MATCH PREVIEW: FORWARD MADISON FC VS. DULUTH FC
SNAPSHOT: Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Round One
- Tuesday, March 19, 2024
- 6:00pm CT kickoff
- Breese Stevens Field – Madison, Wisconsin
FOLLOW LIVE
- Match Tickets
- Streaming Video: ussoccer.com, USLsoccer.com, and MLSSoccer.com
- In-game updates: @ForwardMSNFC
SETTING THE SCENE
Forward Madison FC hosts National Premier Soccer League squad, Duluth FC, in the first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, March 19th. This year is the 109th edition of the US Open Cup, which is the longest, ongoing national soccer competition in the United States. The two sides will face off for the first time at 6pm CT at Breese Stevens Field.
HISTORY IN THE OPEN CUP
This will be Forward’s fourth appearance in the Open Cup. In 2019, they were eliminated in the third round after losing 1-3 to USL Championship squad, Saint Louis FC (dissolved in 2020). After a two-year gap due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ‘Mingos hosted Minnesota United FC from the MLS at Breese Stevens Field in the third round, but were knocked out after losing 0-2. Last season, FMFC disappointingly exited the tournament in the second round to Chicago House AC, and will look to avenge themselves this year.
‘MINGOS SEASON OPENER RECAP
On Saturday, the ‘Mingos played their season opener in Georgia, taking home one point from a 1-1 draw with South Georgia Tormenta. It was a promising start for Forward and a noticeable difference in their attacking formation. The boys had 19 shots during the match and were able to string together a few strong possessions. new players cemented their roles on the established roster of returners and will be exciting to watch once the season gets rolling.
Tormenta scored the tying goal in the 96th minute of the match, which disappointingly lost the ‘Mingos two additional points and an early spot at the top of the table. Overall, holes from last season seemed to be filled this offseason, as evident by the attacking presence of Devin Boyce and Juan Gallindrez.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
After playing a game this last weekend, plus another League match coming up this weekend, look for the ‘Mingos to be strategic on Tuesday. Conserving energy and legs will be key to not only advance in the tournament, but to finish with points early in the USL League One season.
NEXT MATCH:
The Flamingos travel to South Carolina to face Greenville Triumph on Saturday, March 23rd. Catch the match on ESPN+ or stop by the Forward Club for the FMFC Watch Party presented by Coors Light. Doors open at 5pm with the match kicking off at 6pm. RSVP here.
