Two Bulls given professional opportunities in MLS SuperDraft
USF defenders Javain Brown and Avionne Flanagan were drafted in the MLS SuperDraft on Thursday afternoon.
Brown was selected in the first round by the Vancouver Whitecaps with the 23rd overall pick, while Flanagan was selected 29th overall by FC Cincinnati.
Sophomore right back Brown expressed excitement for his future in MLS and sent a message to the Vancouver faithful via video on Twitter.
A message from Javain 🇯🇲 to you, #VWFC fans 💙#ItTakesAVillage pic.twitter.com/bOYKxLuwn7
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) January 21, 2021
“Hey, Whitecap fans. I just want you guys to know I’m excited to be part of a wonderful franchise like Vancouver,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being there soon, to get to work, to put in the necessary work I need to do to be a part of the team.
“The work just starts for me, and I just wanted to thank you guys again.”
As for Flanagan, he was selected six slots after his teammate and will be joining FC Cincinnati. The Ohio-based side finished with the fewest points in all of MLS last season and may be hoping that the Baltimore-born defender can help improve the back line.
The senior was tipped to be selected by the Armchair Analyst on MLS.com prior to the event, and Cincinnati decided the defender would be a suitable fit in front of goal.
Flanagan’s departure from the Bulls will be bittersweet for USF fans. He bagged four goals and seven assists as a defender and managed 48 appearances during his tenure thus far with the Bulls, including 41 starts.
In a tweet sent out shortly after he was drafted, Flanagan expressed his gratitude to the club.
Thank you @fccincinnati for giving me the opportunity to continue my soccer journey, I cannot wait to be in the beautiful city of Cincinati and meet the coaches, players, and fans! 🧡💙 https://t.co/jvTYaBSeqG
— Ayo (@ayoflan27) January 22, 2021
It’s still undetermined whether Flanagan will take part in any portion of the season at the college level.
His side may prefer that he link up with the professional squad as soon as possible to prepare for the coming MLS season, which has yet to release an official start date.
More Stories
Why these USF transfers made the move: ‘Not about the logo’
Two standout transfers are making an impact at USF (2-3), transforming both the defense and the offense with their play. Junior cornerback De’Shawn Rucker has helped anchor the defense with key tackles, as they have shown flashes of improvement this season. Rucker transferred from Tennessee in winter 2023. On the other side of the ball, […]
USF beach volleyball to begin exhibition play this month
USF’s beach volleyball program is set to start its exhibition schedule less than two weeks from now, playing against ranked teams such as USC and UCLA. The program, which is still in its infancy stages, has yet to play a game. It was announced back in 2022 alongside lacrosse in an effort to expand women’s […]
USF women’s soccer finding success in the midst of change
USF women’s soccer team is navigating a season of transition under first-year head coach Chris Brown. In discussing the team’s progress this season, Brown highlighted the core principles that support their success. “What I’ve preached about our team is our adaptability, our flexibility, and I think that’s the reason we have such a quality team,” […]
USF’s men’s soccer mid-season report card: Bulls struggle to clinch wins
Halfway through the season, USF’s men’s soccer has been stuck in neutral, recording four ties in nine games. The Bulls (3-2-4, 0-2 AAC) have had difficulty turning stalemates into victories, in part to an offense that has been held scoreless four times thus far. South Florida has only found success at home this season, with […]
USF volleyball rebounds, scores two wins in conference opener
USF volleyball snapped its four-game losing streak, tallying back-to-back wins over the weekend versus Charlotte and East Carolina. The Bulls (6-7, 2-0 AAC) scored 133 points across the two matches, to go along with 85 kills. Volleyball head coach Jolene Shepardson said their preseason slate helped prepare them for these games. “We played a tough […]
USF drops first conference match to No. 17 Memphis
In a tough game under the blazing Florida sun, USF lost its first American Athletic Conference match 1-0 to Memphis on Sunday. Both teams had their chances to score but couldn’t quite make them count, keeping fans on edge until the very end. Starting strong and having more possession of the ball, No. 17 Memphis […]