One of the most decorated soccer players in Cicero-North Syracuse history is on his way to North Carolina State University in Raleigh.
Mike Mastriano signed his national letter-of-intent in a ceremony last Thursday afternoon in the CNS High School cafeteria, more than eight months after the torn ACL in his knee that sidelined him for the 2008 high school season.
“I thought after my injury that I might not have this chance,” he said. “I feel very fortunate.”
A month after the ACL injury, Mastriano, who led CNS to the 2006 Section III Class AA title as a sophomore, had reconstructive knee surgery. A long process of rehabilitation followed, covering the summer, fall and half the winter, but it’s nearing an end now.
Aside from his deeds at CNS, Mastriano has played on the New York State Olympic Development for five years, leading his team to the Region Final Four. He also suited up for the USA National Club’s Empire United SA squad with the best players in the state.
Mastriano said that his choice of N.C. State had both academic and competitive reasoning.
“At N.C. State, I will have the opportunity to be enrolled in a highly regarded civil engineering program and play in the most competitive soccer conference in the country,” said Mastriano.
He wasn’t kidding about the last part. N.C. State is part of the Atlantic Coast Conference, which last fall placed three teams — Maryland, Wake Forest and North Carolina — into the NCAA final four, with the Terrapins winning it all.
Also included in that league is Boston College, where Mastriano’s longtime friend, Nate Bourdeau (Baldwinsville) is now plying his trade. They have a long history together.
“Nate and I have trained and played together since I was 5 years old,” said Mastriano. “I look forward to having the opportunity to play against him at the Division I level.”
