Karamoko and Carmichael find the back of the net to secure three points
Lineup Notes
MAD: #1 Harms, #3 Edwards, #4 McCamy (#57 Augee), #5 Shannon, #6 Kanyane (#23 Munjoma), #7 Bolma (#11 N’goubou), #9 R. Carmichael, #12 Torres, #20 K. Carmichael, #21 Karamoko (#14 Annor Gyamfi), #24 Forbes
SUBS: #19 Manske, #24 Forbes
POR: #1 Morse, #6 Mohamed, #22 Evans, #66 Green, #26 Hata, #10 Wright, #8 Poon-Angeron (#5 Lopez), #98 Kidd (#35 Huck), #21 Georgallides (#11 Kamara), #16 Gonzalez, #9 Camera (#24 Rodriguez Gentile)
SUBS: #23 Oladapo, #44 Faye, #2 Jones-Riley
Match Action
MADISON, Wis. — Forward Madison FC secured three points on the road Sunday, defeating Portland Hearts of Pine 2-1. The Flamingos built a two-goal lead with Hakim Karamoko and Ryan Carmichael finding the back of the net before Portland pulled one back late, but Madison’s defense held strong to secure the win.
The match opened with both sides trading possession and chances, with Madison playing with quickness and intensity, while maintaining strong control in its passing. JT Harms made an important save in the 11th minute to keep Portland off the board, while Collin McCamy and the Madison back line made several key defensive plays to limit the hosts.
Forward Madison broke through in the 21st minute when Josh Bolma delivered a dangerous ball into the box, allowing Hakim Karamoko to power a header past the Portland goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead. Shortly after, Madison had a chance to double its advantage from the penalty spot when Karamoko was brought down from behind, but the Portland goalkeeper made the save. Madison’s defense stood strong through the closing minutes of the half, allowing the Flamingos to take their 1-0 lead into halftime.
Madison nearly doubled its lead early in the second half when Roman Torres found Kerfalla Toure for a header that was saved by the Portland goalkeeper. The Flamingos continued to create chances before Ryan Carmichael doubled the lead in the 57th minute. Carmichael stepped up for a free kick from distance and unleashed a powerful strike into the back of the net, putting Madison ahead 2-0.
The Flamingos continued to threaten, with Torres testing the Portland goalkeeper and Kevin Carmichael having a header cleared off the line. Portland pulled one back in the 86th minute, scoring from a distance. However, Harms and the Madison defense remained composed as the Flamingos managed the final minutes and protected their lead.
Madison closed out the match to earn a 2-1 road victory and return home with all three points.
“It’s a good feeling to score and help the team get three points. It was a hard-fought game, but I thought we did a great job staying composed and working for each other,” said Ryan Carmichael after his long-range free-kick goal helped seal Madison’s victory.
Goal Summary
0-1 MAD (21’) — #21 Karamoko
0-2 MAD (57’) — #9 R. Carmichael
1-2 POR (86’) — #16 Gonzalez
Disciplinary Summary
(4’) POR #10 Wright — Yellow Card
(10’) POR #98 Kidd — Yellow Card
(35’) MAD #5 Shannon — Yellow Card
(71’) POR #24 Rodriguez Gentile — Yellow Card
(81’) POR #11 Kamara — Red Card
(85’) MAD #24 Annor Gyamfi— Yellow Card
(90’+4) MAD #33 Toure— Yellow Card
Next Match
Forward Madison FC returns to Breese Stevens Field on Saturday, Aug. 22, to take on Charlotte Independence at 7 p.m. CT for Back to School Night. The Flamingos will look to build on their road victory over Portland and continue their strong run at home in front of the loyal Flock. Fans can support the Club by purchasing single-game tickets or season tickets, or by shopping at the team’s Merch Store!
