ASHLEY BARRON IS TWO-TIME AAC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Flint City AFC has signed University of Cincinnati junior Ashley Barron for the inaugural USL W League season, pending league and federation approval.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to play in front of Flint’s fans and hope to bring them the most enjoyable and fun environment to watch the game of soccer,” Barron said of playing at Kettering University’s historic Atwood Stadium. “I look forward to building valuable relationships in the area and enjoying the feeling of another family outside of my own.”

Barron made history in the fall, becoming the first Bearcat to claim Defensive Player of the Year honors from the American Athletic Conference two seasons in a row. She started 16 matches, notching two assists while helping Cincinnati limit opponents to 169 shots.

“Ashley is a commanding force in the back line,” said Flint City AFC head coach Aaron Roy. “She reads the game well and does a great job steering attackers into very difficult situations to break down threats. In addition to being a top-notch player, Ashley is a hard-working, self-sacrificing, dependable teammate who is always a joy to work alongside.”

Barron in 2021 was watchlisted for the MAC Hermann Trophy, awarded to college soccer’s top player. For the third year in a row, she was named to the All-ACC First Team. She also received First-Team All-South Region honors from United Soccer Coaches.

Barron serves as team captain for Cincinnati.  Her sophomore year, Barron started all 11 matches as the Bearcats reached the AAC championship game before falling to University of South Florida. As a freshman, she stepped up immediately to log 1,571 minutes — the most of any outfield player on the roster— stalwarting an impressive defensive unit that posted eight shutouts in 19 matches.

Barron played center back for Corktown AFC last summer, helping her squad go 7-3 and place second in the United Women’s Soccer Midwest North Conference.

Flint City AFC will kick off their inaugural USL W season at Kettering’s iconic Atwood Stadium on Saturday evening, May 7th.  Season tickets are on sale now and may be purchased via the team’s website www.flintcityafc.com or www.ticketmaster.com.  GA season tickets are $75 dollars and VIP season tickets are $100 dollars.  Individual tickets will go on sale on April 15th. #FortheW