TULSA – FC Tulsa is continuing to add pieces to its roster in the home stretch of the season. The club has agreed to acquire American defender Avionne "Ayo" Flanagan on loan from FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer for the remainder of the 2021 USL Championship season. Flanagan was the 29th overall pick for FC Cincinnati out of the University of South Florida in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft.
“The addition of Ayo to our roster continues to build competition within the team, which will improve the product on the field,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “Ayo is a left fullback that has a great engine to work up and down the wing. Ayo is technically very clean with the ball and dangerous in 1-on-1 situations.”
While he has yet to make an appearance for FC Cincinnati in his rookie season, Flanagan was a standout at South Florida, playing three seasons before getting drafted by Cincy. He made 48 collegiate appearances, scoring four goals and adding eight assists from his position on the backline. Following his junior season, his final campaign, he was named to the All-AAC First Team after leading the team with seven assists and ranking in the top 50 in the country in assists per 90 minutes.
Flanagan saw his first professional soccer action earlier this season when he went on a short loan to Orange County SC in the USL Championship. He appeared in six matches with Orange County, recording his first professional assist while helping the club to a 4W-0L-2D record in his appearances.
The 22-year-old will join a defensive corps for FC Tulsa that has allowed just 18 goals over its last 15 matches. Flanagan will be available for selection immediately, starting with Friday night’s match at Sporting Kansas City II.
“I am extremely happy to be here and grateful to have the opportunity to play for FC Tulsa,” said Flanagan. “I would like to thank the staff and organization for taking me in. I plan on hitting the ground running from day one and cannot wait to see what Tulsa has to offer. I’m so excited to take the field and showcase my skill set to the coaches, my teammates and the fans. At the same time, I plan on absorbing as much knowledge of the game and learning as much as possible. FC Tulsa, let’s go make a run for the trophy.”
In a corresponding roster move, FC Tulsa has loaned forward Michael Cunningham to Stumptown AC of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).
TULSA – FC Tulsa is continuing to add pieces to its roster in the home stretch of the season. The club has agreed to acquire American defender Avionne “Ayo” Flanagan on loan from FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer for the remainder of the 2021 USL Championship season. Flanagan was the 29th overall pick for FC Cincinnati out of the University of South Florida in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft.
“The addition of Ayo to our roster continues to build competition within the team, which will improve the product on the field,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “Ayo is a left fullback that has a great engine to work up and down the wing. Ayo is technically very clean with the ball and dangerous in 1-on-1 situations.”
While he has yet to make an appearance for FC Cincinnati in his rookie season, Flanagan was a standout at South Florida, playing three seasons before getting drafted by Cincy. He made 48 collegiate appearances, scoring four goals and adding eight assists from his position on the backline. Following his junior season, his final campaign, he was named to the All-AAC First Team after leading the team with seven assists and ranking in the top 50 in the country in assists per 90 minutes.
Flanagan saw his first professional soccer action earlier this season when he went on a short loan to Orange County SC in the USL Championship. He appeared in six matches with Orange County, recording his first professional assist while helping the club to a 4W-0L-2D record in his appearances.
The 22-year-old will join a defensive corps for FC Tulsa that has allowed just 18 goals over its last 15 matches. Flanagan will be available for selection immediately, starting with Friday night’s match at Sporting Kansas City II.
“I am extremely happy to be here and grateful to have the opportunity to play for FC Tulsa,” said Flanagan. “I would like to thank the staff and organization for taking me in. I plan on hitting the ground running from day one and cannot wait to see what Tulsa has to offer. I’m so excited to take the field and showcase my skill set to the coaches, my teammates and the fans. At the same time, I plan on absorbing as much knowledge of the game and learning as much as possible. FC Tulsa, let’s go make a run for the trophy.”
In a corresponding roster move, FC Tulsa has loaned forward Michael Cunningham to Stumptown AC of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).
