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TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One announced on Thursday that Forward Madison's Don Smart has been nominated for the League One Player of the Month award for May. Smart notched two goals and two assists in four appearances for the Flamingos while recording five key passes over the month.

Fans can go to uslleagueone.com and vote for Don Smart to win the League One Player of the Month award by clicking here.

Voting in the USL Player of the Month Award will be conducted by the following two voting bodies:

• A fan vote on USLLeagueOne.com will comprise 60 percent of the poll. The fan vote will run through Monday, June 10 at 12 p.m. ET.
• The USL Technical Committee’s ballots comprise 40 percent of the poll.

The award winner and complete voting results will be announced on Thursday, June 13.

Please note: The League One Player of the Month selections process in no way is tied directly to the voting and selection process of End of the Year awards such as League One Most Valuable Player or position players of the year.

TAMPA, Fla. – USL League One announced on Thursday that Forward Madison’s Don Smart has been nominated for the League One Player of the Month award for May. Smart notched two goals and two assists in four appearances for the Flamingos while recording five key passes over the month.

Fans can go to uslleagueone.com and vote for Don Smart to win the League One Player of the Month award by clicking here.

Voting in the USL Player of the Month Award will be conducted by the following two voting bodies:

• A fan vote on USLLeagueOne.com will comprise 60 percent of the poll. The fan vote will run through Monday, June 10 at 12 p.m. ET.
• The USL Technical Committee’s ballots comprise 40 percent of the poll.

The award winner and complete voting results will be announced on Thursday, June 13.

Please note: The League One Player of the Month selections process in no way is tied directly to the voting and selection process of End of the Year awards such as League One Most Valuable Player or position players of the year.

USL League One – Game 10
Forward Madison FC at Orlando City B
Friday, June 7, 2019; 6:30 p.m. CT
Montverde Academy – Montverde, FL

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 FC will travel down to Florida on Friday night, hoping to start its climb up the USL League One table as it faces off with Orlando City B (6:30 p.m. CT; ESPN+). The Flamingos are in need of points, as they have dropped their last three league matches and currently sit in last place, albeit just five points out of the playoff positions.

With Head Coach Daryl Shore suspended for the game due to a sending-off he received for protesting officiating decisions during FMFC’s 1-0 loss to Lansing last Saturday, Assistant Coach Neil Hlavaty will take the reigns for the first time, with former UW-Madison coach Jim Laudner serving as his assistant. According to Shore, he could always tell Hlavaty would be a good manager from his time as a player.

“He’s coached in [USL League Two] as an assistant coach before and he’s done a great job with me,” Shore said. “He’s more than capable of taking our group and hopefully getting us three points.”

Last time FMFC visited Orlando (on April 19), the Flamingos flew away with the first victory in club history. After falling behind to an early penalty kick, Josiel Núñez scored the first Forward Madison goal ever to equalize before Shaun Russell gave FMFC the winner by knocking home a rebound.

This time, though, the task could be more difficult. Both Núñez and Shore are suspended due to dismissals in Forward Madison’s previous match. The Flamingos’ Minnesota United loan players (excepting Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi) are absent again, returning to the Loons to fill in for national team call-ups. And with the ‘Mingos on a losing streak, the pressure to turn it around is building.

“Somebody’s going to have to step in and help create goals for us,” Shore said. “[Núñez] is a guy who we try and get on the ball quite a bit. Without having him, guys like Jeff Michaud right now have to step up quite a bit.”

Orlando City B, meanwhile, is on a hot streak, having picked up seven points in its last three games. Midfielder Koby Osei-Wusu, who scored the penalty against FMFC in April, leads Orlando with three goals, including an equalizer against FC Tucson in OCB’s 2-2 draw last week. The Young Lions will play without defenders Jahlane Forbes and Wilfred Williams, both of whom have missed most of the season with injuries.

Following its game in Orlando, the Flamingos will return to Madison for three games in 10 days at Breese Stevens Field. FMFC will take on FC Tucson in League One action on Saturday, June 15; look for revenge against North Texas SC on Saturday, June 22; and host Minnesota United in a special exhibition on Wednesday, June 25.

“We don’t think we’re a last-place team, but the truth is, right now we are in last place, “ Shore said. “If we don’t start making a move in these next couple games then we’re going to find ourselves in trouble.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 15 vs FC Tucson. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

USL League One – Game 10
Forward Madison FC at Orlando City B
Friday, June 7, 2019; 6:30 p.m. CT
Montverde Academy – Montverde, FL

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 FC will travel down to Florida on Friday night, hoping to start its climb up the USL League One table as it faces off with Orlando City B (6:30 p.m. CT; ESPN+). The Flamingos are in need of points, as they have dropped their last three league matches and currently sit in last place, albeit just five points out of the playoff positions.

With Head Coach Daryl Shore suspended for the game due to a sending-off he received for protesting officiating decisions during FMFC’s 1-0 loss to Lansing last Saturday, Assistant Coach Neil Hlavaty will take the reigns for the first time, with former UW-Madison coach Jim Laudner serving as his assistant. According to Shore, he could always tell Hlavaty would be a good manager from his time as a player.

“He’s coached in [USL League Two] as an assistant coach before and he’s done a great job with me,” Shore said. “He’s more than capable of taking our group and hopefully getting us three points.”

Last time FMFC visited Orlando (on April 19), the Flamingos flew away with the first victory in club history. After falling behind to an early penalty kick, Josiel Núñez scored the first Forward Madison goal ever to equalize before Shaun Russell gave FMFC the winner by knocking home a rebound.

This time, though, the task could be more difficult. Both Núñez and Shore are suspended due to dismissals in Forward Madison’s previous match. The Flamingos’ Minnesota United loan players (excepting Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi) are absent again, returning to the Loons to fill in for national team call-ups. And with the ‘Mingos on a losing streak, the pressure to turn it around is building.

“Somebody’s going to have to step in and help create goals for us,” Shore said. “[Núñez] is a guy who we try and get on the ball quite a bit. Without having him, guys like Jeff Michaud right now have to step up quite a bit.”

Orlando City B, meanwhile, is on a hot streak, having picked up seven points in its last three games. Midfielder Koby Osei-Wusu, who scored the penalty against FMFC in April, leads Orlando with three goals, including an equalizer against FC Tucson in OCB’s 2-2 draw last week. The Young Lions will play without defenders Jahlane Forbes and Wilfred Williams, both of whom have missed most of the season with injuries.

Following its game in Orlando, the Flamingos will return to Madison for three games in 10 days at Breese Stevens Field. FMFC will take on FC Tucson in League One action on Saturday, June 15; look for revenge against North Texas SC on Saturday, June 22; and host Minnesota United in a special exhibition on Wednesday, June 25.

“We don’t think we’re a last-place team, but the truth is, right now we are in last place, “ Shore said. “If we don’t start making a move in these next couple games then we’re going to find ourselves in trouble.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 15 vs FC Tucson. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Forward Madison played its Wisconsin sibling to a tie Wednesday night, drawing 1-1 with Green Bay Voyageurs FC in Ashwaubenon, Wis. The Flamingos and the Voyageurs, both competing in their inaugural seasons this year, put on a show for the fans at Capital Credit Union Park, Green Bay’s brand-new soccer-and-baseball stadium.

For FMFC, the match featured the debut of Ecuadorian midfielder Danny Tenorio, who had been sidelined since preseason with a left meniscus tear. Tenorio played an hour and looked comfortable on the ball, putting one shot over the crossbar.

According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, Tenorio is close to being ready for league action.

“It was good for us to get some guys some minutes, get Danny on the field for 60 minutes,” Shore said. “He just has to figure out match fitness, and that’s why today was important for him. We’ve just got to keep pushing him along and training. He’s getting closer and closer.”

With a game coming up Friday night in Orlando, the ‘Mingos gave opportunities to  some underutilized players such as goalkeeper Brandon Barnes and midfielder Vital Nizigiyimana, as well guest players – which included a few Voyageurs.

Shore said he appreciated having the occasion to see a different set of players in game action.

“It was a chance for us to look at some guys and get a good run-in,” he said. “It was good to get out and see the place in Green Bay. It’s an amazing facility.”

Green Bay, meanwhile, was coming off its first two USL League Two games – a loss and a win, respectively. The Voyageurs and FMFC are both owned by Big Top Sports & Ent., which helped set up the exhibition.

Although Forward Madison had the first couple of shots in the game, it was Green Bay which got on the scoreboard first. The Voyageurs played a through ball that released Nick Markanich, who found himself one-on-one with Barnes in front of the goal. Marakanich kept his composure and finished, sending the home team into the lead in the 15th minute.

The Flamingos came close to equalizing in the first half, but never quite found the net. Midfielder Bradon Eaton produced a curling effort from just outside the 18-yard box in the 22nd minute reminiscent of his near miss against Lansing last Saturday, but like that shot, this one barely missed the target.

FMFC had more luck in the second half, as midfielder Eric Leonard leveled the game in the 62nd minute. Josiel Núñez, who is suspended for Friday’s game due to a red card, swung in a corner to the middle of the area, which Leonard let fall to his right foot. Just before the ball was about to land, Leonard connected, sending it bouncing into the far corner of the net.

With their midweek exhibition behind them, the Flamingos will travel to Florida looking to climb up the USL League One table when they take on Orlando City B at 6:30 p.m CT on Friday. 

“We left some guys at home and hopefully they’re well-rested,” Shore said. “Now we’ve got to go down to Orlando. It’s a big match for us and we’ve got to be ready to come home with three points.”

Green Bay Voyageurs FC
Cameron Briggs, Dominic Briggs, Zach Hall, Christopher Geanon, Joh Bradford, Alex Welch, Anthony Maarkanich, Nick Markanich, Matteo Kidd, Jaden Stevenson, Jamison Yoder

Forward Madison FC
Brandon Barnes; Alex Masbruch (guest, Shaun Russell (captain), Zach Klancnik (guest), Alex Glavas (guest), Vital Nizigiyimana, Brandon Eaton, Josiel Núñez; Danny Tenorio, Zaire Bartley, Brian Bement

Forward Madison FC's inaugural USL League One season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 15 against FC Tucson. Get tickets to see Forward Madison in action at https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Forward Madison played its Wisconsin sibling to a tie Wednesday night, drawing 1-1 with Green Bay Voyageurs FC in Ashwaubenon, Wis. The Flamingos and the Voyageurs, both competing in their inaugural seasons this year, put on a show for the fans at Capital Credit Union Park, Green Bay’s brand-new soccer-and-baseball stadium.

For FMFC, the match featured the debut of Ecuadorian midfielder Danny Tenorio, who had been sidelined since preseason with a left meniscus tear. Tenorio played an hour and looked comfortable on the ball, putting one shot over the crossbar.

According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, Tenorio is close to being ready for league action.

“It was good for us to get some guys some minutes, get Danny on the field for 60 minutes,” Shore said. “He just has to figure out match fitness, and that’s why today was important for him. We’ve just got to keep pushing him along and training. He’s getting closer and closer.”

With a game coming up Friday night in Orlando, the ‘Mingos gave opportunities to  some underutilized players such as goalkeeper Brandon Barnes and midfielder Vital Nizigiyimana, as well guest players – which included a few Voyageurs.

Shore said he appreciated having the occasion to see a different set of players in game action.

“It was a chance for us to look at some guys and get a good run-in,” he said. “It was good to get out and see the place in Green Bay. It’s an amazing facility.”

Green Bay, meanwhile, was coming off its first two USL League Two games – a loss and a win, respectively. The Voyageurs and FMFC are both owned by Big Top Sports & Ent., which helped set up the exhibition.

Although Forward Madison had the first couple of shots in the game, it was Green Bay which got on the scoreboard first. The Voyageurs played a through ball that released Nick Markanich, who found himself one-on-one with Barnes in front of the goal. Marakanich kept his composure and finished, sending the home team into the lead in the 15th minute.

The Flamingos came close to equalizing in the first half, but never quite found the net. Midfielder Bradon Eaton produced a curling effort from just outside the 18-yard box in the 22nd minute reminiscent of his near miss against Lansing last Saturday, but like that shot, this one barely missed the target.

FMFC had more luck in the second half, as midfielder Eric Leonard leveled the game in the 62nd minute. Josiel Núñez, who is suspended for Friday’s game due to a red card, swung in a corner to the middle of the area, which Leonard let fall to his right foot. Just before the ball was about to land, Leonard connected, sending it bouncing into the far corner of the net.

With their midweek exhibition behind them, the Flamingos will travel to Florida looking to climb up the USL League One table when they take on Orlando City B at 6:30 p.m CT on Friday. 

“We left some guys at home and hopefully they’re well-rested,” Shore said. “Now we’ve got to go down to Orlando. It’s a big match for us and we’ve got to be ready to come home with three points.”

Green Bay Voyageurs FC
Cameron Briggs, Dominic Briggs, Zach Hall, Christopher Geanon, Joh Bradford, Alex Welch, Anthony Maarkanich, Nick Markanich, Matteo Kidd, Jaden Stevenson, Jamison Yoder

Forward Madison FC
Brandon Barnes; Alex Masbruch (guest, Shaun Russell (captain), Zach Klancnik (guest), Alex Glavas (guest), Vital Nizigiyimana, Brandon Eaton, Josiel Núñez; Danny Tenorio, Zaire Bartley, Brian Bement

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural USL League One season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 15 against FC Tucson. Get tickets to see Forward Madison in action at https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Forward Madison FC is hoping to climb up the USL League One table Friday night as it squares off against Orlando City B (June 7, 6:30 p.m. in Montverde, FL; ESPN+). To prepare, we've taken a look through the USL League One Match Center from the Young Lions' last game, a 2-2 draw against FC Tucson, to find three you can watch for.

Forward Madison FC is hoping to climb up the USL League One table Friday night as it squares off against Orlando City B (June 7, 6:30 p.m. in Montverde, FL; ESPN+). To prepare, we’ve taken a look through the USL League One Match Center from the Young Lions’ last game, a 2-2 draw against FC Tucson, to find three you can watch for.

Orlando City B (the dark dots on the field map) started off this season poorly, but has found success in recent weeks through a small formational tweak. By having 19-year-old Austin Amer drop back into a holding midfielder role, OCB has found a player who is capable of conducting offensive moves from deep, completing 92 percent of his passes last week.

The Flamingos, however, may try to take advantage of Amer's defensive uneasiness – he has lost 60 percent of his attempted duels, and came up particularly short in Orlando's 4-1 loss to North Texas SC, in which he lost 80 percent of his duels. FMFC's midfield battle with Amer could be a defining storyline Friday.

Orlando City B (the dark dots on the field map) started off this season poorly, but has found success in recent weeks through a small formational tweak. By having 19-year-old Austin Amer drop back into a holding midfielder role, OCB has found a player who is capable of conducting offensive moves from deep, completing 92 percent of his passes last week.

The Flamingos, however, may try to take advantage of Amer’s defensive uneasiness – he has lost 60 percent of his attempted duels, and came up particularly short in Orlando’s 4-1 loss to North Texas SC, in which he lost 80 percent of his duels. FMFC’s midfield battle with Amer could be a defining storyline Friday.

Although OCB is near the bottom of the USL League One standings when it comes to actual points, they have led the league in yellow cards for nearly the whole year. Forward Madison might look to exploit the left wing, since Orlando right back Leonardo Simas has racked up four yellows in eight games and is one caution away from being suspended. FMFC also needs to avoid a repeat of what happened last time the two teams faced off, when the game heated up and forward Don Smart got a red card. 

Although OCB is near the bottom of the USL League One standings when it comes to actual points, they have led the league in yellow cards for nearly the whole year. Forward Madison might look to exploit the left wing, since Orlando right back Leonardo Simas has racked up four yellows in eight games and is one caution away from being suspended. FMFC also needs to avoid a repeat of what happened last time the two teams faced off, when the game heated up and forward Don Smart got a red card. 

Although Forward Madison triumphed over Orlando when the two teams met in April, the Young Lions were missing one of their key players – striker Will Bagrou. At 6'2", Bagrou can contend for headers, making him an aerial threat to defend. The 22-year-old is also crafty around the box, and has drawn 18 fouls so far this season. Interestingly, though, he only averages around one shot per 90 minutes, meaning a lot of his work comes in setting up teammates.

Alternately, OCB could pull a surprise move and start Tresor Mbuyu or Luc Granitur, who have mostly featured off the bench.

Although Forward Madison triumphed over Orlando when the two teams met in April, the Young Lions were missing one of their key players – striker Will Bagrou. At 6’2″, Bagrou can contend for headers, making him an aerial threat to defend. The 22-year-old is also crafty around the box, and has drawn 18 fouls so far this season. Interestingly, though, he only averages around one shot per 90 minutes, meaning a lot of his work comes in setting up teammates.

Alternately, OCB could pull a surprise move and start Tresor Mbuyu or Luc Granitur, who have mostly featured off the bench.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 15 vs FC Tucson. Fans can get tickets for matches by visiting https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 15 vs FC Tucson. Fans can get tickets for matches by visiting https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Exhibition Game
Forward Madison FC at Green Bay Voyageurs FC
Wednesday, June 5, 2019; 7:00 p.m. CT
Capital Credit Union Park – Green Bay, WI

Where to Watch
MyCujoo
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates

Forward Madison FC will take a break from its inaugural USL League One season Wednesday, travelling north to take on Green Bay Voyageurs FC in an all-Wisconsin exhibition game. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. at Capital Credit Union Park.

Green Bay Voyageurs FC, which shares ownership with Forward Madison, is, like FMFC, playing in its first-ever season. The Voyageurs compete in USL League Two, which means most of the team’s roster is made up of college players looking to gain experience in the summer. Older players, such as Dani Morillo and George Morris, who featured as guest players in FMFC’s exhibition against Hertha Berlin, act as the team’s veteran leaders.

Like Forward Madison, Green Bay garnered national attention when it unveiled its name and crest in February. The team also has a brand-new stadium, Capital Union Credit Park, which the Voyageurs opened with a 3-0 win over WSA Winnipeg last week.

The Flamingos come into Wednesday’s game knowing they can use it as preparation for a crucial stretch of their League One season as the team prepares to climb back toward playoff position. FMFC has lost its last three league games, most recently falling 1-0 to Lansing Ignite FC at home, but is still only five points out of the playoffs.

After its exhibition in Green Bay, Forward Madison will fly to Florida for a Friday night showdown with Orlando City B. The Flamingos earned their first-ever win against Orlando in April, overcoming a first-half deficit to win 2-1. Following the Orlando game, FMFC will play at home three times in 10 days, hosting FC Tucson (June 15), North Texas SC (June 22) and Minnesota United FC (exhibition match; June 25).

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 15 vs FC Tucson. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Exhibition Game
Forward Madison FC at Green Bay Voyageurs FC
Wednesday, June 5, 2019; 7:00 p.m. CT
Capital Credit Union Park – Green Bay, WI

Where to Watch
MyCujoo
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates

Forward Madison FC will take a break from its inaugural USL League One season Wednesday, travelling north to take on Green Bay Voyageurs FC in an all-Wisconsin exhibition game. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. at Capital Credit Union Park.

Green Bay Voyageurs FC, which shares ownership with Forward Madison, is, like FMFC, playing in its first-ever season. The Voyageurs compete in USL League Two, which means most of the team’s roster is made up of college players looking to gain experience in the summer. Older players, such as Dani Morillo and George Morris, who featured as guest players in FMFC’s exhibition against Hertha Berlin, act as the team’s veteran leaders.

Like Forward Madison, Green Bay garnered national attention when it unveiled its name and crest in February. The team also has a brand-new stadium, Capital Union Credit Park, which the Voyageurs opened with a 3-0 win over WSA Winnipeg last week.

The Flamingos come into Wednesday’s game knowing they can use it as preparation for a crucial stretch of their League One season as the team prepares to climb back toward playoff position. FMFC has lost its last three league games, most recently falling 1-0 to Lansing Ignite FC at home, but is still only five points out of the playoffs.

After its exhibition in Green Bay, Forward Madison will fly to Florida for a Friday night showdown with Orlando City B. The Flamingos earned their first-ever win against Orlando in April, overcoming a first-half deficit to win 2-1. Following the Orlando game, FMFC will play at home three times in 10 days, hosting FC Tucson (June 15), North Texas SC (June 22) and Minnesota United FC (exhibition match; June 25).

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 15 vs FC Tucson. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

 

Jiro Barriga Toyama has won the first-ever TDS Telecom Goal of the Month award for Forward Madison FC. Barriga Toyama finished off a blistering counter-attack, which helped lift FMFC to a 2-0 U.S. Open Cup victory over Milwaukee Bavarian SC.

 

Jiro Barriga Toyama has won the first-ever TDS Telecom Goal of the Month award for Forward Madison FC. Barriga Toyama finished off a blistering counter-attack, which helped lift FMFC to a 2-0 U.S. Open Cup victory over Milwaukee Bavarian SC.

Forward Madison FC launched shot after shot – 17 in total – at the Lansing Ignite goal on Saturday night, but nothing seemed to go in. The Flamingos fell 1-0 to Lansing, despite the support of a boisterous crowd of 4,271 at Breese Stevens Field.

The result means FMFC are now rooted to the bottom of the USL League One standings, although with one game in hand and at only five points out of playoff position, it’s certainly not over for the Flamingos yet. According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, his team just didn’t take its chances well enough.

“Sometimes the soccer gods aren’t with you,” Shore said. “[The team keeps] creating chances, creating chances and just can’t score, so we’ve got to just keep plugging away.”

FMFC came into the game on short rest, having played most of its starters in a third-round U.S. Open Cup game Wednesday in Saint Louis. Tanzanian midfielder Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi, on loan from Minnesota United, was one of the players who filled in, making his first-ever USL League One start.

Forward Madison dominated possession throughout the first half, with Lansing struggling to stay in front of wingers Don Smart and Paulo Júnior. Even Madison native Carl Schneider, starting at left back rather than his usual right side, took advantage of an overlapping J.C. Banks to get forward and cause problems.

Goalkeeper Ryan Coulter, who returned to the FMFC lineup after several games off, turned in another solid performance, making five saves. His point-blank denial of Lansing’s Nick Moon in the 24th minute helped put the ‘Mingos on solid footing early on.

As the first half continued, scattered rain showers started to fall, forcing both teams to adapt to new playing conditions. Smart came perhaps the closest of anyone to scoring when he ran onto a through ball from midfielder Josiel Núñez in the 36th minute, but wasn’t able to touch it past the goalkeeper.

In the second half, Lansing grew into the match quickly. The Ignite took advantage of several Forward mistakes on the ball, and it was Moon who found himself on the end of the game-changing moment. The Waukesha native took hold of the ball on his own in the 47th minute, then slotted the game’s only goal past Coulter’s near post.

According to Shore, Lansing’s ability to finish made all the difference.

“Soccer’s a funny sport,” Shore said. “You dominate the game, you give up a chance right out of halftime [after] you talked about being good at the start of the second half and we just give up a goal. And you know, right now we can’t buy a goal.”

The Flamingos squandered most of their chances as the second half dragged on, coming close but never quite getting the goal they needed to tie the game. Paulo Júnior had a shot deflected wide by a defender in the 60th minute, then saved by the goalkeeper in the 63rd; Brandon Eaton’s long-range curler came back off the far post in the 85th minute; Jiro Barriga Toyama skied an effort over the crossbar just moments later.

If the result had been a disappointment, it got even worse after referee Brad Jensen blew the final whistle. Jensen issued Josiel Núñez a red card following the game’s conclusion. A red card carries a one-game minimum suspension in USL League One.

Forward Madison is on the road next week, taking on USL League Two team Green Bay Voyageurs in an exhibition match on Wednesday before returning to USL League One play on Friday at Orlando City B. The Flamingos earned their first-ever win against Orlando in April, overturning a first half deficit to win 2-1.

“The cards are stacked against us a little bit, but we’re still in this,” Shore said. “It’s not like we’re 15 points out of the playoffs or anything like that, so we’ve just got to get back into the rhythm and we’ve got to try and find a way to score some goals and then start winning some games.”

Forward Madison FC launched shot after shot – 17 in total – at the Lansing Ignite goal on Saturday night, but nothing seemed to go in. The Flamingos fell 1-0 to Lansing, despite the support of a boisterous crowd of 4,271 at Breese Stevens Field.

The result means FMFC are now rooted to the bottom of the USL League One standings, although with one game in hand and at only five points out of playoff position, it’s certainly not over for the Flamingos yet. According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, his team just didn’t take its chances well enough.

“Sometimes the soccer gods aren’t with you,” Shore said. “[The team keeps] creating chances, creating chances and just can’t score, so we’ve got to just keep plugging away.”

FMFC came into the game on short rest, having played most of its starters in a third-round U.S. Open Cup game Wednesday in Saint Louis. Tanzanian midfielder Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi, on loan from Minnesota United, was one of the players who filled in, making his first-ever USL League One start.

Forward Madison dominated possession throughout the first half, with Lansing struggling to stay in front of wingers Don Smart and Paulo Júnior. Even Madison native Carl Schneider, starting at left back rather than his usual right side, took advantage of an overlapping J.C. Banks to get forward and cause problems.

Goalkeeper Ryan Coulter, who returned to the FMFC lineup after several games off, turned in another solid performance, making five saves. His point-blank denial of Lansing’s Nick Moon in the 24th minute helped put the ‘Mingos on solid footing early on.

As the first half continued, scattered rain showers started to fall, forcing both teams to adapt to new playing conditions. Smart came perhaps the closest of anyone to scoring when he ran onto a through ball from midfielder Josiel Núñez in the 36th minute, but wasn’t able to touch it past the goalkeeper.

In the second half, Lansing grew into the match quickly. The Ignite took advantage of several Forward mistakes on the ball, and it was Moon who found himself on the end of the game-changing moment. The Waukesha native took hold of the ball on his own in the 47th minute, then slotted the game’s only goal past Coulter’s near post.

According to Shore, Lansing’s ability to finish made all the difference.

“Soccer’s a funny sport,” Shore said. “You dominate the game, you give up a chance right out of halftime [after] you talked about being good at the start of the second half and we just give up a goal. And you know, right now we can’t buy a goal.”

The Flamingos squandered most of their chances as the second half dragged on, coming close but never quite getting the goal they needed to tie the game. Paulo Júnior had a shot deflected wide by a defender in the 60th minute, then saved by the goalkeeper in the 63rd; Brandon Eaton’s long-range curler came back off the far post in the 85th minute; Jiro Barriga Toyama skied an effort over the crossbar just moments later.

If the result had been a disappointment, it got even worse after referee Brad Jensen blew the final whistle. Jensen issued Josiel Núñez a red card following the game’s conclusion. A red card carries a one-game minimum suspension in USL League One.

Forward Madison is on the road next week, taking on USL League Two team Green Bay Voyageurs in an exhibition match on Wednesday before returning to USL League One play on Friday at Orlando City B. The Flamingos earned their first-ever win against Orlando in April, overturning a first half deficit to win 2-1.

“The cards are stacked against us a little bit, but we’re still in this,” Shore said. “It’s not like we’re 15 points out of the playoffs or anything like that, so we’ve just got to get back into the rhythm and we’ve got to try and find a way to score some goals and then start winning some games.”

Forward Madison FC
Head Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper – Ryan Coulter  #1
Defender- Carl Schneider #23  (75’ Jiro Barriga Toyama #77)
Defender – Connor Tobin (captain) #13
Defender- Eric Leonard #3
Defender – Christian “Pato” Diaz #27
Midfielder – Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi #12 (75’ Brandon Eaton #6)
Midfielder – Josiel Núñez  #70 RC
Midfielder – Jeff Michaud  #8
Forward – J.C. Banks #29 YC
Forward- Don Smart #7
Forward – Paulo Jr.  #11

Substitutes
GK- Brian Sylvestre #92
D- Shaun Russell #15
M- Brandon Eaton #6
M- Vital Niziyigimana #19
M- Jiro Barriga Toyama #77
M- Don Smart #7
F- Brian Bement #14

Lansing Ignite FC
Head Coach: Nate Miller
Goalkeeper – Stefan Cleveland #30
Defender-  Grant Lillard #15
Defender – Brandon Fricke (Captain) #5
Defender- Grant Stoneman #4
Midfielder – Rhys Williams #2
Midfielder- Marshall Hollingsworth #25 (83’ Elva N’For #24)
Midfielder – Ivo Cerda #21
Midfielder – Xavier Gomez #10
Midfielder- Nick Moon #14 ⚽
Midfielder- Rafa Mentzingen #7 (90+4’ Steeve Saint-Duc #11)
Forward – Ricky Lopez-Espin #9 (89’ Pato Botello-Faz #19)

Substitutes
GK- Michael Kirk #1
M- Kyle Carr #8
M- Christian Silva #12
M- Lewis Jones #16
F- Elma N’for #24
F- Pato Botello-Faz #19
F- Steeve Saint-Duc #11

Goals

Lansing Ignite FC
47’ – Nick Moon #14

Discipline

Forward Madison FC
38’ – #29 J.C. Banks, Yellow Card
#70 Josiel Nunez, Red Card after the final whistle

Lansing Ignite FC
51’- Grant Stoneman #4
81’- Ivo Cerda #21

Referees
Brad Jensen
Eric Del Rosario
Ryan Birdsall
Kyle Hannon

Venue
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Attendance
4,271

 

Forward Madison FC
Head Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper – Ryan Coulter  #1
Defender- Carl Schneider #23  (75’ Jiro Barriga Toyama #77)
Defender – Connor Tobin (captain) #13
Defender- Eric Leonard #3
Defender – Christian “Pato” Diaz #27
Midfielder – Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi #12 (75’ Brandon Eaton #6)
Midfielder – Josiel Núñez  #70 RC
Midfielder – Jeff Michaud  #8
Forward – J.C. Banks #29 YC
Forward- Don Smart #7
Forward – Paulo Jr.  #11

Substitutes
GK- Brian Sylvestre #92
D- Shaun Russell #15
M- Brandon Eaton #6
M- Vital Niziyigimana #19
M- Jiro Barriga Toyama #77
M- Don Smart #7
F- Brian Bement #14

Lansing Ignite FC
Head Coach: Nate Miller
Goalkeeper – Stefan Cleveland #30
Defender-  Grant Lillard #15
Defender – Brandon Fricke (Captain) #5
Defender- Grant Stoneman #4
Midfielder – Rhys Williams #2
Midfielder- Marshall Hollingsworth #25 (83’ Elva N’For #24)
Midfielder – Ivo Cerda #21
Midfielder – Xavier Gomez #10
Midfielder- Nick Moon #14 ⚽
Midfielder- Rafa Mentzingen #7 (90+4’ Steeve Saint-Duc #11)
Forward – Ricky Lopez-Espin #9 (89’ Pato Botello-Faz #19)

Substitutes
GK- Michael Kirk #1
M- Kyle Carr #8
M- Christian Silva #12
M- Lewis Jones #16
F- Elma N’for #24
F- Pato Botello-Faz #19
F- Steeve Saint-Duc #11

Goals

Lansing Ignite FC
47’ – Nick Moon #14

Discipline

Forward Madison FC
38’ – #29 J.C. Banks, Yellow Card
#70 Josiel Nunez, Red Card after the final whistle

Lansing Ignite FC
51’- Grant Stoneman #4
81’- Ivo Cerda #21

Referees
Brad Jensen
Eric Del Rosario
Ryan Birdsall
Kyle Hannon

Venue
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Attendance
4,271

 

IT'S MATCHDAY! If you don't have your ticket yet, get it now! 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All fans who enter Breese Stevens Field MUST pass through a metal detector. Please arrive early to allow for extra time to make your way through security and to your seat. REMINDER: umbrellas are not allowed at Breese Stevens Field, please leave them in your car or at home. We play rain or shine! We will be monitoring the weather closely, and if there are any changes to the match we will post on our website and our social media platforms. 

BOX OFFICE OPENS: 4:00 PM – if you have tickets available at Will Call, this is when you can come pick them up. 

OFFICIAL PRE-GAME RESTAURANT: Stop by the Avenue Club and party with The Flock before the game with food and drink!

GATES OPEN: 6:00 p.m. 

ARRIVAL AT THE STADIUM: For those of you driving to the game, please see the parking map for lots in the area. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to safely arrive at Breese Stevens Field and get to your seat. 

BAG POLICY: We kindly ask fans to follow our bag policy in regards to match safety and to allow for the quick and smooth entry of fans into the stadium. There are strict limitations on what bags are allowed at Breese Stevens Field. Types of bags that are allowed in the stadium:
-bags smaller than 12” x 12” x 12” such as a small purse or personal bag. No backpacks.
-1-gallon plastic freezer bags
-Medically necessary bags and diaper bags

PLEASE DO NOT bring these types of bags:
-backpacks
-camera cases
-large purses
-binoculars case
-Folding chair bag
-Mesh bags
-Over-sized tote bags

CONCESSIONS: Our main concessions and beer stands are located on the West end of the stadium. Our menu, including items created by three of Madison's celebrity chefs – Tory Miller, Patrick DePula & Daniel Bonanno – will be available for you to taste! 

OFFICIAL POST-GAME PARTY: Our players are heading to the Essen Haus after every home game this season, and they want you to join them! Come by our official post-game restaurant and have a meal with the team; we'll raise some steins to celebrate a win!

For a full A to Z guide on our stadium policies, please click here! 

If you have any issues or concerns about the game, please don't hesitate to reach out to our front office team at: 608-204-0855 or info@https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com

IT’S MATCHDAY! If you don’t have your ticket yet, get it now! 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All fans who enter Breese Stevens Field MUST pass through a metal detector. Please arrive early to allow for extra time to make your way through security and to your seat. REMINDER: umbrellas are not allowed at Breese Stevens Field, please leave them in your car or at home. We play rain or shine! We will be monitoring the weather closely, and if there are any changes to the match we will post on our website and our social media platforms. 

BOX OFFICE OPENS: 4:00 PM – if you have tickets available at Will Call, this is when you can come pick them up. 

OFFICIAL PRE-GAME RESTAURANT: Stop by the Avenue Club and party with The Flock before the game with food and drink!

GATES OPEN: 6:00 p.m. 

ARRIVAL AT THE STADIUM: For those of you driving to the game, please see the parking map for lots in the area. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to safely arrive at Breese Stevens Field and get to your seat. 

BAG POLICY: We kindly ask fans to follow our bag policy in regards to match safety and to allow for the quick and smooth entry of fans into the stadium. There are strict limitations on what bags are allowed at Breese Stevens Field. Types of bags that are allowed in the stadium:
-bags smaller than 12” x 12” x 12” such as a small purse or personal bag. No backpacks.
-1-gallon plastic freezer bags
-Medically necessary bags and diaper bags

PLEASE DO NOT bring these types of bags:
-backpacks
-camera cases
-large purses
-binoculars case
-Folding chair bag
-Mesh bags
-Over-sized tote bags

CONCESSIONS: Our main concessions and beer stands are located on the West end of the stadium. Our menu, including items created by three of Madison’s celebrity chefs – Tory Miller, Patrick DePula & Daniel Bonanno – will be available for you to taste! 

OFFICIAL POST-GAME PARTY: Our players are heading to the Essen Haus after every home game this season, and they want you to join them! Come by our official post-game restaurant and have a meal with the team; we’ll raise some steins to celebrate a win!

For a full A to Z guide on our stadium policies, please click here! 

If you have any issues or concerns about the game, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our front office team at: 608-204-0855 or info@https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com

USL League One – Game 9
Forward Madison FC vs Lansing Ignite FC
Saturday, June 1, 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 now!

Forward Madison is under pressure to get back to winning ways as it takes on Lansing Ignite FC on Saturday, June 1 at 7 p.m. at Breese Stevens Field. The Flamingos have dropped two straight games in USL League One, but remain just three points out of playoff position.

Speaking on Let Me Be Forward this week, Head Coach Daryl Shore said he isn’t satisfied with FMFC’s early results in league play.

“We know it’s not a must-win game, but it’s a ‘we need to win’ game,” Shore said. “We’re going to be dissatisfied if we don’t come out of the Lansing game with three points.”

Not only is Saturday’s game significant in the league table, but it’s also important for the fans, as Lansing represents FMFC’s closest geographical opponent. Supporters from both The Flock (Madison) and the Assembly Line (Lansing) will be hoping to rub in bragging rights over the other by the time the final whistle blows.

Forward Madison comes into the game with significantly less rest, having just played a U.S. Open Cup match in Saint Louis on Wednesday night. The Flamingos fell 3-1 to USL Championship side Saint Louis FC despite starting a strong lineup, so Shore will now have to balance his personnel preferences with the need for rotation. Still, with Madison leading League One in attendance by nearly 1,000 fans per game, whichever players Shore chooses should get an extra boost from the typically raucous Breese crowd.

“We feel like games at home, we need three points in all of them,” Shore said. “Sometimes maybe we’ll settle for a point, but those really aren’t going to be good enough.”

Lansing, meanwhile, sits in eighth place in USL League One, two points above Forward Madison with one more game played. The Ignite are stuck in a rut of their own, having failed to win any of their previous six league matches. Lansing recently got some outside help, however, from Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire, which added the Ignite as an affiliate team last week. The deal opens up the possibility for Lansing to receive loan players from Chicago for the game on Saturday and beyond.

Saturday’s game carries importance off the field as well, with Forward Madison set to host its first-ever Pride Night to support and celebrate Madison’s LGBTQ+ community. FMFC is offering a special Pride ticket package for the match, which includes an FMFC Pride t-shirt along with a grandstand ticket to the game. Connor Tobin, the Flamingos’ captain, is participating for a third consecutive year in “Playing for Pride,” the annual fundraiser founded by North Carolina FC midfielder Austin da Luz. Tobin will also wear a special Pride armband during the game.

Following its game against Lansing, the Flamingos will head north for an exhibition match against new USL League 2 club Green Bay Voyageurs FC on June 5 before continuing its USL League One schedule away to Orlando City B on June 7. For now, though, all the focus within the squad is on beating Lansing this Saturday.

“Whenever you’re sitting in ninth place in a ten-team table, you’re not satisfied,” Shore said. “We do know that this is a big game.”

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 1 vs Lansing Ignite FC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

USL League One – Game 9
Forward Madison FC vs Lansing Ignite FC
Saturday, June 1, 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 now!

Forward Madison is under pressure to get back to winning ways as it takes on Lansing Ignite FC on Saturday, June 1 at 7 p.m. at Breese Stevens Field. The Flamingos have dropped two straight games in USL League One, but remain just three points out of playoff position.

Speaking on Let Me Be Forward this week, Head Coach Daryl Shore said he isn’t satisfied with FMFC’s early results in league play.

“We know it’s not a must-win game, but it’s a ‘we need to win’ game,” Shore said. “We’re going to be dissatisfied if we don’t come out of the Lansing game with three points.”

Not only is Saturday’s game significant in the league table, but it’s also important for the fans, as Lansing represents FMFC’s closest geographical opponent. Supporters from both The Flock (Madison) and the Assembly Line (Lansing) will be hoping to rub in bragging rights over the other by the time the final whistle blows.

Forward Madison comes into the game with significantly less rest, having just played a U.S. Open Cup match in Saint Louis on Wednesday night. The Flamingos fell 3-1 to USL Championship side Saint Louis FC despite starting a strong lineup, so Shore will now have to balance his personnel preferences with the need for rotation. Still, with Madison leading League One in attendance by nearly 1,000 fans per game, whichever players Shore chooses should get an extra boost from the typically raucous Breese crowd.

“We feel like games at home, we need three points in all of them,” Shore said. “Sometimes maybe we’ll settle for a point, but those really aren’t going to be good enough.”

Lansing, meanwhile, sits in eighth place in USL League One, two points above Forward Madison with one more game played. The Ignite are stuck in a rut of their own, having failed to win any of their previous six league matches. Lansing recently got some outside help, however, from Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire, which added the Ignite as an affiliate team last week. The deal opens up the possibility for Lansing to receive loan players from Chicago for the game on Saturday and beyond.

Saturday’s game carries importance off the field as well, with Forward Madison set to host its first-ever Pride Night to support and celebrate Madison’s LGBTQ+ community. FMFC is offering a special Pride ticket package for the match, which includes an FMFC Pride t-shirt along with a grandstand ticket to the game. Connor Tobin, the Flamingos’ captain, is participating for a third consecutive year in “Playing for Pride,” the annual fundraiser founded by North Carolina FC midfielder Austin da Luz. Tobin will also wear a special Pride armband during the game.

Following its game against Lansing, the Flamingos will head north for an exhibition match against new USL League 2 club Green Bay Voyageurs FC on June 5 before continuing its USL League One schedule away to Orlando City B on June 7. For now, though, all the focus within the squad is on beating Lansing this Saturday.

“Whenever you’re sitting in ninth place in a ten-team table, you’re not satisfied,” Shore said. “We do know that this is a big game.”

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 1 vs Lansing Ignite FC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.