Saturday, April 29th, 2023; 5:00 p.m. CT
Location: Breese Stevens Field, Madison, WI
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live match updates
After defeating UW-Madison in the Battle for Madison this past Saturday, Forward Madison round out the month of April at home against a red hot Charlotte Independence squad. Neither team has lost in USL League One play thus far, with Charlotte leading the league in points in the early season.
Forward Madison’s last USL League match came back on April 15th with a resounding 4-1 victory in the Home Opener against Greenville Triumph. Charlotte’s last action was a 1-0 win against Central Valley Fuego on April 22nd.
FMFC and Charlotte met three times in 2022, with Charlotte winning twice and drawing once. Forward Madison will look to continue their solid start with a win at home on Saturday.
Coaches and USL League One 2022 Records:
Forward Madison FC (1-0-2)
Head Coach: Matt Glaeser
Charlotte Independence (3-0-3)
Head Coach: Mike Jeffries
Key Players to Watch:
Forward Madison
Christian Chaney: FMFC’s big offseason signing has come up big with two goals in three USL League One matches to start the season. The key to Chaney’s success has been his ability to score from the left and right. It’s an even split from both sides thus far this season for the FMFC striker. Against a formidable Charlotte defense, look for Chaney to convert on the chances that fall to his feet.
Aiden Mesias: With Jayden Onen out for this match due to a red card in the Home Opener, look for Mesias to take a step up to provide attacking service. Mesias has a 81.5% passing accuracy percentage this season alongside a staggering 94.7% passing accuracy percentage in the opponent’s half. With Saturday’s match being so even, it very well may come down to who can control the pace of play and create the most attacking chances. Mesias will look to play his role in getting a big three points for FMFC.
Bernd Schipmann: Coming off of back-to-back USL League One Team of the Week honors, Schipmann has come up in massive moments for the Flamingos early on in 2023. His penalty save against Greenville led to a counterattack goal that changes the complexion of the match. He will be tested against a strong attack from Charlotte.
Key Match Up:
Mitch Osmond vs Gabriel Obertan
Obertan was a thorn in the Flamingos side in 2022, one that FMFC will remember when they take the pitch on Saturday night. Obertan has created the most chances for Charlotte early on this season and often has the tendency to cut inside from his wing position. The matchup of the night will be with Mitch Osmond commanding the FMFC defense to stop Obertan and the Charlotte attack. Look for Osmond to take control early and establish force on the FMFC backline.
Keys to the Match:
- Defensive Solidity: The Forward Madison attack broke out to the tune of 4 goals in the Home Opener against Greenville. Should they find attacking success against Charlotte, it’ll be the FMFC defense that has to hold firm and stop Charlotte’s offense.
- Impact Substitutions: As shown in the Battle for Madison friendly this past Saturday, the second half substitutions made by Matt Glaeser can have a huge role in the outcome of the match. New arrivals Francis Jno-Baptiste and Wolfgang Prentice have impressed thus far, see if they play a big role in the result against Charlotte.
- Counter Attacking- FMFC showed their ability to counter fast and score against the run of play in multiple instances this season. The likes of Derek Gebhard, Christian Chaney, and Mauro Cichero have the ability to fly up the pitch and score quickly, look for the trio to link up against Charlotte.
Previous and Next Match:
Previously, FMFC won the Battle for Madison against the UW-Madison men’s soccer team 3-2 on Saturday, April 22nd. Next up, Forward Madison travels to Knoxville to match up against USL League One newcomers One Knoxville on Wednesday, May 3rd at 6pm CT.
