing,” Charnock said. “But it’s kind of tough to just step in and start playing. He’s got great skills. I think he’s a little uncomfortable right now, and I think he’ll settle in as the season progresses.”

To Fucito, improvement will come by listening to his coaches and teammates and by focusing on developing his skills.

“There are just a lot of little things to work on,” Fucito said. “I’ve been trying to listen to the coaches—movement, spacing and which runs to make play an important part in the game.”