Saturday, April 8th, 2023; 2:00 p.m. CT
Location: Toyota Stadium, Georgetown, KY
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The second match of Forward Madison’s USL League One season occurs this Saturday, April 8th against newcomer Lexington SC. The Flamingos will travel to Georgetown, Kentucky to play at Toyota Stadium, the primary home of Georgetown College.
FMFC began the 2023 campaign with a 1-1 draw in Omaha against rivals Union Omaha. Christian Chaney scored the lone goal for the Flamingos, earning Goal of the Week honors in the process. Both Chaney and Derek Gebhard received USL League One Team of the Week honors for their efforts in the draw.
Lexington SC have struggled out of the gate this season, falling 2-1 to both Knoxville and North Carolina. Former Forward Madison player Don Smart scored the first-ever goal in Lexington history.
After the trip to Lexington, FMFC travels back to historic Breese Stevens Field for two matches the week of April 10th. The first matchup is against Chicago House AC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup 2nd Round on Tuesday, April 11th at 6pm. On Saturday, April 15th, Forward Madison will host their Home Opener in USL League One play against Greenville Triumph SC at 6pm.
Coaches and USL League One 2022 Records:
Lexington SC (0-2-0)
Head Coach: Sam Stockley
Forward Madison FC (0-0-1)
Head Coach: Matt Glaeser
Key Players to Watch:
Forward Madison
Derek Gebhard: The Derek Gebhard Experience was on full display in Omaha in the season opener. The FMFC winger had a 91% passing accuracy percentage in the opponent’s half, leading to multiple chances at goal. The third-year Gebhard looks to build on his Team of the Week performance by spurring the FMFC attack in Lexington.
Mitch Osmond: The FMFC captain got off to a hot start in Omaha, leading the back line to a solid first performance in 2023. Osmond won 8 duels in the match, including 4 aerial duels. His height and leadership will be key to three points on the road in Lexington.
Nazeem Bartman: Bartman was a post hit away from opening his USL League One scoring account for the 2023 season. Bartman played off of Chaney well in the first match of the season and will look to be the link between the midfield and the FMFC attack in Lexington. Look for him to come out aggressive and put the ‘Mingos in front early in the match.
Key Match Up:
Forward Madison FC vs Lexington Attacks
If there’s one learning from the first couple matches of the USL League One season it’s that both Lexington and Forward Madison can score. Between Chaney, Jayden Onen, and Gebhard on the Flamingos and Don Smart, Khalid Balogun, and Charlie Machell on Lexington, goals will be up for grabs on Saturday. The match may come down to which squad can be more clinical in front of goal. FMFC will have to improve on their efficiency in front of the net, but the chances will be there.
Keys to the Match:
- Set Piece Defense – The only goal conceded for FMFC in Omaha was off of a set piece, with a header by the Owls into the back of the net. Mitch Osmond and the defensive line will look to make strides in defending Lexington inside the final third, careful to not give up needless free kicks.
- Score Often, Score Early- After beginning the season with two consecutive losses, Lexington have their sights set on getting off to a fast start against the Flamingos. If FMFC can score early and take the crowd out of the match, it will be a step in the right direction for gaining three big points on the road.
Previous and Next Match:
Forward Madison FC will open up their 2023 home match slate on Tuesday, April 11th in the U.S. Open Cup against Chicago House AC. The Flamingos open up their USL League One home schedule on Saturday, April 15th when they take on Greenville Triumph at 6pm CT.
Following their matchup against FMFC, Lexington will host USL League One 2022 champions, South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, April 15th.
