Throughout the season, Mike Mascitti has been one of the most consistent players for men’s soccer.

A player who started out the season at center midfield, Mascitti was moved to a center back position to help shore up the defense at the start of conference play.

Whether it is at central midfield or at center back, Mascitti can always be counted on to protect the goal.

“Basically, my No. 1 priority on the field is defending and keeping a clean sheet,” Mascitti said. “I like to be physical in the air, [go] up for head balls off corner kicks, goal kicks, and just be a physical presence on the field.”

In the Huskies’ most recent loss to Akron, it was Mascitti who really started pushing his team on the attack in the second half, despite being down a player.

Coach Eric Luzzi wasn’t surprised by his captain’s performance.

“In certain ways he leads by example,” Luzzi said. “He is consistently one our fittest players, he’s consistently one of our hardest workers and he’s consistently one of the guys that puts his body on the line for the team.”

Freshman defender Charlie Oliver is reaping the benefits of playing with a leader like Mascitti.

“It’s really awesome,” Oliver said. “It gives me an opportunity to kind of play better and know the person next to you is someone reliable and someone who will talk you through things, and help you get through pretty much anything on the field.”

Mascitti has plans to attend business school at U of I after graduating in the spring.

In his final season playing for the Huskies, Mascitti said being named captain was a nice result of the hard work he has put in throughout the years.

“It’s a huge honor,” Mascitti said. “Especially being here for four years, a lot of sacrifice, work and dedication that I had to endure. Its been a struggle at times as well, but to be captain this year, it means a lot that I can have a positive impact on the guys and be a positive example.”

Along with leading on the field, Luzzi said Mascitti also plays a big role off the field.

“He is a good vocal leader,” Luzzi said. “It’s not easy for college kids to have a voice with other kids their same age. Michael does a pretty good job with that and trying to help us hold up the standards we have for our team.”

Mascitti’s attitude, willingness and push toward his team will be important in the next couple of games, as the Huskies try to bounce back from their first conference loss.