Lineup Notes
MAD: #19 Manske, #50 Goumballe, #48 Edlund, #51 Kigeya, #44 Dryden, #88 Swallen, #58 Hodgson, #77 Akale, #13 Kamara, #11 Corrigan, #49 Ineh, #99 Flores, #18 Obcoma, #37 Le Comte, #25 Okonkwo, #33 Khadive, #60 Walz, #56 Raskevicius, #22 Sanchez
Match Action
MADISON, Wis. — International soccer took center stage at Breese Stevens Field on Wednesday night as a Forward Madison XI featuring FMFC trialists and Academy players welcomed FC Juárez U21 to Madison for a special exhibition match. This match offered a valuable opportunity for Forward Madison’s coaching staff to evaluate emerging talent, including Academy players Davis Obcena, Sebastian Raskevicius and Martín Sanchez, who received a special opportunity to make their professional match debut alongside the Flamingos and compete against one of Mexico’s top clubs.
The young Flamingos wasted no time making their mark. They came out on the front foot, earning a dangerous free kick in the attacking third just three minutes into the match. Madison continued to build momentum, with a strong slide tackle in the 11th minute helping turn possession toward the Juárez goal. The pressure paid off in the 13th minute. After Kigeya’s initial attempt was not cleanly handled by the Juárez goalkeeper, Kigeya stayed with the play, recovered the ball and fired his second attempt into the back of the net to give Madison the early lead.
Madison continued to create chances throughout the first half, but Juárez came out stronger after the break. The Flamingos’ young squad continued to battle, recording back-to-back blocks in the 77th minute before Kevin Flores came up with consecutive saves in the 80th and 83rd minutes, but Juárez eventually took the lead in the 84th minute.
Beyond the action on the field, the exhibition provided a celebration of Mexican culture and international soccer. Fans enjoyed a mariachi performance, the Mexican National Anthem and Mexican folk dancers throughout the evening.
While the result fell in favor of Juárez, the night was about much more than the scoreboard. For Madison’s Academy players, it was an opportunity to experience the next level and a glimpse at the future of Forward Madison.
Next Match
Forward Madison FC hits the road to face the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, Aug. 29, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. CT. Fans can support the Club by purchasing single-game tickets or season tickets, or by shopping at the team’s Merch Store!
About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were USL League One playoff teams in 2019 and 2023 and have made an international name for themselves as 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.
