Donavan “Gusto” Phillip Signs First-Team Professional Contract with Colorado Rapids

Jan 25, 2026 31 Views MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

Donavan “Gusto” Phillip has officially taken the next step on his Path2Pro, signing a first-team professional contract with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer (MLS). The agreement can extend through June 2030, with club options.

The Rapids selected Phillip with the No. 62 overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, and the St. Lucia native wasted no time proving he belonged at the professional level. Following the draft, Phillip delivered one of the most dominant seasons in Flint City Bucks history, scoring 12 regular-season goals to capture the USL League Two Golden Boot. He added five more goals in the playoffs, leading Flint City to the Central Conference title, and was named the USL League Two Player of the Year.

Phillip’s breakout year extended into the college ranks as well. Competing for NC State University, he earned the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy, awarded annually to college soccer’s top player, after helping lead the Wolfpack to the NCAA College Cup Final. During his junior campaign, Phillip paced the nation with 19 goals and was named ACC Offensive Player of the Year.

Now joining Colorado, Phillip becomes part of a forward group that includes Darren Yapi and Dante Sealy, while training alongside U.S. internationals Zack Steffen, Sam Vines, and Paxten Aaronson.

“We’re excited to add Donavan to our group,” said Colorado Rapids Sporting Director Fran Taylor. “He’s a dynamic attacking player with a strong competitive edge and a proven ability to impact games at critical moments. Donavan’s production, mentality and background make him a strong fit for our environment, and we’re looking forward to continuing his development at the professional level.”

Phillip’s journey is another example of the Flint City Bucks’ Path2Pro pipeline, continuing the club’s tradition of developing elite talent for the professional game.

Congratulations, Gusto!
#Path2Pro #FlintForward #GoBucks

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