Forward Madison Get Their First Three Points in the Jägermeister Cup
Derek Gebhard scores the game-winning goal for the ‘Mingos against Charlotte Independence
Lineup Notes
MAD: #1 Schipmann, #4 Osmond, #5 Mehl (57’ Chilaka), #7 Prentice, #8 Boyce, #9 Chaney (84’ Galindrez), #10 Mesias, #16 Crull, #21 Villalobos (75’ Murphy Jr.), #22 Payne, #24 Bartman (76’ Gebhard)
Subs not used: Sanchez, Dieye, Sousa
CLT: #1 Pack, #2 Ngah (26’ Sorenson), #3 Roberts II, #4 Spielman, #7 Djedje, #9 Belmar (82’ Obara), #11 Mbuyu (45’ Alvarez), #17 Dimick, #27 Ndiaye (62’ Ciss), #29 Obregón Jr., #56 Obertan (82’ Pilato)
Subs not used: Levy, Akyeampong, Gray, Behrmann
Match Action
From the first whistle, it was a dominant start for Forward Madison. Two minutes in, defender Jacob Crull passes a ball into the box to forward, Christian Chaney. Chaney took a touch around his defender and slotted the ball into the far corner of the net to give his squad the early lead.
Charlotte tried regaining momentum, putting a couple of dangerous shots on frame, but Forward’s defense stayed strong, keeping the lead at one. Charlotte made an early sub due to injury, but both sides continued to press.
In the 43rd minute, FMFC received a free kick just outside the box. Midfielder Devin Boyce stepped up to take the kick and curled it to the back post, but Charlotte goalkeeper, Austin Pack, deflected it away to keep his team within one heading into halftime.
Charlotte came out strong in the second half, determined to equalize. Forward’s goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann and his backline made a few crucial saves to keep the game in their favor. However, in the 64th minute, Charlotte won a free kick just outside the box. Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. took the kick and buried it into the back post to level the game, 1-1.
Both sides made a few substitutions to add to their offensive strides. FMFC substitute Derek Gebhard came on in the 76th minute, and only a few short minutes later, he found himself wide open in the box. Chaney played a ball across the face of the net to Gebhard, who had enough time and space to take a touch and slot it in with ease. The ‘Mingos were up 2-1 with 10 minutes left of the match.
Despite a few last-minute opportunities by Charlotte, the away team stayed strong defensively. After five minutes of stoppage time, the final whistle blew and Forward Madison went away with their first win of the Jägermeister Cup.
Goal Summary
1-0 MAD – Chaney (2’)
1-1 MAD – Obregón Jr (64’)
2-1 MAD – Gebhard (79’)
Disciplinary Summary
Yellow, CLT – Sorenson (42’)
Yellow, MAD – Crull (71’)
Yellow, CLT – Djedje (75’)
Yellow, MAD – Murphy Jr. (85’)
Yellow, MAD – Mesias (90+1’)
Post Match Reaction
“It was a fantastic effort from the group on the road against a good opponent,” said Head Coach Matt Glaeser. “We were hungry for another win and the substitutions again came on and impacted the match. It was kind of a crazy week with the travel and midweek postponement but credit to the players for staying focused and approaching the game in the right way.”
“It was a great fight until the end from the boys,” said forward Derek Gebhard. “I’m happy to get a goal and it was a great unselfish play from (Christian) Chaney to find me in the box. Really proud of the boys — it was a great team win!”
Mingo of the Match
Next Match
Next up, FMFC finishes their three-game road streak in Spokane for their first-ever matchup against Spokane Velocity. The match kicks off on Sunday, May 19th at 5pm CT. Fans can watch the match on ESPN+ or in the Forward Club for the FMFC Watch Party, presented by Summer Shandy. Doors open at 4pm and drinks will be available to purchase.
