Harvard soccer alumnus Mike Fucito ’09 got an early birthday present last month, making his MLS debut for the Seattle Sounders only four days before his 24th birthday.

While injuries kept Fucito sidelined for the first year of his professional soccer career, the ex-Crimson superstar made his debut as a Sounder in the team’s season-opening victory on Mar. 25.  Fucito stepped onto the field in the 76th minute of play and helped Seattle secure a 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union.

Fucito was selected by the Sounders in the fourth round of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, marking the end of a highly-successful collegiate soccer career.  As a co-captain of the 2008 Harvard team, Fucito was named a second-team All-American and finished his season leading the Ivy League in total points.  Fucito also ranks fourth on the Crimson’s career scoring list.

A video feature on Fucito’s debut can be found on the Sounder’s website, SoundersFC.com.