Wednesday, August 10th, 2022; 6:00 p.m. CT
Location: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, NC
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live match updates
Forward Madison FC is battling North Carolina FC in Cary, NC on Wednesday at 6:00 pm CT. The match will take place at WakeMed Soccer Park. This will be the first matchup between the clubs this season.
In the ‘Mingos most recent USL League One contest, Forward Madison tied 0-0 against the Charlotte Independence. Raiko Arozarena had an impressive performance once again in the Pink and Blue, as he recorded his third clean sheet in four league matches. Next up on the schedule, the Flamingos will take on Chattanooga on Saturday, August 13th.
North Carolina heads into the matchup against Madison following a loss against the Richmond Kickers on July 27th. After the match versus Forward Madison, North Carolina will duel against Central Valley Fuego on August 13th.
Coaches and USL League One 2022 Records
Forward Madison FC (6-4-7)
Head Coach: Matt Glaeser
North Carolina FC (5-9-3)
Head Coach: John Bradford
Key Players to Watch:
Forward Madison
Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu: Wheeler-Omiunu’s defense has been key for the Forward Madison defense. The 27-year-old put his body on the line and made some impressive defensive efforts to help his club shut out Charlotte in the last league match. Expect Wheeler-Omiunu to continue to shine on the defensive end of the field.
Derek Gebhard: The Maine product has shown bursts of athleticism throughout the year and has been one of the most skillful players with the ball. Gebhard managed to maneuver through Charlotte’s defense multiple times in the last league match. Expect the 26-year-old to continue to help boost the ‘Mingos attack as the season progresses.
Abdou Mbacke-Thiam: Mbacke-Thiam provided a lot of energy and determination in helping create chances for the Flamingos’ attack in the most recent league match against Charlotte. Expect the 30-year-old Senegalese product to continue to help create quality chances for the ‘Mingos going forward.
Key Match Up
FMFC Strikers vs. NCFC Backline
The key match up for this contest is the Forward Madison strikers of Jeremiah Streng, Nazeem Bartman, Rojay Smith, and Abdou Mbacke Thiam versus the North Carolina FC backline of Jordan Skelton, Nelson Blanco, Gustavo Fernandes, and Christian Lue Young. This will be the first matchup between Forward Madison and North Carolina this season.
North Carolina’s backline has been under duress for much of the 2022 season, meaning this a very winnable matchup for Forward Madison. The NCFC backline has had six matchups this year in which the team’s conceded three or more goals in a game. While their defense has recorded three clean sheets this season, they’ve allowed 218 shots on the year, which ranks fourth-worst in the league. If Forward Madison’s strikers can get the offense going through quick counterattacks and efficient passing, the ‘Mingos should be able to record at least a couple of goals.
Forward Madison heads into Wednesday’s match with their offense hitting a slump. Before the match against Union Omaha on July 26th, the Flamingos had scored at least two goals in their prior seven matches. Including the Omaha game, the Pink and Blue have only scored only one goal in its last three games. Rojay Smith has been a main force of offense, scoring two goals in the last four games for Forward Madison. If Rojay Smith and the rest of the FMFC strikers are able to get shots on goal, the offense should have no problem getting back into its rhythm of scoring at least two goals a game.
Keys to the Match
- Score Early and Often – North Carolina FC has been one of the worst defensive teams this season, currently they’ve allowed the second-most goals conceded in the league. If Forward Madison can score early and grab a lead, the ‘Mingos should have no problem shutting down a North Carolina offense that’s recorded the second-lowest number of shots in the league.
- Prevent Quality Chances – While North Carolina’s offense has struggled recording shots throughout the season, the squad has managed to possess one of the highest conversion rates in the league (17%). If the Flamingos can limit the number of quality chances NCFC takes then they should have no problem slowing down the North Carolina attack. Expect coach Matt Glaeser to have his team ready to prevent the number of quality chances North Carolina takes.
Previous and Next Match
Forward Madison heads into Wednesday’s match after a 0-0 draw against the Independence on Friday. The Flamingos’ next match will be against the Chattanooga Red Wolves on August 13th.
North Carolina FC will battle Madison, following a 3-2 loss to the Richmond Kickers on July 27th. After taking on the ‘Mingos, North Carolina will challenge Central Valley Fuego on August 13th.
