Forward Madison Come Up Short In The Second Round Of U.S. Open Cup
The ‘Minogs are rendered scoreless in 0-2 loss against Chicago Fire II
Lineup Notes
MAD: #2 Chilaka, #5 Mehl, #6 Murphy Jr, #7 Prentice, #10 Mesias (Villalobos, 61’), #14 Cichero (Galindrez, 22’) , #16 Crull, #20 Davila (Gebhard, 61’), #22 Payne (Sousa, 61’), #24 Bartman (Fuderer, 88’), #99 Sanchez
Subs not used: Schipmann, Osmond
CHI: #70 Los, #54 Rochester, #43 Shannon, #16 Omsberg (Hency, 45’), #42 Konincks, #37 Casas (Blake, 66’), #35 Oregel (Karo, 85’), #48 Poreba, #55 Glasgow, #50 Koffi (Shokalook, 66’), #45 Osorio (Calle, 92’)
Subs not used: Cupps, Dowd
Match Action
Rain came down in the windy city of Chicago as the match kicked off. Chicago Fire II put high pressure on Forward, instantly putting the home team on the offense. In the 11th minute, Chicago’s David Poreba finished off a bobble from FMFC goalkeeper, Martin Sanchez, putting his team up early 1-0.
As the first half continued, Forward attempted to build offensive momentum, but Chicago’s defense held strong, denying most chances in the final third. In the 25th minute, Chicago had a long shot on goal off a counterattack, but it just hit the crossbar to bounce out of danger.
Chicago stayed aggressive, causing issues for Forward both offensively and physically, but Forward was able to find its groove towards the end of the half. However, after two minutes of extra time, both sides went into the dry locker rooms, with the ‘Mingos down one.
The rain started coming down harder and wind picked up to start the second half. Forward began with a bit of momentum, but the weather conditions continued to cause issues and disrupt final passes. In the 54th minute, Sanchez made a huge save off a Chicago long shot to keep the pink and blue in the game.
In the 61st minute, Forward made a few offensive changes in an attempt to knock the ball in the net. Substitute Derek Gebhard instantly made an impact and in the 72’ he rifled the ball just wide of the net to give Forward one of their closest looks on frame.
As time winded down, legs started getting tired for the ‘Mingos. In the 90th minute, Chicago sprung a quick counterattack with numbers up on Forward. Jason Shokalook slotted the ball past Sanchez to put his team up 2-0 and secure the win. At the final whistle, the score was 2-0 in favor of Fire, knocking Forward out of the Open Cup.
Goal Summary
0-1 CHI – Poreba (11’)
0-2 CHI – Shokalook (90’)
Disciplinary Summary
Yellow, CHI – Osorio (23’)
Yellow, MAD – Mehl (68’)
Yellow, MAD – Sousa (74’)
Yellow, CHI – Shookalook (79’)
Yellow, MAD – Oregal (84’)
Yellow, CHI – Glasgow (95’)
Next Match
Next up, FMFC will play its regular season Home Opener on Saturday, April 13th at historic Breese Stevens Field. Kickoff will be at 6pm CT and tickets to the match can still be purchased here. The club will be celebrating its beloved mascot, Lionela Bessi, and her retirement at the match, as well.
