SNAPSHOT: MAD v POR
- Saturday, August 22
- 7:00 PM CST Kickoff
- Breese Stevens Field
WATCH LIVE:
- Stream here – ESPN+
- In-game updates: @ForwardMadisonFC
USL League One Record
MAD: 12-5-3
CLT: 13-4-3
SETTING THE SCENE
Forward Madison FC returns to Breese Stevens Field Saturday, looking to build on a 2-1 road win over Portland Hearts of Pine. The Flamingos remain in third place in the USL League One standings, and will face second-place Charlotte Independence in a top-three clash for Back to School Night.
LAST MATCH RECAP – MAD v POR
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.
KEYS TO THE MATCH PRESENTED BY THE BURISH GROUP AT UBS
Check out the UBS Keys to the Match as the Mingos take on Charlotte Independence:
- Set-Piece Specialists: Forward Madison has made dead-ball situations a major part of its attack, leading the league in goals from set pieces. The ‘Mingos will look to keep that edge against Charlotte Independence and turn another set piece into a scoring opportunity.
- Carmichael Keeps Creating: Ryan Carmichael has been one of the league’s most dangerous finishers, ranking third in USL League One in goals. After another goal in Portland, Carmichael will look to keep finding the back of the net.
- Climb the Table: The Flamingos sit third in USL League One, while Charlotte sits second. With the two teams battling near the top of the table, three points could make a major difference in the standings.
