TAMPA, Fla. - The United Soccer League announced today that Donavan “Gusto” Phillip has been named the 2025 USL League Two Player of the Year. 

Phillip had an outstanding season for the Flint City Bucks, scoring 12 goals en route to a co-share of the Golden Boot. The North Carolina State University striker had four game-winning goals and nine assists in 12 games.  

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

Flint City won the Great Lakes Division for the third year in a row. They were strong on both sides of the ball, conceding the third least goals in the Central Conference. Phillip scored six goals in four games as the Bucks won the Central Conference Championship, before bowing out in the National Semifinal.  

“Gusto really put in a lot of 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 the opportunities in training to develop a goal scorer's mindset. He took the information and ran with it. I’m super happy for him and know the rest of the Bucks’ squad will be too. We’re excited to see what the future will bring for him.” 

*The USL League Two Player of the Year is nominated by the USL’s sporting team based on regular season performance and agreed upon by league officials.