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Coming off its longest road trip of the season, Forward Madison FC couldn't hold on in a 1-1 draw with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC in front of 4,442 at Breese Stevens Field on Saturday night. Despite an electric crowd and an early goal from FMFC captain Connor Tobin, the Flamingos conceded late, and left with just one point.

The Red Wolves waited until the 77th minute to put their first shot on target, and in a stroke of misfortune for FMFC, it went into the back of the net. According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, his team should have taken care of business earlier.

“We had plenty of chances in the first half to put the game away,” Shore said. “We’re up 1-0, you know, a couple more chances to get the second goal – we don’t. And then in the second half we come out and we were just not good enough.”

At the start, though, things were looking good for the Flamingos. FMFC came ready to play, applying heavy pressure to Chattanooga early on and attacking through strong runs from fullback Christian Díaz and striker Abu Danladi, the latter of whom was playing his first game in pink and blue as part of a rehab assignment from Minnesota United FC.

Eventually, the constant Forward pushes led to the opening goal. Winger Danny Tenorio, starting his first game at home, fed Tobin off a corner kick in the 20th minute, and Forward Madison’s captain climbed over the defense to head the ball into the bottom corner. 

The rest of the first half progressed in similar fashion, with the Red Wolves finding few answers for a blazing FMFC attack.

The second half, however, told a different story, as Chattanooga began to control possession and create chances. Although the Flamingo defense held strong well past the hour mark, it was  midfielder Nicholas Amponsah who found space following a free kick in the 77th minute, allowing him to put an equalizing goal past Dayne St. Clair.

Although the ‘Mingos have now gone three straight without a loss at home, the end result went down as a disappointment for Shore, who labeled it as “points dropped.”

“This was a game where we needed to get the full three points,” Shore said. “It’s not over by any means, but this was a game now where, (with) our home games, we’ve got to get full points.”

Up next, Forward Madison will look ahead to its international exhibition against Leones Negros UdeG on Tuesday, July 16 at Breese Stevens Field. Legendary Mexican forward Omar Bravo is set to make a special appearance as a player in the match. Following Tuesday’s game, FMFC will have a rare weekend off before hosting Orlando City B on July 27.

Forward Madison FC
Head Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper- Dayne St. Clair #97
Defender- Carter Manley #2
Defender- Wyatt Omsberg #22
Defender – Connor Tobin #13 (captain) ⚽
Defender- Christian Diaz #27
Midfielder -Eric Leonard #3
Midfielder – J.C. Banks #29
Midfielder – Josiel Nunez #70 YC
Forward- Paulo Jr. #11 (85’- Oliver White #20)
Forward-  Abu Danladi #99 (62’- Don Smart #7)
Forward – Danny Tenorio #10  (71’- Brian Bement #14YC)

Substitutes
GK- Bryan Sylvestre #92
D- Shaun Russell #15
M- Louis Bennett #21
M- Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi #12
F- Don Smart #7
F- Brian Bement #14
F- Oliver White #20

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Head Coach: Tim Hankinson
Goalkeeper – Alex Mangels #24
Defender- Jonathan Caparelli #3
Defender-Nicholas Amponsah #13⚽
Defender – Andrew Kendall-Moullin #16 (90+2’- Josue Soto #8)
Defender – Tony Walls #20YC
Midfielder- Ualefi Dos Reis #7 YC
Midfielder –  Connor Doyle #22
Midfielder- Amirgy Pineda #14 (45’- #15 Yaya Cisse)
Midfielder – Steven Beatttie #10 (captain)YC
Midfielder- Sito Seoane #11
Forward- Eamon Zayed #12 (72’- Vanjel Zguro #6)

Substitutes
GK- Will Dieterich #27
D- Vanjel Zguro #6
M- Alex Jaimes #21 
F- Yaya Cisse #15
F- Josue Soto #8

Goals

Forward Madison FC
20’- Connor Tobin #13 (Danny Tenorio #10)

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
77’- Nicholas Amponsah #13 (Vanjel Zguro #6)

Yellow Cards 

Forward Madison FC
17’- Josiel Nunez #70
73’- Brian Bement #14

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
21’- Ualefi Dos Reis #7
54’- Steven Beattie #10
58’- Tony Walls #20

Referees
Rebecca Pagan
Art Arustamyan
Justin Mack
John Montoya

Venue
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Attendance 
4,442

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 16 vs Leones Negros UdeG. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at:https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Coming off its longest road trip of the season, Forward Madison FC couldn’t hold on in a 1-1 draw with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC in front of 4,442 at Breese Stevens Field on Saturday night. Despite an electric crowd and an early goal from FMFC captain Connor Tobin, the Flamingos conceded late, and left with just one point.

The Red Wolves waited until the 77th minute to put their first shot on target, and in a stroke of misfortune for FMFC, it went into the back of the net. According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, his team should have taken care of business earlier.

“We had plenty of chances in the first half to put the game away,” Shore said. “We’re up 1-0, you know, a couple more chances to get the second goal – we don’t. And then in the second half we come out and we were just not good enough.”

At the start, though, things were looking good for the Flamingos. FMFC came ready to play, applying heavy pressure to Chattanooga early on and attacking through strong runs from fullback Christian Díaz and striker Abu Danladi, the latter of whom was playing his first game in pink and blue as part of a rehab assignment from Minnesota United FC.

Eventually, the constant Forward pushes led to the opening goal. Winger Danny Tenorio, starting his first game at home, fed Tobin off a corner kick in the 20th minute, and Forward Madison’s captain climbed over the defense to head the ball into the bottom corner. 

The rest of the first half progressed in similar fashion, with the Red Wolves finding few answers for a blazing FMFC attack.

The second half, however, told a different story, as Chattanooga began to control possession and create chances. Although the Flamingo defense held strong well past the hour mark, it was  midfielder Nicholas Amponsah who found space following a free kick in the 77th minute, allowing him to put an equalizing goal past Dayne St. Clair.

Although the ‘Mingos have now gone three straight without a loss at home, the end result went down as a disappointment for Shore, who labeled it as “points dropped.”

“This was a game where we needed to get the full three points,” Shore said. “It’s not over by any means, but this was a game now where, (with) our home games, we’ve got to get full points.”

Up next, Forward Madison will look ahead to its international exhibition against Leones Negros UdeG on Tuesday, July 16 at Breese Stevens Field. Legendary Mexican forward Omar Bravo is set to make a special appearance as a player in the match. Following Tuesday’s game, FMFC will have a rare weekend off before hosting Orlando City B on July 27.

Forward Madison FC
Head Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper- Dayne St. Clair #97
Defender- Carter Manley #2
Defender- Wyatt Omsberg #22
Defender – Connor Tobin #13 (captain) ⚽
Defender- Christian Diaz #27
Midfielder -Eric Leonard #3
Midfielder – J.C. Banks #29
Midfielder – Josiel Nunez #70 YC
Forward- Paulo Jr. #11 (85’- Oliver White #20)
Forward-  Abu Danladi #99 (62’- Don Smart #7)
Forward – Danny Tenorio #10  (71’- Brian Bement #14YC)

Substitutes
GK- Bryan Sylvestre #92
D- Shaun Russell #15
M- Louis Bennett #21
M- Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi #12
F- Don Smart #7
F- Brian Bement #14
F- Oliver White #20

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Head Coach: Tim Hankinson
Goalkeeper – Alex Mangels #24
Defender- Jonathan Caparelli #3
Defender-Nicholas Amponsah #13⚽
Defender – Andrew Kendall-Moullin #16 (90+2’- Josue Soto #8)
Defender – Tony Walls #20YC
Midfielder- Ualefi Dos Reis #7 YC
Midfielder –  Connor Doyle #22
Midfielder- Amirgy Pineda #14 (45’- #15 Yaya Cisse)
Midfielder – Steven Beatttie #10 (captain)YC
Midfielder- Sito Seoane #11
Forward- Eamon Zayed #12 (72’- Vanjel Zguro #6)

Substitutes
GK- Will Dieterich #27
D- Vanjel Zguro #6
M- Alex Jaimes #21 
F- Yaya Cisse #15
F- Josue Soto #8

Goals

Forward Madison FC
20’- Connor Tobin #13 (Danny Tenorio #10)

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
77’- Nicholas Amponsah #13 (Vanjel Zguro #6)

Yellow Cards 

Forward Madison FC
17’- Josiel Nunez #70
73’- Brian Bement #14

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
21’- Ualefi Dos Reis #7
54’- Steven Beattie #10
58’- Tony Walls #20

Referees
Rebecca Pagan
Art Arustamyan
Justin Mack
John Montoya

Venue
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Attendance 
4,442

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 16 vs Leones Negros UdeG. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at:https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

USL League One – Game 16
Forward Madison FC vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Saturday, July 13, 2019; 7:00 p.m. CT
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Where to Watch
ESPN+
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates
Keep track of official stats on the USL League One match center

Get your tickets here!

Forward Madison FC has failed to beat Chattanooga Red Wolves in two attempts this year, but on Saturday at 7 p.m., the Flamingos must defeat their Tennessean foes to keep up in the USL League One playoff race. While FMFC took four points from its longest road trip of the season, it returns home five points out of the final playoff spot, which Chattanooga currently occupies.

Although Forward Madison fell 0-1 to the Red Wolves in its inaugural game and drew 2-2 in May, the two teams haven’t yet played each other at Breese Stevens Field, where FMFC supporters lead League One in attendance. According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, those fans provide an advantage that can’t be underestimated.

“They’ve got to come play in our environment,” Shore said. “Breese Stevens Field is probably the best environment in USL League One, so they’re going to come play in front of 4,000-plus fans, and our fans are a big part of what we try to do at home.”

The Flamingos are coming off a disappointing loss on Tuesday in Michigan, having tied and then lost the game in stoppage time during a 2-3 defeat to Lansing. For Shore, Saturday’s match will be a test of how well his team can pick itself back up. 

“We made mistakes, we own up to it, we let ourselves down,” Shore said. “Now we know that Saturday becomes a big game.”

FMFC made substantial lineup changes during that loss, sitting regular starters such as Connor Tobin, Christian Díaz and Paulo Júnior in an effort to keep legs fresh against the Red Wolves. The ‘Mingos will, however, be without the services of midfielder Brandon Eaton, who went down with a non-contact injury during the second half of Tuesday’s game.

Chattanooga, meanwhile, is coming off a 1-1 draw at Orlando City on Wednesday, meaning the Red Wolves have had one less day of rest. Steven Beattie, who ranks second in League One with seven goals, came off at halftime with a head injury, and it is unclear whether or not he will be ready to go on Saturday. According to Shore, the Flamingos will have to be prepared to shut down Chattanooga’s counter-attacks.

“They have a dangerous group of guys in the attack, Shore said. “If we’re not sharp defensively, if we’re not tuned in, then they can get at you and bite you, and you don’t want to be bitten.”

Tickets are still available to Saturday’s game, which Forward Madison is promoting as a celebration of summer, selling Pool Party and Summer Bro ticket packages. Following their match against Chattanooga, the Flamingos will host Leones Negros UdeG in an international exhbition match on Tuesday before returning to Breese Stevens Field to play Orlando City B on July 27.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

USL League One – Game 16
Forward Madison FC vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Saturday, July 13, 2019; 7:00 p.m. CT
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Where to Watch
ESPN+
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates
Keep track of official stats on the USL League One match center

Get your tickets here!

Forward Madison FC has failed to beat Chattanooga Red Wolves in two attempts this year, but on Saturday at 7 p.m., the Flamingos must defeat their Tennessean foes to keep up in the USL League One playoff race. While FMFC took four points from its longest road trip of the season, it returns home five points out of the final playoff spot, which Chattanooga currently occupies.

Although Forward Madison fell 0-1 to the Red Wolves in its inaugural game and drew 2-2 in May, the two teams haven’t yet played each other at Breese Stevens Field, where FMFC supporters lead League One in attendance. According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, those fans provide an advantage that can’t be underestimated.

“They’ve got to come play in our environment,” Shore said. “Breese Stevens Field is probably the best environment in USL League One, so they’re going to come play in front of 4,000-plus fans, and our fans are a big part of what we try to do at home.”

The Flamingos are coming off a disappointing loss on Tuesday in Michigan, having tied and then lost the game in stoppage time during a 2-3 defeat to Lansing. For Shore, Saturday’s match will be a test of how well his team can pick itself back up. 

“We made mistakes, we own up to it, we let ourselves down,” Shore said. “Now we know that Saturday becomes a big game.”

FMFC made substantial lineup changes during that loss, sitting regular starters such as Connor Tobin, Christian Díaz and Paulo Júnior in an effort to keep legs fresh against the Red Wolves. The ‘Mingos will, however, be without the services of midfielder Brandon Eaton, who went down with a non-contact injury during the second half of Tuesday’s game.

Chattanooga, meanwhile, is coming off a 1-1 draw at Orlando City on Wednesday, meaning the Red Wolves have had one less day of rest. Steven Beattie, who ranks second in League One with seven goals, came off at halftime with a head injury, and it is unclear whether or not he will be ready to go on Saturday. According to Shore, the Flamingos will have to be prepared to shut down Chattanooga’s counter-attacks.

“They have a dangerous group of guys in the attack, Shore said. “If we’re not sharp defensively, if we’re not tuned in, then they can get at you and bite you, and you don’t want to be bitten.”

Tickets are still available to Saturday’s game, which Forward Madison is promoting as a celebration of summer, selling Pool Party and Summer Bro ticket packages. Following their match against Chattanooga, the Flamingos will host Leones Negros UdeG in an international exhbition match on Tuesday before returning to Breese Stevens Field to play Orlando City B on July 27.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Coming off a three-game road trip, Forward Madison FC is looking to reacclimate itself with the comforts of Breese Stevens Field with a win against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Saturday (7 p.m kickoff.; tickets here). To do it, though, the Flamingos will have to defeat an opponent they have failed to beat in two tries thus far. In this week's View of the Flamingo, we're giving you the keys to keep an eye on from our all-too-familiar opponents.

Coming off a three-game road trip, Forward Madison FC is looking to reacclimate itself with the comforts of Breese Stevens Field with a win against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Saturday (7 p.m kickoff.; tickets here). To do it, though, the Flamingos will have to defeat an opponent they have failed to beat in two tries thus far. In this week’s View of the Flamingo, we’re giving you the keys to keep an eye on from our all-too-familiar opponents.

Chattanooga (the dark dots in this average position map) likes to play with an unbalanced formation, using its right-sided players to do the work on offense. Both #20 Tony Walls and #10 Steven Beattie (who is second in USL League One with seven goals) tend to play further up the field than their counterparts on the opposite flank. If FMFC can time its attacks correctly, it could take advantage of the space they leave behind.

Chattanooga (the dark dots in this average position map) likes to play with an unbalanced formation, using its right-sided players to do the work on offense. Both #20 Tony Walls and #10 Steven Beattie (who is second in USL League One with seven goals) tend to play further up the field than their counterparts on the opposite flank. If FMFC can time its attacks correctly, it could take advantage of the space they leave behind.

More than perhaps any other team in USL League One, Chattanooga Red Wolves have made conceding possession their signature tactic. The Red Wolves are most content when giving up the ball, packing defenders in, and waiting for their chance to boot it long the other way. If the Flamingos force Chattanooga to have a lot of the ball, though, they might be able to put the visitors out of their comfort zone; the Red Wolves had a season-high 64.2 percent possession against FC Tucson on May 18, and ended up losing 4-0.

More than perhaps any other team in USL League One, Chattanooga Red Wolves have made conceding possession their signature tactic. The Red Wolves are most content when giving up the ball, packing defenders in, and waiting for their chance to boot it long the other way. If the Flamingos force Chattanooga to have a lot of the ball, though, they might be able to put the visitors out of their comfort zone; the Red Wolves had a season-high 64.2 percent possession against FC Tucson on May 18, and ended up losing 4-0.

While Steven Beattie has deservedly received plaudits for his star performances so far, attacking midfielder Amirgy Pineda is pulling the strings behind the scenes for the Red Wolves. Pineda is tied with Beattie for his team's most chances created (17), second in assists (3) and had a feature in the Times Free Press written about him Tuesday. If Forward Madison wants to stop the Chattanooga attack this Saturday, it'll be imperative to close down Pineda.

While Steven Beattie has deservedly received plaudits for his star performances so far, attacking midfielder Amirgy Pineda is pulling the strings behind the scenes for the Red Wolves. Pineda is tied with Beattie for his team’s most chances created (17), second in assists (3) and had a feature in the Times Free Press written about him Tuesday. If Forward Madison wants to stop the Chattanooga attack this Saturday, it’ll be imperative to close down Pineda.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at:https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at:https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Forward Madison FC fell at the final hurdle Tuesday night, conceding a last-second goal in a 2-3 defeat to Lansing Ignite FC that ended the Flamingos' four-match unbeaten streak. FMFC will still take four points out of its longest road trip of the season, but it could have so easily been one more.

According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, the late loss will be a test of Forward Madison's character.

"It's unacceptable, but we'll now find out what kind of team we are," Shore said. "We need to bounce back on Saturday and have to now regroup and get home and get headed in the right direction."

Coming into the game, FMFC knew that a win would move the team into the USL League One playoff positions. Having just played Saturday, though, Shore opted to make seven changes to his starting lineup in order to preserve players’ legs.

As the match kicked off on unfamiliar turf, the Flamingos fell onto the back foot quickly. Lansing midfielder Elma N’For knocked a backheel shot just off the post in the 15th minute, coming inches away from taking the lead. 

Just two minutes later, though, N’For would finish the job. Lansing defender Rhys Williams whipped a ball into the far side of the penalty area, and after a bounce, N’For turned himself over to perform an acrobatic bicycle kick, lifting his shot over FMFC goalkeeper Ryan Coulter to give the Ignite a 1-0 lead.

Only one goal behind, though, the ‘Mingos didn’t panic. In the 32nd minute, forward Oliver White received a pass just inside Lansing’s half of the field. Without a moment to lose, White pivoted and chipped a ball over the heads of the Ignite’s defenders, where forward Don Smart came rushing out to meet it. Smart knocked the ball down off his chest, pump faked, then cooly slotted into the lower-right corner of the net to equalize.

The goal was Smart’s sixth of the year, which puts him at fourth on the USL League One top scorers’ list. League One recently named Smart, the first-ever Forward Madison signing, its Midseason MVP.

Coming out of halftime, FMFC started to take a hold of the match, creating several decent chances. The Flamingos were impeded, however, by the early departure of midfielder Brandon Eaton, who came out of the game in the 48th minute with a non-contact injury.

With the game winding down into stoppage time, the floodgates finally opened. For both teams.

First, Lansing’s Rafael Mentzigen shot past Coulter with a left-footed finish to give the Ignite the lead again in the 92nd minute. Just two minutes later, though, FMFC’s J.C. Banks found the ball in the middle of the penalty area off a deflection and whacked it home, tying the game for a second time.

It looked like the game would end at 2-2, but in the final seconds, Lansing pushed ahead one more time, and the Flamingos, caught off guard, scrambled to get back. It didn’t happen in time, though, and the Ignite’s Alex Bruce scored in the 95th minute to hand Madison an inglorious defeat.

“To let the game get to 2-1 was unacceptable,” Shore said. “Then to actually get the goal back thanks to a gift, then you try to get out of there 2-2 with your point. And then just to give that away in a matter of 45 seconds is just – it's heartbreaking.”

Although Forward Madison is still in seventh place for now, the Flamingos are now four points out of the League One playoff places. FMFC is back at home Saturday to play the new fourth-place team, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.

Lansing Ignite FC: Stefan Cleveland; Marshall Hollingsworth (Steeve Saint-Duc 72’), Brandon Fricke, Kyle Carr, Rhys Williams; Ivo Cerda, Xavier Gómez; Elma N’For [goal 17’], Robinson Moshobane (Alex Bruce 72’ [goal 90+5’]), Nick Moon; Pato Botello Faz (Rafael Mentzingen 82’ [goal 90+2’; yellow 90+3’])

Unused Substitutes: Michael Kirk, Lewis Jones, Ricardo Pérez, Christian Silva

Forward Madison FC: Ryan Coulter; Carl Schneider, Eric Leonard, Wyatt Omsberg, Carter Manley; Brandon Eaton (J.C. Banks 48’ [goal 90+4’]), Louis Bennett [yellow 63’], Josiel Núñez; Jiro Barriga Toyama (Christian “Pato” Díaz), Don Smart [goal 32’; yellow 50’], Oliver White (Paulo Júnior 66’)

Unused Substitutes: Brian Sylvestre, Connor Tobin, Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi, Danny Tenorio

Yellow Cards

Lansing Ignite FC
90+3’ – Rafael Mentzingen

Forward Madison FC
50’ – Don Smart
63’ – Louis Bennett

Goals

Lansing Ignite FC
17’ – Elma N’For
90+2’ – Rafael Mentzingen
90+5’ – Alex Bruce

Forward Madison FC
32’ – Don Smart
90+4’ – J.C. Banks

Referees
Kevin Fikar
Nick Balcer
Rachel Smith
Cristian Vorovenci

Venue
Cooley Law School Stadium – Lansing, MI

Attendance
1,871

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at:https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Forward Madison FC fell at the final hurdle Tuesday night, conceding a last-second goal in a 2-3 defeat to Lansing Ignite FC that ended the Flamingos’ four-match unbeaten streak. FMFC will still take four points out of its longest road trip of the season, but it could have so easily been one more.

According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, the late loss will be a test of Forward Madison’s character.

“It’s unacceptable, but we’ll now find out what kind of team we are,” Shore said. “We need to bounce back on Saturday and have to now regroup and get home and get headed in the right direction.”

Coming into the game, FMFC knew that a win would move the team into the USL League One playoff positions. Having just played Saturday, though, Shore opted to make seven changes to his starting lineup in order to preserve players’ legs.

As the match kicked off on unfamiliar turf, the Flamingos fell onto the back foot quickly. Lansing midfielder Elma N’For knocked a backheel shot just off the post in the 15th minute, coming inches away from taking the lead. 

Just two minutes later, though, N’For would finish the job. Lansing defender Rhys Williams whipped a ball into the far side of the penalty area, and after a bounce, N’For turned himself over to perform an acrobatic bicycle kick, lifting his shot over FMFC goalkeeper Ryan Coulter to give the Ignite a 1-0 lead.

Only one goal behind, though, the ‘Mingos didn’t panic. In the 32nd minute, forward Oliver White received a pass just inside Lansing’s half of the field. Without a moment to lose, White pivoted and chipped a ball over the heads of the Ignite’s defenders, where forward Don Smart came rushing out to meet it. Smart knocked the ball down off his chest, pump faked, then cooly slotted into the lower-right corner of the net to equalize.

The goal was Smart’s sixth of the year, which puts him at fourth on the USL League One top scorers’ list. League One recently named Smart, the first-ever Forward Madison signing, its Midseason MVP.

Coming out of halftime, FMFC started to take a hold of the match, creating several decent chances. The Flamingos were impeded, however, by the early departure of midfielder Brandon Eaton, who came out of the game in the 48th minute with a non-contact injury.

With the game winding down into stoppage time, the floodgates finally opened. For both teams.

First, Lansing’s Rafael Mentzigen shot past Coulter with a left-footed finish to give the Ignite the lead again in the 92nd minute. Just two minutes later, though, FMFC’s J.C. Banks found the ball in the middle of the penalty area off a deflection and whacked it home, tying the game for a second time.

It looked like the game would end at 2-2, but in the final seconds, Lansing pushed ahead one more time, and the Flamingos, caught off guard, scrambled to get back. It didn’t happen in time, though, and the Ignite’s Alex Bruce scored in the 95th minute to hand Madison an inglorious defeat.

“To let the game get to 2-1 was unacceptable,” Shore said. “Then to actually get the goal back thanks to a gift, then you try to get out of there 2-2 with your point. And then just to give that away in a matter of 45 seconds is just – it’s heartbreaking.”

Although Forward Madison is still in seventh place for now, the Flamingos are now four points out of the League One playoff places. FMFC is back at home Saturday to play the new fourth-place team, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.

Lansing Ignite FC: Stefan Cleveland; Marshall Hollingsworth (Steeve Saint-Duc 72’), Brandon Fricke, Kyle Carr, Rhys Williams; Ivo Cerda, Xavier Gómez; Elma N’For [goal 17’], Robinson Moshobane (Alex Bruce 72’ [goal 90+5’]), Nick Moon; Pato Botello Faz (Rafael Mentzingen 82’ [goal 90+2’; yellow 90+3’])

Unused Substitutes: Michael Kirk, Lewis Jones, Ricardo Pérez, Christian Silva

Forward Madison FC: Ryan Coulter; Carl Schneider, Eric Leonard, Wyatt Omsberg, Carter Manley; Brandon Eaton (J.C. Banks 48’ [goal 90+4’]), Louis Bennett [yellow 63’], Josiel Núñez; Jiro Barriga Toyama (Christian “Pato” Díaz), Don Smart [goal 32’; yellow 50’], Oliver White (Paulo Júnior 66’)

Unused Substitutes: Brian Sylvestre, Connor Tobin, Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi, Danny Tenorio

Yellow Cards

Lansing Ignite FC
90+3’ – Rafael Mentzingen

Forward Madison FC
50’ – Don Smart
63’ – Louis Bennett

Goals

Lansing Ignite FC
17’ – Elma N’For
90+2’ – Rafael Mentzingen
90+5’ – Alex Bruce

Forward Madison FC
32’ – Don Smart
90+4’ – J.C. Banks

Referees
Kevin Fikar
Nick Balcer
Rachel Smith
Cristian Vorovenci

Venue
Cooley Law School Stadium – Lansing, MI

Attendance
1,871

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at:https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

USL League One – Game 15
Forward Madison FC at Lansing Ignite FC
Tuesday, July 9, 2019; 6:00 p.m. CT
Cooley Law School Stadium – Lansing, MI

Where to Watch
ESPN+
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates
Keep track of official stats on the USL League One match center

Forward Madison has a chance to move into the USL League One playoff places this Tuesday, as the Flamingos travel to Michigan to take on Lansing Ignite FC (6:00 p.m. CT; ESPN+). If FMFC wins, it would push the team into the top four, just past Lansing on goal differential.

According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, his team is hopeful of walking away with all three points.

“We’ve said all along that we like our roster, we like our players, we like our group and we feel like there’s not a team we can’t play,” Shore said. The goal here for us is after tomorrow night to be in fourth place”

The ‘Mingos have arguably been playing their best soccer of the year over the past several weeks, and can now boast of a four-game unbeaten streak which includes wins over both the first and second-place teams in League One. Although the Ignite managed to beat Madison 1-0 during the two teams’ previous contest, FMFC can be optimistic that its good form will help the team take revenge.

“The guys have a little bit of a bad taste in their mouths from that game,” Shore said. “We felt like we were the better team.”

On the other hand, though, the Flamingos have often struggled to get results when they have been on short rest. Forward Madison beat South Georgia Tormenta FC 2-1 on Saturday, and thus will only have three days to prepare for Lansing. The Ignite, though, also played on Saturday, meaning both teams are thus on a relatively even playing field.

For FMFC, Coach Shore must balance the risks of starting players on short rest with that of rotation. Although Shore sent out a strong lineup on Saturday, he could still look to players who did not start, such as Brandon Eaton and Oliver White, to keep fresh legs on the field.

Lansing Ignite, meanwhile, will face many of the same challenges in regards to team selection. The Ignite are dealing with the absence of regular center back Kevin Coiffic, who earned a red card during his team’s draw with Chattanooga on Saturday. Another center back, Grant Stoneman, was substituted due to injury, but his current status is unknown. Lansing may be reassured, however, by its strong home record so far this year: the Ignite has not lost any of its last four games at Cooley Law School Stadium.

Following Tuesday’s game, Forward Madison will return home Saturday to face off against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC at Breese Stevens Field. FMFC is promoting the game as a celebration of summer, selling Pool Party and Summer Bro ticket packages.

“We know it’s a smaller field, we know that the atmosphere is pretty good,” Shore said. We’re still going to try to get after the game and possess the ball when we can and still try to play in their half of the field.”

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

USL League One – Game 15
Forward Madison FC at Lansing Ignite FC
Tuesday, July 9, 2019; 6:00 p.m. CT
Cooley Law School Stadium – Lansing, MI

Where to Watch
ESPN+
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates
Keep track of official stats on the USL League One match center

Forward Madison has a chance to move into the USL League One playoff places this Tuesday, as the Flamingos travel to Michigan to take on Lansing Ignite FC (6:00 p.m. CT; ESPN+). If FMFC wins, it would push the team into the top four, just past Lansing on goal differential.

According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, his team is hopeful of walking away with all three points.

“We’ve said all along that we like our roster, we like our players, we like our group and we feel like there’s not a team we can’t play,” Shore said. The goal here for us is after tomorrow night to be in fourth place”

The ‘Mingos have arguably been playing their best soccer of the year over the past several weeks, and can now boast of a four-game unbeaten streak which includes wins over both the first and second-place teams in League One. Although the Ignite managed to beat Madison 1-0 during the two teams’ previous contest, FMFC can be optimistic that its good form will help the team take revenge.

“The guys have a little bit of a bad taste in their mouths from that game,” Shore said. “We felt like we were the better team.”

On the other hand, though, the Flamingos have often struggled to get results when they have been on short rest. Forward Madison beat South Georgia Tormenta FC 2-1 on Saturday, and thus will only have three days to prepare for Lansing. The Ignite, though, also played on Saturday, meaning both teams are thus on a relatively even playing field.

For FMFC, Coach Shore must balance the risks of starting players on short rest with that of rotation. Although Shore sent out a strong lineup on Saturday, he could still look to players who did not start, such as Brandon Eaton and Oliver White, to keep fresh legs on the field.

Lansing Ignite, meanwhile, will face many of the same challenges in regards to team selection. The Ignite are dealing with the absence of regular center back Kevin Coiffic, who earned a red card during his team’s draw with Chattanooga on Saturday. Another center back, Grant Stoneman, was substituted due to injury, but his current status is unknown. Lansing may be reassured, however, by its strong home record so far this year: the Ignite has not lost any of its last four games at Cooley Law School Stadium.

Following Tuesday’s game, Forward Madison will return home Saturday to face off against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC at Breese Stevens Field. FMFC is promoting the game as a celebration of summer, selling Pool Party and Summer Bro ticket packages.

“We know it’s a smaller field, we know that the atmosphere is pretty good,” Shore said. We’re still going to try to get after the game and possess the ball when we can and still try to play in their half of the field.”

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Forward Madison FC is putting out special ticket offers in a celebration of summer for its game on Saturday, June 13 at 7 p.m. against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. The Flamingos are offering a "Pool Party" pack and a "Bro" pack, both of which expire Friday.

The "Pool Party" pack, $35, includes a match ticket, a White Claw and a life-sized inflatable flamingo.

Forward Madison FC is putting out special ticket offers in a celebration of summer for its game on Saturday, June 13 at 7 p.m. against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. The Flamingos are offering a “Pool Party” pack and a “Bro” pack, both of which expire Friday.

The “Pool Party” pack, $35, includes a match ticket, a White Claw and a life-sized inflatable flamingo.

The "Bro" pack, $28, includes a match ticket, a tank top, FMFC sunglasses, a can of Natural Light Naturdays and 48 grams of protein (a brat without the bun).

The “Bro” pack, $28, includes a match ticket, a tank top, FMFC sunglasses, a can of Natural Light Naturdays and 48 grams of protein (a brat without the bun).

Forward Madison currently sits in seventh in the USL League One table, two points out of playoff position. The Flamingos are on a four-match unbeaten streak, and travel to Lansing Ignite FC Tuesday night.

Forward Madison currently sits in seventh in the USL League One table, two points out of playoff position. The Flamingos are on a four-match unbeaten streak, and travel to Lansing Ignite FC Tuesday night.

Forward Madison FC earned a huge victory Saturday night, becoming the first team to beat South Georgia Tormenta FC at home as the Flamingos knocked off USL League One's second-place team 2-1. Forward Don Smart, who was recently voted League One's Midseason MVP, led the upset with a perfectly-placed strike into the far corner.

Saturday’s win extends FMFC’s unbeaten streak to four games in a row and moves the ‘Mingos within two points of a playoff place. With exactly half of its inaugural League One regular season completed, Forward Madison has now put itself in a perfect position to rise up the table.

Going into the game, the Flamingos knew they would have a tall task ahead of them, as South Georgia hadn’t allowed a single goal in its previous five matches (including a 1-0 win at Breese Stevens Field in May). Early on, it didn’t look good, as the Tormenta created several chances in the first few minutes.

In the 16th minute, though, Don Smart flipped the script. FMFC’s Jamaican sensation, who USL League One named Midseason MVP earlier this week, found the ball from midfielder Josiel Núñez after a turnover deep in Tormenta territory. Smart hit a shot across his body, angling a daisy-cutter just out of the reach of Tormenta goalkeeper Pablo Jara. Just like that, the ‘Mingos had the lead.

In the tense hour or so that followed, both teams came close to goal, but neither converted. Núñez in particular nearly found the net with a shot from distance in the 41st minute, but it ended up just wide. Forward Paulo Júnior also had a good chance, but Jara extended himself into the air to deny him in the 67th minute.

Finally, in the 73rd minute, FMFC found some breathing room. Forward Oliver White, who joined the Flamingos earlier this week on loan from USL Championship club Memphis 901 FC and had just been substituted into the game, made an immediate impact in his first Forward appearance. White found a gap between the Tormenta defense, carving out space to reach a cross from Paulo Júnior with a diving header that extended the Flamingos’ lead to 2-0.

South Georgia did pull a goal back in the end, with Marco Micaletto converting a penalty in stoppage time to deny Brian Sylvestre his first clean sheet of the season. Still, FMFC held on during the final few minutes, enough to secure a third victory in four matches.

The Flamingos will have little time to rest, heading to Michigan on Tuesday for the end of its three-game road tour as it visits Lansing Ignite FC. Tuesday’s match presents another opportunity for revenge, since the Ignite, like the Tormenta, managed to best Forward Madison at home earlier this year.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Forward Madison FC earned a huge victory Saturday night, becoming the first team to beat South Georgia Tormenta FC at home as the Flamingos knocked off USL League One’s second-place team 2-1. Forward Don Smart, who was recently voted League One’s Midseason MVP, led the upset with a perfectly-placed strike into the far corner.

Saturday’s win extends FMFC’s unbeaten streak to four games in a row and moves the ‘Mingos within two points of a playoff place. With exactly half of its inaugural League One regular season completed, Forward Madison has now put itself in a perfect position to rise up the table.

Going into the game, the Flamingos knew they would have a tall task ahead of them, as South Georgia hadn’t allowed a single goal in its previous five matches (including a 1-0 win at Breese Stevens Field in May). Early on, it didn’t look good, as the Tormenta created several chances in the first few minutes.

In the 16th minute, though, Don Smart flipped the script. FMFC’s Jamaican sensation, who USL League One named Midseason MVP earlier this week, found the ball from midfielder Josiel Núñez after a turnover deep in Tormenta territory. Smart hit a shot across his body, angling a daisy-cutter just out of the reach of Tormenta goalkeeper Pablo Jara. Just like that, the ‘Mingos had the lead.

In the tense hour or so that followed, both teams came close to goal, but neither converted. Núñez in particular nearly found the net with a shot from distance in the 41st minute, but it ended up just wide. Forward Paulo Júnior also had a good chance, but Jara extended himself into the air to deny him in the 67th minute.

Finally, in the 73rd minute, FMFC found some breathing room. Forward Oliver White, who joined the Flamingos earlier this week on loan from USL Championship club Memphis 901 FC and had just been substituted into the game, made an immediate impact in his first Forward appearance. White found a gap between the Tormenta defense, carving out space to reach a cross from Paulo Júnior with a diving header that extended the Flamingos’ lead to 2-0.

South Georgia did pull a goal back in the end, with Marco Micaletto converting a penalty in stoppage time to deny Brian Sylvestre his first clean sheet of the season. Still, FMFC held on during the final few minutes, enough to secure a third victory in four matches.

The Flamingos will have little time to rest, heading to Michigan on Tuesday for the end of its three-game road tour as it visits Lansing Ignite FC. Tuesday’s match presents another opportunity for revenge, since the Ignite, like the Tormenta, managed to best Forward Madison at home earlier this year.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

South Georgia Tormenta FC: Pablo Jara; Jerry Saint-Vil (Dalton Pando 86’), Daltyn Knutson, Joshua Phelps, Conner Antley; Nil Vinyals, Ricardo Gomez, Marco Micaletto [PK goal 90+1’]; Jad Arslan (Mikie Rowe 57’), Charlie Dennis, Alex Morrell [yellow 83’]

Unused Substitutes: Matías Reynares, Yaw Amankwa, Robert De Loach, Kaleb Jackson

Forward Madison FC: Brian Sylvestre; Carl Schneider [yellow 53’], Connor Tobin, Shaun Russell, Christian “Pato” Díaz [yellow 83’]; Eric Leonard, J.C. Banks (Jiro Barriga Toyama 88’), Josiel Núñez; Paulo Júnior (Louis Bennett 76’), Don Smart [goal 16’], Danny Tenorio (Oliver White 57’ [goal 73’])

Unused Substitutes: Ryan Coulter, Brandon Eaton, Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi, Zaire Bartley

Yellow Cards
South Georgia Tormenta FC
83’ – Alex Morrell

Forward Madison FC
53’ – Carl Schneider
83’ – Christian  “Pato” Díaz

Goals
South Georgia Tormenta FC
90+1’ – Marco Micaletto (PK)

Forward Madison FC
16’ – Don Smart (Josiel Núñez assist)
73’ – Oliver White (Paulo Júnior assist)

Referees
Joshua Encarnacion
Howard Ash
Matthew Osterhouse
Brendan Lucich

Venue
Erk Russell Park – Satesboro, GA

Attendance
1,529

South Georgia Tormenta FC: Pablo Jara; Jerry Saint-Vil (Dalton Pando 86’), Daltyn Knutson, Joshua Phelps, Conner Antley; Nil Vinyals, Ricardo Gomez, Marco Micaletto [PK goal 90+1’]; Jad Arslan (Mikie Rowe 57’), Charlie Dennis, Alex Morrell [yellow 83’]

Unused Substitutes: Matías Reynares, Yaw Amankwa, Robert De Loach, Kaleb Jackson

Forward Madison FC: Brian Sylvestre; Carl Schneider [yellow 53’], Connor Tobin, Shaun Russell, Christian “Pato” Díaz [yellow 83’]; Eric Leonard, J.C. Banks (Jiro Barriga Toyama 88’), Josiel Núñez; Paulo Júnior (Louis Bennett 76’), Don Smart [goal 16’], Danny Tenorio (Oliver White 57’ [goal 73’])

Unused Substitutes: Ryan Coulter, Brandon Eaton, Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi, Zaire Bartley

Yellow Cards
South Georgia Tormenta FC
83’ – Alex Morrell

Forward Madison FC
53’ – Carl Schneider
83’ – Christian  “Pato” Díaz

Goals
South Georgia Tormenta FC
90+1’ – Marco Micaletto (PK)

Forward Madison FC
16’ – Don Smart (Josiel Núñez assist)
73’ – Oliver White (Paulo Júnior assist)

Referees
Joshua Encarnacion
Howard Ash
Matthew Osterhouse
Brendan Lucich

Venue
Erk Russell Park – Satesboro, GA

Attendance
1,529

USL League One – Game 14
Forward Madison FC at South Georgia Tormenta FC
Saturday, July 6, 2019; 7:00 p.m. CT
Erik Russell Park – Statesboro, GA

Where to Watch
ESPN+
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updatesKeep track of official stats on the USL League One match center

Join the official watch party at Blue Agave!

Forward Madison has found its feet during a three-match unbeaten streak, but now faces one of its sternest challenges of the season away to South Georgia Tormenta FC this Saturday (7:00 p.m. CT; ESPN+). If the Flamingos are to achieve victory, they’ll have to win where no USL League One team has won so far – on the road at Erik Russell Park. 

Not only has the second-place Tormenta been unbeatable at home, but they’ve also done it in style, winning four of five with only one goal conceded. South Georgia boasts USL League One’s best defense, with seven goals allowed in 12 matches.

According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, that record is, on one hand, a testament to Tormenta’s hard work. On the other, it’s a target for the Flamingos to bring down.

“We’ve got to try and catch up, and if you’re going to get into the top four, you’ve got to beat the top three teams,” Shore said. “Our motivation has to be that we need to go in there and be the first team that knocks them off at home.”

For FMFC, which is five points out of the playoff places, there is still reason to be optimistic at the midpoint of an inaugural season that has only yielded mixed results on the field. The Flamingos contested seven games outside of league play during the first half of the season (three U.S. Open Cup matches; four exhibitions), while most other teams have played few to no extras. Other than a match against Leones Negros on July 16, Forward Madison is now exclusively focused on moving up in League One.

Saturday’s game, then, represents a test of how well the ‘Mingos can play with plenty of rest and no distractions, especially against a team that has set the standard for quality. 

“I just think a little bit of it is being better-rested, a little bit of it is being more concentrated in front of goal and part of it is taking our chances in front of goal,” Shore said. “Some of the bounces have started to go our way.”

The Flamingos come into the game with two new players to help them, both loan arrivals for the remainder of the season from USL Championship club Memphis 901 FC. Louis Bennett is a left-footed midfielder from the Milwaukee area who specializes in free kicks; Oliver White is a center forward whose speed should allow him to complement FMFC’s signature counter-attacks. White in particular may get a chance to slot in Satruday, as Brian Bement is sidelined by a knee injury.

South Georgia Tormenta, meanwhile, is currently riding a seven-game unbeaten streak, and recently saw two of its players earn midseason awards from USL League One: Pablo Jara was Midseason Goalkeeper of the Year and Conner Antley was Midseason Defender of the Year. Antley, who scored against Forward Madison in Tormenta’s 1-0 win at Breese Stevens Field in May, was also nominated for Midseason MVP, but lost out to FMFC’s Don Smart.

Following its game in Statesboro, Forward Madison will waste no time before returning to USL League One action, travelling to Michigan to finish up a three-game road trip against Lansing Ignite FC on Tuesday.

“We feel like there will be chances for us to score some goals,” Shore said. “As the game goes on, if it stays 0-0, we feel like the pressure’s on them. We want to be the first team to beat them at home.”

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

USL League One – Game 14
Forward Madison FC at South Georgia Tormenta FC
Saturday, July 6, 2019; 7:00 p.m. CT
Erik Russell Park – Statesboro, GA

Where to Watch
ESPN+
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updatesKeep track of official stats on the USL League One match center

Join the official watch party at Blue Agave!

Forward Madison has found its feet during a three-match unbeaten streak, but now faces one of its sternest challenges of the season away to South Georgia Tormenta FC this Saturday (7:00 p.m. CT; ESPN+). If the Flamingos are to achieve victory, they’ll have to win where no USL League One team has won so far – on the road at Erik Russell Park. 

Not only has the second-place Tormenta been unbeatable at home, but they’ve also done it in style, winning four of five with only one goal conceded. South Georgia boasts USL League One’s best defense, with seven goals allowed in 12 matches.

According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, that record is, on one hand, a testament to Tormenta’s hard work. On the other, it’s a target for the Flamingos to bring down.

“We’ve got to try and catch up, and if you’re going to get into the top four, you’ve got to beat the top three teams,” Shore said. “Our motivation has to be that we need to go in there and be the first team that knocks them off at home.”

For FMFC, which is five points out of the playoff places, there is still reason to be optimistic at the midpoint of an inaugural season that has only yielded mixed results on the field. The Flamingos contested seven games outside of league play during the first half of the season (three U.S. Open Cup matches; four exhibitions), while most other teams have played few to no extras. Other than a match against Leones Negros on July 16, Forward Madison is now exclusively focused on moving up in League One.

Saturday’s game, then, represents a test of how well the ‘Mingos can play with plenty of rest and no distractions, especially against a team that has set the standard for quality. 

“I just think a little bit of it is being better-rested, a little bit of it is being more concentrated in front of goal and part of it is taking our chances in front of goal,” Shore said. “Some of the bounces have started to go our way.”

The Flamingos come into the game with two new players to help them, both loan arrivals for the remainder of the season from USL Championship club Memphis 901 FC. Louis Bennett is a left-footed midfielder from the Milwaukee area who specializes in free kicks; Oliver White is a center forward whose speed should allow him to complement FMFC’s signature counter-attacks. White in particular may get a chance to slot in Satruday, as Brian Bement is sidelined by a knee injury.

South Georgia Tormenta, meanwhile, is currently riding a seven-game unbeaten streak, and recently saw two of its players earn midseason awards from USL League One: Pablo Jara was Midseason Goalkeeper of the Year and Conner Antley was Midseason Defender of the Year. Antley, who scored against Forward Madison in Tormenta’s 1-0 win at Breese Stevens Field in May, was also nominated for Midseason MVP, but lost out to FMFC’s Don Smart.

Following its game in Statesboro, Forward Madison will waste no time before returning to USL League One action, travelling to Michigan to finish up a three-game road trip against Lansing Ignite FC on Tuesday.

“We feel like there will be chances for us to score some goals,” Shore said. “As the game goes on, if it stays 0-0, we feel like the pressure’s on them. We want to be the first team to beat them at home.”

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

After three straight games sans defeat, Forward Madison FC is ready to keep climbing the USL League One table. This week, though, the Flamingos travel to South Georgia Tormenta FC, which has won four of its five home games and conceded just one goal at Erik Russell Park. When the match kicks off this Saturday (7 p.m. CT; ESPN+), FMFC will have to be completely ready, and so will you. Here are three things to look out for:

After three straight games sans defeat, Forward Madison FC is ready to keep climbing the USL League One table. This week, though, the Flamingos travel to South Georgia Tormenta FC, which has won four of its five home games and conceded just one goal at Erik Russell Park. When the match kicks off this Saturday (7 p.m. CT; ESPN+), FMFC will have to be completely ready, and so will you. Here are three things to look out for:

South Georgia Tormenta FC (the light blue dots in this average position map) has conceded only seven goals in its first 12 USL League One matches, which easily leads the league. To do so, the Tormenta have relied on a formation which prioritizes cautious play. Not only does South Georgia place two holding midfielders in front of the defensive line, but it also bucks a league trend by keeping its one of its fullbacks – left back Jerry Saint-Vil – further back at most times, thus creating a slightly assymetrical formation.

On the other hand, right back Conner Antley, who was recently named the USL League One Midseason Defender of the Year, has much more room to get forward and join the attack. That means whoever is patrolling FMFC's left side – likely Christian Díaz or Carl Schneider – will have to mark Antley well on defense and take advantage of the space he leaves open on the other end. 

South Georgia Tormenta FC (the light blue dots in this average position map) has conceded only seven goals in its first 12 USL League One matches, which easily leads the league. To do so, the Tormenta have relied on a formation which prioritizes cautious play. Not only does South Georgia place two holding midfielders in front of the defensive line, but it also bucks a league trend by keeping its one of its fullbacks – left back Jerry Saint-Vil – further back at most times, thus creating a slightly assymetrical formation.

On the other hand, right back Conner Antley, who was recently named the USL League One Midseason Defender of the Year, has much more room to get forward and join the attack. That means whoever is patrolling FMFC’s left side – likely Christian Díaz or Carl Schneider – will have to mark Antley well on defense and take advantage of the space he leaves open on the other end. 

In their last game (a 1-0 win against the Richmond Kickers), the Tormenta launched six shots from outside of the box, although none hit the target. South Georgia was far less active from inside the area, where it only got off one shot, eventually winning the game on a penalty kick. FMFC's goalkeeper will have to remain vigilant to avoid being caught off guard by hits from distance, and likewise, the Flamingo defense will have to be ready to jump on those moments, which could provide the impetus for counter-attacks.

In their last game (a 1-0 win against the Richmond Kickers), the Tormenta launched six shots from outside of the box, although none hit the target. South Georgia was far less active from inside the area, where it only got off one shot, eventually winning the game on a penalty kick. FMFC’s goalkeeper will have to remain vigilant to avoid being caught off guard by hits from distance, and likewise, the Flamingo defense will have to be ready to jump on those moments, which could provide the impetus for counter-attacks.

South Georgia's goalkeeper, the Chilean Pablo Jara, has quietly built a case as one of the leading shot-stoppers across the American lower leagues. Jara tops USL League One with eight clean sheets, and made a memorable leaping save to deny J.C. Banks in South Georgia's visit to Breese Stevens Field in May. Jara played for Colo-Colo B in his hometown of Santiago as a teenager, but joined the Tormenta in their final USL League Two campaign last year.

South Georgia’s goalkeeper, the Chilean Pablo Jara, has quietly built a case as one of the leading shot-stoppers across the American lower leagues. Jara tops USL League One with eight clean sheets, and made a memorable leaping save to deny J.C. Banks in South Georgia’s visit to Breese Stevens Field in May. Jara played for Colo-Colo B in his hometown of Santiago as a teenager, but joined the Tormenta in their final USL League Two campaign last year.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at:https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on July 13 vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at:https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.