Carotenuto, Mazzullo Named Co-Captains for Men's Soccer in 2009
9/3/2009 12:15:00 PM | Men's Soccer
NEW YORK - Head men's soccer coach Kevin Anderson has announced that junior Peppe Carotenuto and sophomore Mike Mazzullo have been named co-captains for the upcoming 2009.
Carotenuto earned honorable mention All-Ivy League accolades as a sophomore after registering two goals and two assists over the final three contests of the season. The midfielder was one of two Lions to be honored by the conference in 2008 (Bayo Adafin, second team).
"It really means a lot to me to be captain of this squad," Carotenuto says. "This team has become a second family for me over the past few years. As a captain, I think it's important that the players really know who you are and what you stand for; what your beliefs are. Without a solid, cohesive group, a leader is nothing, and luckily for me I have been chosen by Coach Anderson to lead -- and go to war with -- a very talented and determined group."
Mazzullo started 15 games as a first-year player last season, and will again be relied upon in the midfield this year. The Yonkers, N.Y., native picked a great time to score his first career goal, as his marker in the waning moments of the second overtime helped Columbia to a 2-1 victory over La Salle last September.
"Being named captain is an honor for me, not only because of the level of competition and tradition of Columbia soccer, but because of the group of individuals I was asked to represent," Mazzulo says. "It is a pleasure and a challenge being a member of this team that has been asked to lead as a collective example."
The Lions will open their 2009 season on Friday, Sept. 4, as they take on Duke at 7:30 p.m. The team opens its home schedule on Friday, Sept. 18 against St. Peter's at 7 p.m. at Columbia Soccer Stadium.
