FLINT, Mich. — Goalkeeper Isaac Walker has signed with Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer after two seasons as the first-choice starter for the Flint City Bucks of USL League Two.

Walker has been a fan-favorite since joining the Bucks in summer 2021. He helped Flint City reach the USL2 playoffs in consecutive years, culminating with a national semifinal run in 2022.

Last season with Flint, he started all 14 regular-season matches — allowing just 13 goals with five clean sheets. In 2021, he had a 0.72 goals-against average in 12 regular-season starts.

As a senior this past fall at the University of Kentucky, Walker started five matches, winning four games and recording two shutouts. The Wildcats went undefeated en route to the Sun Belt Conference regular-season and tournament titles. The side entered the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 overall seed but eventually bowed out in the Sweet 16 round to the University of Pittsburgh.

Walker spent three seasons as the starting goalkeeper for Western Michigan University. In his final season with the Broncos in 2021, he recorded the Mid-American Conference best save percentage of 78.3 percent. His 0.87 goals-against average and 54 saves ranked second in the MAC. Over his Western Michigan career, the native of Orlando, Florida, recorded 16 shutouts in 44 starts.

Walker released statement thanking the Bucks organization and supporters:

“I’m so excited to be signing my first professional contract with Charlotte FC. This has been a dream of mine my whole life. I couldn’t have done it without help along the way. The Flint City Bucks have played an instrumental part in my journey.  Their mission is and has always been not only to win championships but also to help players reach the professional level.”

“I can’t express how thankful I am for the support I received from the community, coaching staff, players, and ownership.  The coaches and ownership always have the players’ best interest at heart. They do whatever they can to help and have truly helped me fulfill a lifelong dream.”

“During my time with the Bucks, I learned what it was like to be a part of a professional environment and got a chance to work with some extraordinary people. I also learned more about the importance of making a difference in the community. Joining the Bucks is one of the best decisions I have made in my soccer career.  The support from the community, coaches, and ownership is unlike anything I’ve experienced before.  I will forever be grateful for my time with the Flint City Bucks. The team and the community will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Flint City Bucks and Flint City AFC (women) season tickets are available for 2023, starting at $50 for kids and $100 for adults! Purchase at https://www.flintcitybucks.com/ticket. Join us this summer for elite men’s and women’s semi-pro soccer at Kettering University’s iconic Atwood Stadium.

To keep up with the four-time USL League Two national champion Bucks, visit www.flintcitybucks.com. Additionally, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.