Forward Madison Falls In First Jägermeister Cup Match
FMFC unable to rally back after last-minute goal by Lexington SC.
Lineup Notes
MAD: #1 Schipmann, #2 Chilaka, #4 Osmond, #8 Boyce (84’ Galindrez), #9 Chaney (67’ Bartman), #10 Mesias, #16 Crull, #17 Gebhard, #20 Davila (67’ Dieye), #21 Villalobos (89’ Murphy Jr), #22 Payne
Subs not used: Sanchez, Sousa, Prentice
LEX: #13 Knight, #21 Lue Young, #20 Chica, #5 Fox, #12 Corrales, #10 Onen (90+1’ Ackon), #8 Yankam, #6 Caputo, #2 Robertson, #9 Liadi ( 16’ Balogun) (73’ Diouf), #77 Brown (73’ Cano)
Subs not used: Causey, Cerritos, Mane
Match Action
It was a sunny afternoon in Georgetown, Kentucky when the Jägermeister Cup started. Lexington came out strong, having their first look on goal in the fourth minute of the match off of a breakaway. However, as the game carried on, Forward gained more possession and were able to find their footing.
In the tenth minute, midfielder Derek Gebhard dribbled past Lexington defenders towards the end line and attempted a near post shot on goal but was saved by Lexington’s keeper. Later in the 24th minute, Gebhard had another look on a wide-open net after defender Stephen Payne played a perfect ball across the 18-yard box. Both teams struggled to create dangerous looks in the final third, and the half ended scoreless.
No substitutions were made in the second half for either side as they looked to break the tie. In the 53rd minute, Lexington’s Tate Robertson was given a red card to put his side down a player for the remainder of the game. Forward began to press higher, but Lexington’s defense stayed composed.
In the 66th minute, FMFC midfielder Aiden Mesias ripped a shot from outside the box but skied over the crossbar. It was the ‘Mingos first real chance at goal in the second half. Forward made a few subs in the 67th minute, bringing on strikers Nazeem Bartman and Cherif Dieye toad to the offensive attack.
As the half went on, both sides remained scoreless. In the 87th minute, Lexington player Yannick Yankam received his second yellow card of the night to put the home team down two players with short time left in the match. Twelve minutes of stoppage time was indicated by the referees, and as time dwindled down, a penalty shootout was destined.
However, in the 94th minute, Lexington managed to score off of a free kick, with a header from Kaelon Fox, to go up 1-0. The ‘Mingos tried to even the score but were not successful, and the match ended in favor of Lexington SC.
Goal Summary
0-1 LEX – 90+4’ Fox
Disciplinary Summary
Yellow, MAD – Mesias (20’)
Yellow, MAD – Chilaka (28’)
Yellow, LEX– Onen (40+4’)
Yellow, MAD – Boyce (53’)
Red, LEX – Robertson (53’)
Yellow, LEX – Yankam (79’)
Second Yellow, LEX – Yankam (87’)
Yellow, MAD – Crull (90+3’)
Post Match Reaction
“I thought the guys did a good job of carrying out the intended game plan for large portions of the game,” said Assistant Coach Neil Hlavaty. “We looked comfortable and created some good chances, but in the end, Lexington did well to capitalize on one of our mistakes. It was a good game of football between two quality teams, and we will learn from it and be ready for Greenville next week.”
“We dominated the game and had an all around performance, but in the crucial moments, we didn’t execute,” said defender Stephen Payne. “We owe it to ourselves and this club to start rewarding ourselves with wins.”
“We’re very disappointed of the result, but it felt very good to be on the field,” said newcomer Cherif Dieye. “I’m looking to improve and get used to the team’s system, which will come with time, but overall it was a pleasant feeling.”
Next Match
Next up, FMFC will play a regular-season League match against Greenville Triumph at Breese Stevens Field. The match will kickoff on Saturday, May 4th at 6pm CT. Tickets are still available here.
