Midfielder Avionne Flanagan Signs with Charlotte Independence
March 15, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Charlotte Independence News Release
CHARLOTTE N.C. - The Charlotte Independence announced today the signing of midfielder Avionne Flanagan for the 2023 season. Flanagan comes to Charlotte after several months with USL Championship club Charleston Battery where he made 10 appearances.
"Avionne is a player we have tracked for several years and are excited to finally add him to our roster. He is a naturally left sided player with the ability to play at the back and in midfield," explained Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries. "His ability to run at players and create in the final third should add to our attack this season."
In January 2021, Flanagan was selected 29th overall in the MLS SuperDraft by FC Cincinnati. He officially signed with the MLS club three months later in April. The following month, Flanagan was loaned out to USL Championship side Orange County SC. He made his first professional appearance on May 22 entering the match as a 82nd-minute substitute.
Flanagan was loaned again in September, this time to FC Tulsa where he remained for the rest of the 2021 USL Championship season.
At the end of 2021, FC Cincinnati declined their contract option on Flanagan. He then signed with FC Cincinnati 2, the club's MLS Next Pro side ahead of their inaugural season in 2022.
The Baltimore native played college soccer at the University of South Florida. He made 48 appearances for the Bulls, scoring 4 goals and tallying 7 assists over three seasons. Throughout his college career, Flanagan earned First Team All-Conference honors and was named to the American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.
While in school, Flanagan also played with NPSL side FC Baltimore Christos in 2018 and USL League Two club Treasure Coast Tritons in 2019.
Flanagan grew up playing with D.C. United's Academy until 2016 when he spent a year with local club side Baltimore Armour.
"First I would like to thank Coach Mike and the front office staff at the Independence for bringing me on board and allowing me to contribute to what I hope to be a historical season," stated Flanagan. "I'm ecstatic to be a part of the club and can't wait to take the pitch with the guys, in front of our fans. I'm looking forward to working hard for each individual in the building and am ready for March 18th as we embark on the new season."
The Charlotte Independence kick off the 2023 USL League One season against the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, March 18 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Home opener tickets are on sale now at charlotteindependence.com.
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United Soccer League One Stories from March 15, 2023
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