After a win last week, Forward Madison FC is in position to start its move up the USL League One table. This week's obstacle for the Flamingos, though, couldn't be much more difficult – North Texas SC has been on top of League One all season and has lost just one game. When the match kicks off this Saturday (7 p.m. at Breese Stevens Field; tickets here), FMFC will have to be fully prepared. Here's what you should know about them before they come to town:
After a win last week, Forward Madison FC is in position to start its move up the USL League One table. This week’s obstacle for the Flamingos, though, couldn’t be much more difficult – North Texas SC has been on top of League One all season and has lost just one game. When the match kicks off this Saturday (7 p.m. at Breese Stevens Field; tickets here), FMFC will have to be fully prepared. Here’s what you should know about them before they come to town:
North Texas SC plays in a 4-3-3 where each player (represented by the dark blue dots in this map) has a defined role. Pay attention in particular to the midfielders: #6 Alufsainey Jatta stays further back to defend, while #8 David Rodriguez pushes further forward to attack. Forward Madison will want to find a way to drag these players out of their regular positions on Saturday and make them uncomfortable.
North Texas SC plays in a 4-3-3 where each player (represented by the dark blue dots in this map) has a defined role. Pay attention in particular to the midfielders: #6 Alufsainey Jatta stays further back to defend, while #8 David Rodriguez pushes further forward to attack. Forward Madison will want to find a way to drag these players out of their regular positions on Saturday and make them uncomfortable.
In Forward Madison's first game this year against North Texas, one of the main differences between the two teams' style of play was evidenced by the passing charts of each goalkeeper. While FMFC's Ryan Coulter tended to try long balls, North Texas' Carlos Avilez stuck almost exclusively to short passes to defenders.
The Flamingos might choose to counter this tactic by sending up a high press and forcing the Texans to clear the ball. Alternatively, they could concede possession and instead choose to defend further back on the field.
In Forward Madison’s first game this year against North Texas, one of the main differences between the two teams’ style of play was evidenced by the passing charts of each goalkeeper. While FMFC’s Ryan Coulter tended to try long balls, North Texas’ Carlos Avilez stuck almost exclusively to short passes to defenders.
The Flamingos might choose to counter this tactic by sending up a high press and forcing the Texans to clear the ball. Alternatively, they could concede possession and instead choose to defend further back on the field.
North Texas may be contending with several absences on Saturday, although it's too early to tell who the missing players might be. One who won't be there for sure is midfielder Bicou Bissainthe (pictured), who has been called up to the Haiti national team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Striker Ricardo Pepi, meanwhile, who leads League One with seven goals, is set to start in FC Dallas' U.S. Open Cup game this Wednesday, meaning he will either be on short rest or unavailable altogether against the Flamingos.
North Texas may be contending with several absences on Saturday, although it’s too early to tell who the missing players might be. One who won’t be there for sure is midfielder Bicou Bissainthe (pictured), who has been called up to the Haiti national team for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Striker Ricardo Pepi, meanwhile, who leads League One with seven goals, is set to start in FC Dallas’ U.S. Open Cup game this Wednesday, meaning he will either be on short rest or unavailable altogether against the Flamingos.
Don't miss Forward Madison FC vs North Texas SC this Saturday! The first 1,008 fans into the stadium will receive a free plastic flamingo in honor of National Pink Flamingo Day. Tickets are available here.
Don’t miss Forward Madison FC vs North Texas SC this Saturday! The first 1,008 fans into the stadium will receive a free plastic flamingo in honor of National Pink Flamingo Day. Tickets are available here.
