U.S. Open Cup yields 11th Upset over Pro Opposition

The Flint City Bucks opened the calendar in March, returning to the nation’s oldest soccer competition and defeating professional side Forward Madison FC (USL League One). Our fans braved the cold and turned out in numbers to help our boys over the line at Don Batchelor Stadium in Grand Blanc, and the 2-0 result marked our organization’s 11th U.S. Open Cup win over professional sides.

After being absent from the tournament since 2018 due to changes made to tournament timing and logistics, we finally bolstered our resume as the most accomplished semi-professional club in the tournament’s modern era — entering 16 editions since 1997, playing 31 knockout matches, and winning 16 times, including twice over teams from first-division Major League Soccer.

Bucks Host Run to Central Conference Title and National Final

Winning the Great Lakes Division to claim our 18th such title, the Bucks qualified for the USL League Two postseason and earned the right to host playoff matches from beginning to end. A scintillating five-game run nearly culminated in our fifth national title but fell just short, as Flint City lost 2-1 at the hands of undefeated back-to-back champions Vermont Green FC. The Bucks did claim an 11th all-time Central Conference title — fifth in seven seasons in Flint — to advance past the national semifinal. Flint City finished 14-2-1 overall in league competition.

Thanks to our hardworking staff, our passionate fanbase, and the broader Flint and Genesee County community, the Bucks have clearly established one of the finest reputations in the league for hosting postseason tournament matches. Since 2019, Flint has repeatedly proven itself as a vibrant, welcoming host city with a strong tradition of bringing people together for major sporting, cultural, and community events. This season, over three consecutive weekends, we welcomed clubs from Burlington, Peoria, Los Angeles, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, South Bend, and Seattle.

Women’s side Flint City AFC Second to Eventual Title-winners

In United Women’s Soccer (UWS), our Flint City AFC women earned a 7-1 record, losing only to eventual national title winners Michigan Jaguars FC. Future collegiate stars led AFC, including Addie Fife, who scored a team-high seven goals. Alison Ernst tallied three along with four assists, while Reese Canada and Louisa Cowen each tallied twice. Reece Canada (Fenton), Natalie Vance (Flint), and Grace Cameron (Clio) all had great seasons representing their local communities.

Men’s and Women’s Alumni shine in Pro and International Ranks

Our growing contingent of alumni continued to make an impact playing the beautiful game all over the world, with a few taking particularly momentous career strides.

For the first time, a Bucks alumnus played in the FIFA World Cup. Francis de Vries of New Zealand made his tournament debut as a substitute against Egypt. The left-footed defender won two national titles over three seasons with us. He captained our 2016 championship side, scoring in both the semifinal and final. After 32 appearances for the Bucks, he was drafted 29th overall by Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. He now plays for A-League club Auckland FC.

Donavan “Gusto” Phillip 

ascended quickly after winning USL2 Golden Boot with the Bucks, starting out 2026 by winning the MAC Hermann Trophy as college soccer’s top player. Weeks later, he struck an agreement with Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.

Malik Henry

who starred for the Bucks in 2023 and 2024, earned his first senior national team call-up, joining Canada’s January training camp before the World Cup. After a breakout pro debut in 2025, the midfielder has appeared in 15 matches this season with Toronto FC.

Isaac Walker 

Goalkeeper, who led the Bucks to a national semifinal in 2022 — signed a first-team pro contract with Charlotte FC of MLS. He earned the deal after 36 matches in MLS Next Pro with Charlotte affiliate Crown Legacy FC, where he signed before the 2023 season. 

Remini Tillotson

Three-season alumnus, signed with Galway United of the League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division. She joined AFC during the side’s inaugural season in 2022 and returned to aid the club’s USL W League Great Lakes Division title-winning campaign in 2023.

Palmer Ault 

also wasted little time reaching MLS. The 22-year-old, who starred on the left wing for two seasons with the Bucks (2023–2024), signed a first-team contract with St. Louis City SC in July. The shifty attacker had signed with St. Louis City 2 (MLS Next Pro) in February.

Nolan Miller

Center back, also a 2023 and 2024 star, signed a pro contract with Orlando City SC of MLS. Selected ninth overall in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, the University of Michigan graduate has already appeared in five first-team matches as an Orlando rookie.

Olivia Thomas

Flint City AFC superstar, signed her first professional contract with National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team Denver Summit FC. The native of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, starred for AFC during the club’s historic second season in 2023.

Community Impact in Genesee County and Beyond

Flint City joins with several generous community partners to make an impact through the beautiful game, and 2026 was a memorable year in that regard.

Our seventh annual School Day game provided 6,000 local students with the field-trip experience of a lifetime. And for the kids who couldn’t get enough, Bucks players coached at free Flint Style Soccer and AYSO clinics throughout the summer. Flint Style is a local nonprofit founded in 2016 with a mission to introduce Flint kids to the game of soccer at no cost.

The River Rats supporters group in Section 11 organized their annual Prideraiser event, translating June goals into nearly $1,000 for Wellness Services and Flint Pride.

We hosted several themed fundraising events at Bucks games, often attached to special jersey auctions. Military Appreciation Night, alongside our partners at Huntington Bank, helped Catholic Charities’ Sacred Heart Veterans Village provide housing for veterans in need in Genesee County (over $5,000 raised!) 

We also hosted Hurley Hospital Foundation / Children’s Miracle Network Night raising more dollars (over $4,000 raised!) for our local community. Thanks in part to Biggby Coffee, coffee and hot chocolate proceeds from our two Open Cup matches in Grand Blanc benefited the Humane Society of Genesee County (over $1,500 raised!)

2027 Season Tickets Available Now!

Join our awesome soccer family today by becoming a 2027 season ticket holder. Just $50 reserves your seat. Like this past season, season tickets include all men’s and women’s games, friendlies, international matches and playoffs. It’s the soccer deal of the century! Click below to complete our online season ticket questionnaire and support elite men’s and women’s soccer right here in Flint & Genesee County.