Forward Madison FC Victorious in Madison Against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

A last-minute goal from Stephen Payne helps the Flamingos move up into 2nd place

MADISON, WI: Forward Madison FC returned home to historic Breese Stevens Field to play Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Wednesday, August 9th, at 7pm CT. This was the first match of a quick two-game home stretch before FMFC goes on the road for three weeks. It was Believe Night at the stadium, where fans dressed up as their favorite fictional soccer coach.

Forward Madison FC started the match composed, slowly building possession throughout the half. Both squads defended aggressively, with much of the possession in the middle of the pitch. It wasn’t until the 31st minute that either team saw a goal-scoring opportunity. FMFC crossed a ball into the box, where midfielder Jayden Onen connected, but hit the right post. On the rebound, Onen and midfielder Derek Gebhard attempted to get another shot on goal, but the Chattanooga goalkeeper kept it out with one hand to keep the score level at zero. The half ended after five minutes of stoppage time, with both teams going into the locker room tied 0-0.

The second half kicked off with Forward Madison FC continuing to dominate possession and build in the final third. FMFC made a substitution in the 63rd minute, bringing on lead goal-scorer Christian Chaney in hopes of igniting the offense. In the 73rd minute, Pierre da Silva made his Forward Madison debut in front of a crowd of 4,125. As the end neared, the match stayed tight with both teams looking for a golden opportunity to take home three points. In the 90th minute, Onen played a ball across the pitch to midfielder Stephen Payne, who took a few touches and slotted his shot into the back corner. The stadium erupted from the late go-ahead goal, putting the ‘Mingos up 1-0. A couple of corners from Chattanooga were defended well by FMFC and the match ended 1-0 in favor of the home side.

“I thought we were disciplined tonight and didn’t concede many opportunities,” FMFC Head Coach Matt Glaeser said. “I’m pleased to get the win tonight and the guys are feeling good.”

“We don’t want the highs to get too high and the lows to get too low,” Glaeser continued. “We’re going to turn around and try to get another win on Saturday.”

“We knew that it could take ninety minutes tonight and we didn’t get frustrated,” FMFC goalscorer Stephen Payne said. “We just had to stay focused and we got our opportunity.”

“We want to keep this winning streak alive,” FMFC goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann said. “We need to keep defending like animals and score goals like tonight.”

Next up, Forward Madison FC stays in Madison to play One Knoxville SC on August 12th at 7pm. Tickets for that match are available here.

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Forward Madison FC Lineup:

#4 Osmond

#5 Mehl

#10 Onen

#14 Cichero

#16 Crull

#17 Gebhard

#22 Payne

#23 Mesias

#24 Bartman