Saint Lucian attacker Donavan Gusto Phillip delivered a hat-trick on Saturday, setting a club scoring record and securing the Flint City Bucks their 17th Great Lakes Division title with a dominant 4-0 victory over Lansing City FC. The win marked the Bucks’ third consecutive division crown.
Phillip opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a stunning 25-yard strike from the left flank, curling into the top corner after a midfield turnover forced by relentless Bucks pressure. He doubled the lead just before halftime, firing into the lower corner to complete his brace.
The Marchand native nearly sealed his hat-trick early in the second half with another blistering finish, only to be denied by an offside call. Undeterred, he turned provider, setting up Cole Werthmuller with a pinpoint close-range cross. Then, with seconds remaining, Phillip volleyed home his third to cap a spectacular performance.
Phillip, who is set to begin his professional career next year with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer, finished the regular season in blistering form, leading the USL League Two in both goals (12) and assists (9) across just 12 games while etching his name into Flint City’s record books.
“Since day one, we talked about unity, where we have to fight for each other,” said Phillip. “Even though we didn’t know each other from day one, we knew that at the end of the day, we’re all coming to play summer ball, to play for one team. We all sacrificed our entire summer to come play here. We knew we were about to do something special and make history.”
Now 8-3, the Bucks will host the first two playoff rounds this Friday and Sunday at Atwood Stadium, extending their streak to six straight postseason appearances, a feat matched by only three other league clubs.
“It means a lot,” added Phillip. “I mean, I played against the Bucks last year, and I realised what I missed out on, actually. So this year I knew I had to come be a part of this journey. The Bucks have been good for many years. I’m just happy to be part of it.”
Gusto!
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