St. Louis, Mo. — Flint City Bucks alumnus Donavan “Gusto” Phillip has won the 2025 MAC Hermann Trophy, awarded to the NCAA Division I men’s soccer player of the year! The award, based on voting by D-I coaches, is considered the highest individual honor in college soccer and equivalent to football’s Heisman Trophy. Established in 1967, the trophy is administered annually by United Soccer Coaches and the Missouri Athletic Club (MAC).
Notable winners over the years have included longtime U.S. national team players such as Brad Friedel, Tony Meola, Jordan Morris, Darlington Nagbe, and Claudio Reyna.
In 2025, Phillip played one of the most dominant seasons in Bucks history — scoring 12 regular-season goals to earn the USL League Two Golden Boot. Phillip tallied five more times in the playoffs, leading Flint City to the Central Conference title. He was also named USL2 Player of the Year.
Flint City head coach Paul Doroh commented: “I couldn’t be more pleased that Gusto received this award. I’m also very proud of the hard work he has put in to become the player he is. He has earned it. It’s rewarding to have a chance to work with a player like Gusto. He’s a phenomenal talent and person and I’m happy that the Flint City Bucks were able to be part of this incredible journey. We wish him every success in the future.”
This past fall as a junior at NC State University, Phillip tallied 19 goals as the Wolfpack reached the NCAA College Cup final. He was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year. His college career began in 2023 at Oakland University, where he started 19 matches as a freshman, scoring five goals assisting seven. He totaled six goals and four assists as a sophomore transfer at NC State.
Phillip was selected No. 62 in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by Colorado Rapids.
Flint City alumni have now won MAC Hermann for two consecutive years, with 2023 midfielder Michael Adedokun victorious after his 2024 season at Ohio State University.
Flint City’s U.S. Open Cup qualification—and historic acceptance
The Bucks will return to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2026 after accepting qualification for the first time since rehoming to Flint. The Open Cup—U.S. Soccer’s oldest competition, dating to 1914—is a single-elimination tournament featuring clubs from all levels across the country. The Bucks are among the most decorated giant-killers in Open Cup history. In 15 appearances since 1997, we have a record 10 wins over professional opponents—including landmark upsets of MLS sides New England Revolution in 2000 and Chicago Fire in 2012.
Key dates: More excitement on the horizon in 2026
Another exciting summer of men’s and women’s semi-professional soccer is coming to Atwood Stadium. Flint City AFC will open its home schedule Saturday, May 16, followed by Bucks opening night Saturday, May 30. We’ve bid to host the Open Cup first round, with a likely date of Wednesday, March 18, at Don Batchelor Stadium in downtown Grand Blanc. (Atwood Stadium remains winterized until early April) Our seventh annual School Day Game will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 20—a friendly vs. Detroit Metro FC. Stay tuned over the coming weeks as full league schedules are announced.
2026 season tickets: On Sale Now!
One ticket, two teams, all summer long. Season-ticket holders for 2026 will receive admission to every single home match for both the Flint City Bucks (men) and Flint City AFC (women). You’ll be set for any friendlies (international and otherwise) and tournament games (including U.S. Open Cup and league playoffs). Packages start at just $125 for adults and $75 for youth ages 17 and younger. Order or renew your season tickets today!
What to expect at a Flint City match
Flint City matches are fun, affordable, and family-friendly—showcasing some of the best semi-professional soccer talent in the United States. Flint, Michigan, is widely recognized as a destination for top NCAA soccer players looking to join MLS, NWSL, and professional leagues worldwide. The Bucks attract top prospects from almost every continent, with more than a dozen countries represented on a typical roster.
Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium is a historic gem of a stadium—worth the price of admission on its own. Game nights feature an energized, outdoor, under-the-lights soccer experience alongside a festival-like environment for all to enjoy. Kids are always welcome to have fun on the pitch at halftime and meet and greet the players post-game for autographs and pictures. Join us today and don’t miss out on elite men’s and women’s semi-professional matches right here in beautiful downtown Flint.
Bucks in 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
Entering its 111th edition, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup has crowned U.S. Soccer’s national champion since 1914. The history-filled knockout tournament is open to professional and amateur or semi-professional teams affiliated with U.S. Soccer. The 2025 winner will earn a berth in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup and have its name engraved on the Dewar Challenge Trophy—one of the oldest nationally contested trophies in American team sports. The 2025 tournament features a total purse worth $1 million.
