FLAMINGOS’ RESILIENCE SHINES IN SCORELESS STALEMATE WITH ONE KNOXVILLE
The Hard-Earned Point Secures a Home Playoff Match for Forward Madison FC
Lineup Notes
MAD: #1 Schipmann, #4 Osmond, #5 Mehl, #6 Murphy Jr., #7 Prentice (73′ Cichero), #8 Boyce (83′ Dieye), #12 McLaughlin (72′ Dávila), #16 Crull, #17 Gebhard, #19 Galindrez, #22 Payne (83′ Sousa)
Subs not used: #2 Chilaka, #99 Sanchez
KNX: #3 Haugli, #4 Skelton, #5 Crisler, #8 Kelly-Rosales (69′ Thomas), #10 Tekiela, #12 Johnson, #13 Fernández, #17 Ballard (51′ Ross), #22 Ritchie (81′ Castro), #91 Calixtro (69′ Zarokostas)
Subs not used: #6 van der Pluijm, #40 O’Hearn, #45 Adjei
Match Action
In a tightly contested match, Forward Madison and One Knoxville played out a goalless draw at Breese Stevens Field. Both teams had their share of opportunities, but neither side could find the breakthrough despite numerous attempts on goal. The contest featured strong defensive efforts from both teams, and key saves from the goalkeepers kept the scoreline intact.
Forward Madison’s Jacob Crull highlighted the team’s determination, saying, “We need to stay focused and play our game. We know we have the talent to create chances, but it’s about executing in those critical moments.” The match began with a fast tempo as Forward Madison looked to assert their dominance early. An early chance came from Garrett McLaughlin, whose header in the 13th minute was narrowly off-target. Knoxville’s defense, led by captain Jordan Skelton and Johan Garibay in goal, managed to hold firm against several dangerous attacks, including a well-placed cross from Wolfgang Prentice that was met by McLaughlin but failed to convert.
Knoxville had their moments as well, with Kempes Tekiela leading the charge. In the 36th minute, Tekiela’s left-footed shot from outside the box tested Forward Madison’s keeper, Bernd Schipmann, but the shot was saved in the top center of the goal. Giovanni Calixtro also made his presence felt, particularly in the 32nd minute when he received a yellow card for a rough challenge, which marked a shift in the match’s intensity.
As the second half progressed, Forward Madison continued to press, with Derek Gebhard and John Murphy Jr. creating key opportunities. A flurry of chances in the 79th minute saw Murphy, Galindrez, and Gebhard all force Garibay into making crucial saves. Gebhard’s right-footed shot from the center of the box, following an assist from Crull, went just over the bar, leaving Forward Madison still searching for a breakthrough.
Late in the game, substitutions from both sides aimed to add fresh legs and energy. For Forward Madison, Cherif Dieye and Mauro Cichero were brought on in the 83rd minute to push for a late goal, but One Knoxville’s defense remained resolute. Knoxville introduced Rodolfo Castro and Stavros Zarokostas, who brought a new dynamic, but ultimately, they couldn’t break through Forward Madison’s organized backline, anchored by Osmond and Mehl.
Despite the late pressure and several near-misses, the game ended 0-0, with each side earning a hard-fought point. The draw grants Forward Madison a top four playoff spot and ensures they will host their first-ever playoff match at Breese Stevens Field. Coach Matt Glaeser remarked on the match, saying, “I didn’t think it was our best night, but that happens sometimes… overall, it’s been a good body of work for us this year, and we’re happy to clinch a home playoff game for the first time in the history of the club.” He further emphasized the importance of their home advantage, stating, “We’ve lost one game at home this season, so we’re very confident… the crowd brings a lot of energy.” Tickets are now on sale for Forward Madison’s playoff match on November 2nd at 6pm CT at Breese Stevens Field.
Goal Summary
HT MAD 0-0 KNX
FT MAD 0-0 KNX
Disciplinary Summary
Yellow, KNX – Calixtro (32’)
Yellow, MAD – Boyce (48’)
Yellow, MAD – Prentice (63’)
Yellow, MAD – Cichero (84’)
Yellow, MAD – Dieye (90+4’)
Next Match
Forward Madison FC will play their next match against Northern Colorado Hailstorm on October 26th at 9 PM CT at Future Legends Complex in Windsor, CO. Fans are invited to join a watch party in the Forward Club at Breese Stevens Field. Doors to the watch party will open at 8 PM CT, and drinks will be available for purchase at the Forward Club bar. Don’t miss this opportunity to cheer on the Flamingos as they take on Northern Colorado Hailstorm! RSVP to the watch party HERE.
About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019 and 2023, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.