MATCH PREVIEW: FORWARD MADISON FC VS. SOUTH GEORGIA TORMENTA FC
SNAPSHOT: #MADvTRM
- Saturday, March 16, 2024
- 6:30pm CT kickoff
- Tormenta Stadium – Statesboro, Georgia
FOLLOW LIVE
- FMFC Watch Party presented by Modelo
- Streaming Video: ESPN+
- In-game updates: @ForwardMSNFC
- Stats: MADvTRM Match Center at uslleagueone.com
USL LEAGUE ONE RECORDS
MAD: 0-0-0
TRM: 0-1-0
SETTING THE SCENE:
Forward Madison FC kicks off its 2024 season in Georgia on Saturday, March 13th. FMFC will begin its sixth season against South Georgia Tormenta FC at 6:30 pm CT. Tormenta recorded a 1-2 loss in its season opener last week against Central Valley Fuego FC, and the ‘Mingos will give Tormenta their second loss of the season.
HISTORY VS. TORMENTA
FMFC and Tormenta have faced each other six times since 2022, and the ‘Mingos are 2-3-1 in the series. Last season, Tormenta had two four-goal games against Forward, proving to be their kryptonite. However, four out of the eight goals scored against Forward in 2023 were by forward, Kazaiah Sterling, who signed with USL Championship squad, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, during the offseason.
‘MINGOS PRESEASON RECAP
This preseason, Forward Madison retained a club-high 12 players from the 2023 squad, such as leading goal scorer Christian Chaney, captain Mitch Osmond, and All League Second Team defender, Jake Crull.
To fill the gaps, Forward Madison’s coaching staff focused on finding goalscorers and consistent depth. The team signed former Championship talent and League One veterans, Ferrety Sousa and Juan Galindrez, as well as midfield threats such as Devin Boyce and Jimmie Villalobos to bring some new flare to the Madison attack.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
With a core group returning from last year, look for the ‘Mingos to play with confidence and chemistry, despite it being the first match of the season. Players like Derek Gebhard and Stephen Payne will help control the wings, while leadership from goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann will be crucial to establish at the beginning of the season.
Keep an eye out for the dynamic attacks between forwards Christian Chaney and Juan Galindrez, as both will be competing to see who scores first for the pink and blue.
NEXT MATCH:
The Flamingos will host the first round of the Lamar Hunt US Open on Tuesday, March 19th at historic Breese Stevens Field. They’ll face border rivals Duluth FC, who compete in the National Premier Soccer League. Kickoff is at 6pm CT and tickets to the match can be purchased here.
