Bucks Donavan Phillip named USL2 Player of the Year

Bucks Donavan Phillip named USL2 Player of the Year

Flint City Bucks striker Donavan “Gusto” Phillip has been named 2025 USL League Two Player of the Year, outshining competition from 144 teams across the country.  Gusto led USL2 with 12 regular-season goals, becoming the Bucks’ first Golden Boot winner since 2014. He added nine assists as Flint City won the Great Lakes Division.

During the postseason, Gusto added six goals in four matches, powering the Bucks to another Central Conference title and an appearance in the national semifinal.  He scored a hat trick at Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium on the season’s last day to surpass the club’s Flint-era scoring record held by Jelldrik Dallmann (11 goals).

Winning this award means so much to me - it’s truly an honor.  Huge love to my Bucks family,” said Phillip.  “None of this would have been possible without our incredible coaching staff and the amazing players I had around me.  I’m proud to represent Flint City and be a part of something special.  This award isn’t just for me; it’s for our fans and the entire Flint community.” 

“Donavan really put in the work this summer to refine his game, especially in front of goal.  He is a superior athlete, so he has the ability to generate opportunities from almost nothing,” said Flint City Bucks Head Coach Paul Doroh.  “We really challenged him and gave him opportunities in training to develop a goal scorers mindset.  He took the information and ran with it.  I’m super happy for him and know the rest of his teammates will be too.  We’re excited to see what the future will bring for him.”

Phillip, now entering his junior season with NC State University, was selected by Colorado Rapids in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft last winter. He was picked 62nd overall.

Ellis Jones makes Central Conference best XI

Bucks captain and center back Ellis Jones was also honored by the league — named alongside Gusto as part of the 11-man Central Conference Team of the Year.

The Englishman played a major role in six clean sheets and helped Flint end the regular season tied for the third-lowest goals against total in the conference.

2026 Season Tickets

Season tickets for summer 2026 are on sale now! With a $50 deposit, you can reserve your seat at Kettering University's iconic Atwood Stadium. One ticket is valid for both the Flint City Bucks (men) and Flint City AFC (women) — including all regular-season matches, friendlies. and playoffs! Order your seats and join the Flint City family today: https://forms.gle/iq1uM6QD6aTVvV6x5

About the Flint City Bucks

The Flint City Bucks have made the USL League Two postseason for six consecutive seasons. In club history, the Bucks have 26 playoff appearances in 29 chances, four league national titles (most recently 2019), 12 conference championships (2025), and 17 division crowns (2025).