
FC Tulsa Acquires MLS Defender Avionne Flanagan on Loan from FC Cincinnati
September 21, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
FC Tulsa News Release
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 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).
United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 21, 2021
- USL Statement: COVID-19 Test Results: September 21, 2021 - USL
- Casa de Español Receives Indomitable Spirit Award on Noche Latina - Sacramento Republic FC
- Around the Leagues: Playoff Pushes Draw Closer Domestically - Sacramento Republic FC
- Switchbacks FC Loan Michee Ngalina to MLS Club LAFC - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Battery Back at Patriots Point Wednesday Night - Charleston Battery
- Match Preview: Legion FC at Atlanta United 2 - Wednesday, September 22 - Birmingham Legion FC
- Match Preview: Republic FC V Tacoma Defiance - Sacramento Republic FC
- Hadji Barry Named to USL Championship Team of the Week - Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
- Josh Yaro Named to USL Championship Team of the Week - San Diego Loyal
- Trio of Memphis Players Tabbed for USL Championship Team of the Week Honors - Memphis 901 FC
- Tampa Bay Rowdies' Sebastian Guenzatti voted Player of the Week after second consecutive two-goal outing - USL
- Second Straight Brace Earns Guenzatti USL Player of the Week - Tampa Bay Rowdies
- FC Tulsa Acquires MLS Defender Avionne Flanagan on Loan from FC Cincinnati - FC Tulsa
- Match Preview: ATL UTD 2 vs. Birmingham Legion FC - Atlanta United 2
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent FC Tulsa Stories
- FC Tulsa Back at ONEOK Field to Face Phoenix Rising FC for the Third Time this Season
- FC Tulsa Signs FC Tulsa Academy Standout Anthony Harper to First Team
- Military Appreciation Night Set for June 14 at ONEOK Field
- Jamie Webber Earns First USL Championship Team of the Week
- FC Tulsa Get the Victory in Sacramento for the First Time in Club History

