News Collection

It’s now been nearly a month since Forward Madison FC last lost a game. The team continued their unbeaten streak by drawing Chattanooga Red Wolves SC 2-2 on a wet night in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  

It was an uphill battle throughout most of the match, as the Flamingos gave up a goal in the second minute of the game after a defensive mix-up. Red Wolves’ Conor Doyle pounced on the loose ball and put Chattanooga in the early lead.

Things got flipped completely on their head ten minutes into the second half. Chattanooga’s goalkeeper Alex Mangels came far off his line in an attempt to clear the ball. Forward Madison’s Mason Toye was first and put in a long shot that hit the inside of the post, rebounded off the face of a Red Wolves defender and nestled itself in the back of the net. Just two minutes later, a lucky bounce found its way to the feet of Madison’s Josiel Nunez who calmly slotted it home to give Forward the lead. The lead unfortunately didn’t last long as Eamon Zayed was first to a loose ball after a Brian Sylvestre save and leveled the score.

 Scoring Summary:

2’ – Conor Doyle (1-0 Chattanooga)

53’ – Vangjel Zguro own goal (1-1)

55’ – Josiel Nunez (1-2 Madison)

56’ – Eamon Zayed (2-2)

 

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team plays at home again on May 18th vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC and then hosts German Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin on May 24thF. Fans can get tickets for all matches this season by visiting https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

It’s now been nearly a month since Forward Madison FC last lost a game. The team continued their unbeaten streak by drawing Chattanooga Red Wolves SC 2-2 on a wet night in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  

It was an uphill battle throughout most of the match, as the Flamingos gave up a goal in the second minute of the game after a defensive mix-up. Red Wolves’ Conor Doyle pounced on the loose ball and put Chattanooga in the early lead.

Things got flipped completely on their head ten minutes into the second half. Chattanooga’s goalkeeper Alex Mangels came far off his line in an attempt to clear the ball. Forward Madison’s Mason Toye was first and put in a long shot that hit the inside of the post, rebounded off the face of a Red Wolves defender and nestled itself in the back of the net. Just two minutes later, a lucky bounce found its way to the feet of Madison’s Josiel Nunez who calmly slotted it home to give Forward the lead. The lead unfortunately didn’t last long as Eamon Zayed was first to a loose ball after a Brian Sylvestre save and leveled the score.

 Scoring Summary:

2’ – Conor Doyle (1-0 Chattanooga)

53’ – Vangjel Zguro own goal (1-1)

55’ – Josiel Nunez (1-2 Madison)

56’ – Eamon Zayed (2-2)

 

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team plays at home again on May 18th vs. South Georgia Tormenta FC and then hosts German Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin on May 24thF. Fans can get tickets for all matches this season by visiting https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

Do you need a summer activity for the little Mingos in your life? Forward Madison FC Youth Camps are the perfect place for kids to have fun and get to train with our professional players! 

Each camper registered by May 22nd will receive a custom, exclusive Forward Madison FC plastic flamingo, as well as being entered into a drawing for a signed Forward Madison FC home jersey at each youth camp! 

Madison Camp Sign up Form

Fort Atkinson Camp Sign Up Form

Sun Prairie Camp Sign Up Form

DeForest Camp Sign Up Form

Waunakee Camp Sign Up Form

Stoughton Camp Sign Up Form

Do you need a summer activity for the little Mingos in your life? Forward Madison FC Youth Camps are the perfect place for kids to have fun and get to train with our professional players! 

Each camper registered by May 22nd will receive a custom, exclusive Forward Madison FC plastic flamingo, as well as being entered into a drawing for a signed Forward Madison FC home jersey at each youth camp! 

Madison Camp Sign up Form

Fort Atkinson Camp Sign Up Form

Sun Prairie Camp Sign Up Form

DeForest Camp Sign Up Form

Waunakee Camp Sign Up Form

Stoughton Camp Sign Up Form

Soccer is always better with friends. That's why we are inviting you to come watch our guys take on El Paso Locomotive in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00 PM at Breese Stevens Field. We'll be converting our team store into a great viewing environment, and we hope you'll join us! Kickoff is at 8:00 PM, but we'll open an hour before for people to come claim their seats and get their voices warmed up ahead of the game. Beer, wine, and soda will be available for purchase.

Now in its 106th year, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – U.S. Soccer's national championship, so to speak – is the oldest continuously running soccer tournament in the country, and one of the oldest in the world. What makes it unique in the landscape of American sports is that the Open Cup, like the name suggests, is completely open. Any team, pro or amateur, from the heights of Major League Soccer down to a local pub team, can try to qualify for the tournament and become champions.

Soccer is always better with friends. That’s why we are inviting you to come watch our guys take on El Paso Locomotive in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 15th at 7:00 PM at Breese Stevens Field. We’ll be converting our team store into a great viewing environment, and we hope you’ll join us! Kickoff is at 8:00 PM, but we’ll open an hour before for people to come claim their seats and get their voices warmed up ahead of the game. Beer, wine, and soda will be available for purchase.

Now in its 106th year, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – U.S. Soccer’s national championship, so to speak – is the oldest continuously running soccer tournament in the country, and one of the oldest in the world. What makes it unique in the landscape of American sports is that the Open Cup, like the name suggests, is completely open. Any team, pro or amateur, from the heights of Major League Soccer down to a local pub team, can try to qualify for the tournament and become champions.

OPEN CUP FIRST ROUND HIGHLIGHTS

OPEN CUP FIRST ROUND HIGHLIGHTS

Forward Madison FC midfielder Don Smart has been named the USL League One Player of the Week for Week 6 of the league’s inaugural 2019 season.

Smart notched a goal and two assists to lead Madison to a 3-1 victory against Toronto FC II on Saturday night, which marked the first home victory for the Flamingos at Breese Stevens Field. Madison is now on a three-game undefeated streak as it enters the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time on Tuesday night.

Winger Paulo Júnior also made the USL League One Team of the Week. Paulo scored the opening goal, added an assist, made nine recoveries and completed 25 of 33 passes in FMFC's win.

Forward Madison FC midfielder Don Smart has been named the USL League One Player of the Week for Week 6 of the league’s inaugural 2019 season.

Smart notched a goal and two assists to lead Madison to a 3-1 victory against Toronto FC II on Saturday night, which marked the first home victory for the Flamingos at Breese Stevens Field. Madison is now on a three-game undefeated streak as it enters the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time on Tuesday night.

Winger Paulo Júnior also made the USL League One Team of the Week. Paulo scored the opening goal, added an assist, made nine recoveries and completed 25 of 33 passes in FMFC’s win.

Forward Madison FC ran out winners in an all-Wisconsin U.S. Open Cup clash Tuesday night, knocking off Bavarian SC 2-0 in Milwaukee and earning a trip to Texas next Wednesday for a Round Two clash with El Paso Locomotive FC.

The game marked Forward Madison’s inaugural entry into the Open Cup, an annual tournament involving teams from every level of soccer in the United States that has taken place since 1914. The Bavarians, formed in 1929, were the oldest club in this year’s competition, and even as an amateur side, came in with plenty of high-level experience.

The Flamingos, meanwhile, made several lineup changes to give starters a rest for the midweek game. Brandon Eaton, Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi and Brian Sylvestre all made their first competitive starts for FMFC.

Within the first ten minutes of kickoff at Uihlein Soccer Park, it was Eaton who put Forward Madison on the board when he scored his first-ever professional goal. His curling shot from outside the 18-yard box caught the Bavarians goalkeeper off gaurd, taking a hop on its way into the back of the net.

Later, in the 36th minute, FMFC winger Jiro Barriga Toyama doubled the Flamingos’ advantage, racing forward on a counter-attack and connecting on a daisy-cutting cross from Don Smart. Barriga Toyama's goal was also the first of his professional career.

In the second half, the game slowed down and FMFC cruised. Eaton nearly tallied his second goal in the 72nd minute, smashing a shot off the crossbar. That moment, though, was the closest either team got to adding another goal, and the game ended with the score at 2-0 to the Flamingos.

Forward Madison, now sporting a four-match unbeaten run in all competitions, will hit the road on Saturday for a USL League One game against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, which lost 3-0 in its Open Cup match Tuesday night. After that, FMFC will face a tough opponent in El Paso Locomotive FC during Round Two of the Open Cup on May 15. El Paso play a division above Madison and currently sit in playoff position in the USL Championship.

Forward Madison FC ran out winners in an all-Wisconsin U.S. Open Cup clash Tuesday night, knocking off Bavarian SC 2-0 in Milwaukee and earning a trip to Texas next Wednesday for a Round Two clash with El Paso Locomotive FC.

The game marked Forward Madison’s inaugural entry into the Open Cup, an annual tournament involving teams from every level of soccer in the United States that has taken place since 1914. The Bavarians, formed in 1929, were the oldest club in this year’s competition, and even as an amateur side, came in with plenty of high-level experience.

The Flamingos, meanwhile, made several lineup changes to give starters a rest for the midweek game. Brandon Eaton, Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi and Brian Sylvestre all made their first competitive starts for FMFC.

Within the first ten minutes of kickoff at Uihlein Soccer Park, it was Eaton who put Forward Madison on the board when he scored his first-ever professional goal. His curling shot from outside the 18-yard box caught the Bavarians goalkeeper off gaurd, taking a hop on its way into the back of the net.

Later, in the 36th minute, FMFC winger Jiro Barriga Toyama doubled the Flamingos’ advantage, racing forward on a counter-attack and connecting on a daisy-cutting cross from Don Smart. Barriga Toyama’s goal was also the first of his professional career.

In the second half, the game slowed down and FMFC cruised. Eaton nearly tallied his second goal in the 72nd minute, smashing a shot off the crossbar. That moment, though, was the closest either team got to adding another goal, and the game ended with the score at 2-0 to the Flamingos.

Forward Madison, now sporting a four-match unbeaten run in all competitions, will hit the road on Saturday for a USL League One game against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, which lost 3-0 in its Open Cup match Tuesday night. After that, FMFC will face a tough opponent in El Paso Locomotive FC during Round Two of the Open Cup on May 15. El Paso play a division above Madison and currently sit in playoff position in the USL Championship.

Forward Madison FC
Brian Sylvestre; Christian "Pato" Díaz, Shaun Russell, Connor Tobin (Eric Leonard 72'), Carl Schneider; Ally Hamis Ng'Anzi [yellow 77'] (Jeff Michaud 80'), Brandon Eaton [goal 9'], J.C. Banks; Jiro Barriga Toyama [goal 36'], Don Smart, Brian Bement (Zaire Bartley 85')

Unused Substitutes: Brandon Barnes, Vital Nizigiyimana, Josiel Núñez, Paulo Júnior

Milwaukee Bavarian SC
Agustin Rey; Jacob Streicher, Alex Masbruch, Nicholas Marshall, Dogara Zamani [yellow 55']; Bret Dietz, Tighe Dombrowski (Dejesus Herrera 85'), Scott Lorenz [yellow 46'] (Aleksander Prpa 79'); Brody Kraussel (Francesco Saporito 60'), Braden Andryk, Logan Andryk

Unused Substitutes: Luke Goodnetter, Simar Perez, Taylor Pill, Peter Sanger

Referee
Peter Bernardy

Venue
Uihlein Soccer Park – Milwaukee, WI

Forward Madison FC
Brian Sylvestre; Christian “Pato” Díaz, Shaun Russell, Connor Tobin (Eric Leonard 72′), Carl Schneider; Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi [yellow 77′] (Jeff Michaud 80′), Brandon Eaton [goal 9′], J.C. Banks; Jiro Barriga Toyama [goal 36′], Don Smart, Brian Bement (Zaire Bartley 85′)

Unused Substitutes: Brandon Barnes, Vital Nizigiyimana, Josiel Núñez, Paulo Júnior

Milwaukee Bavarian SC
Agustin Rey; Jacob Streicher, Alex Masbruch, Nicholas Marshall, Dogara Zamani [yellow 55′]; Bret Dietz, Tighe Dombrowski (Dejesus Herrera 85′), Scott Lorenz [yellow 46′] (Aleksander Prpa 79′); Brody Kraussel (Francesco Saporito 60′), Braden Andryk, Logan Andryk

Unused Substitutes: Luke Goodnetter, Simar Perez, Taylor Pill, Peter Sanger

Referee
Peter Bernardy

Venue
Uihlein Soccer Park – Milwaukee, WI

U.S. Open Cup – Round 1
Forward Madison FC at Milwaukee Bavarian SC
Tuesday, May 7, 2019; 7:30 p.m. CT
Uihlein Soccer Park – Milwaukee, WI

Where to Watch
ESPN+
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates

Forward Madison FC will become part of a historic tradition Tuesday night when it kicks off in Round One of the 106th annual Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, playing away against Milwaukee Bavarian SC. The "Dairyland Derby" will mark FMFC's first entry into the tournament, and the first time two Wisconsin teams have played in the Open Cup since 2003.

Now in its 106th year, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – U.S. Soccer's national championship, so to speak – is the oldest continuously running soccer tournament in the country, and one of the oldest in the world. What makes it unique in the landscape of American sports is that the Open Cup, like the name suggests, is completely open. Any team, pro or amateur, from the heights of Major League Soccer down to a local pub team, can try to qualify for the tournament and become champions.

Forward Madison has several players on its roster who have made a name for themselves in the Open Cup over the years. Winger Paulo Júnior was the joint-top goalscorer in the entire tournament in 2010, bagging five goals for Miami FC. Goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre kickstarted his career via a big Cup performance against the Philadelphia Union in 2014. And midfielder Jeff Michaud has scored six goals (so far) in the tournament.

“I love playing in the Open Cup,” Michaud said. “[The] opportunities for me are amazing and that’s the beauty of that tournament. Being the underdog, being able to go out there and leave it all out on the field because it’s win-or-go-home.”

READ: "Jeff Michaud, Standout in the Open Cup"

Milwaukee Bavarian SC, founded in 1929, is an amateur team, and is by far the oldest club in this year’s tournament.  They qualified for this year’s Open Cup by winning the U.S. Adult Soccer Association’s Amateur Cup in August 2018. Over the years, some of the most important figures in Wisconsin soccer history have played for the Bavarians, including Bob Gansler, head coach of the United States men’s national team in the 1990 World Cup.

If Forward Madison can emerge victorious in the Dairyland Derby Tuesday, the team will earn a trip down to Texas to take on El Paso Locomotive FC on May 15th in Round Two. If FMFC can make it to the fourth round, it would have the chance to play against a Major League Soccer team.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on May 18 vs South Georgia Tormenta FC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

U.S. Open Cup – Round 1
Forward Madison FC at Milwaukee Bavarian SC
Tuesday, May 7, 2019; 7:30 p.m. CT
Uihlein Soccer Park – Milwaukee, WI

Where to Watch
ESPN+
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates

Forward Madison FC will become part of a historic tradition Tuesday night when it kicks off in Round One of the 106th annual Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, playing away against Milwaukee Bavarian SC. The “Dairyland Derby” will mark FMFC’s first entry into the tournament, and the first time two Wisconsin teams have played in the Open Cup since 2003.

Now in its 106th year, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup – U.S. Soccer’s national championship, so to speak – is the oldest continuously running soccer tournament in the country, and one of the oldest in the world. What makes it unique in the landscape of American sports is that the Open Cup, like the name suggests, is completely open. Any team, pro or amateur, from the heights of Major League Soccer down to a local pub team, can try to qualify for the tournament and become champions.

Forward Madison has several players on its roster who have made a name for themselves in the Open Cup over the years. Winger Paulo Júnior was the joint-top goalscorer in the entire tournament in 2010, bagging five goals for Miami FC. Goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre kickstarted his career via a big Cup performance against the Philadelphia Union in 2014. And midfielder Jeff Michaud has scored six goals (so far) in the tournament.

“I love playing in the Open Cup,” Michaud said. “[The] opportunities for me are amazing and that’s the beauty of that tournament. Being the underdog, being able to go out there and leave it all out on the field because it’s win-or-go-home.”

READ: “Jeff Michaud, Standout in the Open Cup”

Milwaukee Bavarian SC, founded in 1929, is an amateur team, and is by far the oldest club in this year’s tournament.  They qualified for this year’s Open Cup by winning the U.S. Adult Soccer Association’s Amateur Cup in August 2018. Over the years, some of the most important figures in Wisconsin soccer history have played for the Bavarians, including Bob Gansler, head coach of the United States men’s national team in the 1990 World Cup.

If Forward Madison can emerge victorious in the Dairyland Derby Tuesday, the team will earn a trip down to Texas to take on El Paso Locomotive FC on May 15th in Round Two. If FMFC can make it to the fourth round, it would have the chance to play against a Major League Soccer team.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on May 18 vs South Georgia Tormenta FC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

On October 24, 2018, more than six months before Forward Madison FC had even played a game, Don Smart became the first player signing in the the Flamingos’ short history. On Saturday, in front of a screaming crowd of nearly 4,000 at Breese Stevens Field, he wrote his name in the FMFC record book once again. Propelled by Smart’s goal and two assists, Forward Madison thundered its way to a 3-1 victory over Toronto FC II, the first home win in club history.

“It was a huge game,” Smart said. “We had to go out from the start, from the get-go, and the coach told us to get after them in the first ten minutes. You saw that we had them on their heels, so we had momentum, so we said, ‘let’s keep going.’”

Smart was starting fresh for the game, coming back off a one-match suspension he’d received due to a red card earned against Orlando City B two weeks ago. FMFC’s lineup also featured the return of Wyatt Omsberg from injury and the first home start for Madison native Carl Schneider.

Facing off against Toronto FC II, which had previously been undefeated in USL League One play, the Flamingos had a tall task to take on according to Head Coach Daryl Shore.

“Toronto’s a good team, they’re well coached, it’s a great club,” Shore said. “For us to be able to give them their first loss on our home turf is great.”

The game started with FMFC in control of possession, pushing ahead but failing to create chances. Jeff Michaud struck the first shot on goal in the 21st minute, but Toronto saved it and countered quickly, with Forward Madison goalkeeper Ryan Coulter making a huge one-on-one stop to keep the score level.

In the 33rd minute, it finally happened. After over 120 minutes of waiting for a Forward Madison goal at Breese Stevens Field, Smart crossed a ball from the right-hand side, and an oncoming Paulo Júnior stepped up to knock it home and make history. It probably wasn’t the prettiest goal he’d ever scored, but the Forward fans seemed to only care that it had crossed the line – they rose in jubilation, and the Flock End chanted Paulo’s name for several minutes afterwards.

Things looked good going into the end of the first half, but Toronto’s Jacob Shaffelburg found the equalizer against the run of play, dribbling into the box and placing a shot well into the bottom corner of Coulter’s net. At the half, the two teams were knotted at 1-1.

“We thought we started a lot better than we’d started in the previous games, which was one of our focuses,” Shore said after the match. “To get the goal in the first half was a key.”

In the second half, the Flamingos took flight. In the 68th minute, Paulo floated a long ball to Smart, who took it down deftly and turned in towards goal. Looking up, he cut it back for the oncoming run of defender Carter Manley, who powered a first-time finish that restored Forward Madison’s lead – the first goal of Manley’s professional career.

Flamingos captain Connor Tobin thought he’d added another in the 83rd minute, but his goal was called off for a foul in the build-up. Instead, Toronto pushed numbers forward, hoping for another equalizer. They came just feet away in the 95th minute, Coulter once again deflecting a one-on-one shot before Tobin sprinted to the goal line to stop the ball from trickling in.

Finally, with the last kick of the game, Smart finished off his Mingo of the Match performance. With Toronto still pushing up, Smart made a run behind the shoulder of the defensive line, and Paulo whipped a ball for him to tap home and seal the victory.  

“I love this weather and I love the fans,” Smart said. “You can’t get any better.”

The Flamingos won’t have long to bask in their historic victory, as they travel to Milwaukee on Tuesday to take on Bavarian Soccer Club in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup. From there, Forward Madison will continue to Tennessee next Saturday, where it will look to exact revenge upon Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for its opening day loss in April. With its 3-1 win, FMFC has moved up to fifth place in the USL League One standings.

For now, though, according to Shore, Forward Madison fans can sit back and appreciate an unforgettable evening.

“[I’m] elated, just pure excitement,” Shore said. “The guys were ready to go from the start, got off on a good step, a little bit of a hiccup but the response after halftime was amazing. Playing in front of this [crowd]  is absolutely incredible.”

Forward Madison FC
4-3-3
Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper – Ryan Coulter  #1
Defender- Carl Schneider #23 (#77 Jiro Barriga Toyama 81’)
Defender – Connor Tobin (captain) #13
Defender- Wyatt Omsberg #22
Defender – Carter Manley  #2 ⚽ assisted by Don Smart 68’
Midfielder – Eric Leonard  # 3
Midfielder – Jeff Michaud  #8 (J.C. Banks 66’) YC 89’
Midfielder – Josiel Núñez  #70
Forward – Paulo Júnior  #11 ⚽ assisted by Don Smart 33’
Forward- Don Smart #7 ⚽ assisted by Brian Bement 90+6’
Forward – Mason Toye #9 (#14 Brian Bement 85’)

Substitutes
GK- Brian Sylvestre #92
M- Jiro Barriga Toyama #77
M- Brandon Eaton #6
M- Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi #12
M- Vital Nizigiyimana #19
M- J.C. Banks #29
F- Brian Bement #14

Toronto FC II
4-5-1
Coach: Michael Rabasca
Goalkeeper – Caleb Patterson-Sewell #28
Defender- Trevor Swartz #51(#57 Tariq Mohammed 70’)
Defender – Patrick Bunk-Andersen #42
Defender- Julian Dunn #52
Defender- Dante Campbell #48
Midfielder – Noble Okello #59
Midfielder – Adolfo Ovalle #43 (Captain)
Midfielder – Luca Petrasso #39
Midfielder – Griffin Dorsey #19 (#58 Jordan Faria 75’)
Midfielder- Jacob Shaffelburg #84 ⚽ assisted by Julian Dunn 43’
Forward – Jordan Perruzza #77

Substitutes
GK- Kevin Silva #90
D- Franco Ramos Mingo #36
M- Terique Mohammed #57
M- Gideon Waja #37
M- Jordan Faria #58
M- Mehdi Essoussi #35

Goals
Forward Madison FC
33’ – Paulo Junior (Don Smart)
68’ Carter Manley (Don Smart)
90+6’ Don Smart (Brian Bement)

Toronto FC II
43’ Jacob Shaffelburg (Julian Dunn)

Yellow Cards 
Forward Madison FC
89’ J.C. Banks

Referees
Calin Radosav
John Krill
Art Arustamyan
Peter Bernardy

Attendance
3,806

On October 24, 2018, more than six months before Forward Madison FC had even played a game, Don Smart became the first player signing in the the Flamingos’ short history. On Saturday, in front of a screaming crowd of nearly 4,000 at Breese Stevens Field, he wrote his name in the FMFC record book once again. Propelled by Smart’s goal and two assists, Forward Madison thundered its way to a 3-1 victory over Toronto FC II, the first home win in club history.

“It was a huge game,” Smart said. “We had to go out from the start, from the get-go, and the coach told us to get after them in the first ten minutes. You saw that we had them on their heels, so we had momentum, so we said, ‘let’s keep going.’”

Smart was starting fresh for the game, coming back off a one-match suspension he’d received due to a red card earned against Orlando City B two weeks ago. FMFC’s lineup also featured the return of Wyatt Omsberg from injury and the first home start for Madison native Carl Schneider.

Facing off against Toronto FC II, which had previously been undefeated in USL League One play, the Flamingos had a tall task to take on according to Head Coach Daryl Shore.

“Toronto’s a good team, they’re well coached, it’s a great club,” Shore said. “For us to be able to give them their first loss on our home turf is great.”

The game started with FMFC in control of possession, pushing ahead but failing to create chances. Jeff Michaud struck the first shot on goal in the 21st minute, but Toronto saved it and countered quickly, with Forward Madison goalkeeper Ryan Coulter making a huge one-on-one stop to keep the score level.

In the 33rd minute, it finally happened. After over 120 minutes of waiting for a Forward Madison goal at Breese Stevens Field, Smart crossed a ball from the right-hand side, and an oncoming Paulo Júnior stepped up to knock it home and make history. It probably wasn’t the prettiest goal he’d ever scored, but the Forward fans seemed to only care that it had crossed the line – they rose in jubilation, and the Flock End chanted Paulo’s name for several minutes afterwards.

Things looked good going into the end of the first half, but Toronto’s Jacob Shaffelburg found the equalizer against the run of play, dribbling into the box and placing a shot well into the bottom corner of Coulter’s net. At the half, the two teams were knotted at 1-1.

“We thought we started a lot better than we’d started in the previous games, which was one of our focuses,” Shore said after the match. “To get the goal in the first half was a key.”

In the second half, the Flamingos took flight. In the 68th minute, Paulo floated a long ball to Smart, who took it down deftly and turned in towards goal. Looking up, he cut it back for the oncoming run of defender Carter Manley, who powered a first-time finish that restored Forward Madison’s lead – the first goal of Manley’s professional career.

Flamingos captain Connor Tobin thought he’d added another in the 83rd minute, but his goal was called off for a foul in the build-up. Instead, Toronto pushed numbers forward, hoping for another equalizer. They came just feet away in the 95th minute, Coulter once again deflecting a one-on-one shot before Tobin sprinted to the goal line to stop the ball from trickling in.

Finally, with the last kick of the game, Smart finished off his Mingo of the Match performance. With Toronto still pushing up, Smart made a run behind the shoulder of the defensive line, and Paulo whipped a ball for him to tap home and seal the victory.  

“I love this weather and I love the fans,” Smart said. “You can’t get any better.”

The Flamingos won’t have long to bask in their historic victory, as they travel to Milwaukee on Tuesday to take on Bavarian Soccer Club in the first round of the U.S. Open Cup. From there, Forward Madison will continue to Tennessee next Saturday, where it will look to exact revenge upon Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for its opening day loss in April. With its 3-1 win, FMFC has moved up to fifth place in the USL League One standings.

For now, though, according to Shore, Forward Madison fans can sit back and appreciate an unforgettable evening.

“[I’m] elated, just pure excitement,” Shore said. “The guys were ready to go from the start, got off on a good step, a little bit of a hiccup but the response after halftime was amazing. Playing in front of this [crowd]  is absolutely incredible.”

Forward Madison FC
4-3-3
Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper – Ryan Coulter  #1
Defender- Carl Schneider #23 (#77 Jiro Barriga Toyama 81’)
Defender – Connor Tobin (captain) #13
Defender- Wyatt Omsberg #22
Defender – Carter Manley  #2 ⚽ assisted by Don Smart 68’
Midfielder – Eric Leonard  # 3
Midfielder – Jeff Michaud  #8 (J.C. Banks 66’) YC 89’
Midfielder – Josiel Núñez  #70
Forward – Paulo Júnior  #11 ⚽ assisted by Don Smart 33’
Forward- Don Smart #7 ⚽ assisted by Brian Bement 90+6’
Forward – Mason Toye #9 (#14 Brian Bement 85’)

Substitutes
GK- Brian Sylvestre #92
M- Jiro Barriga Toyama #77
M- Brandon Eaton #6
M- Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi #12
M- Vital Nizigiyimana #19
M- J.C. Banks #29
F- Brian Bement #14

Toronto FC II
4-5-1
Coach: Michael Rabasca
Goalkeeper – Caleb Patterson-Sewell #28
Defender- Trevor Swartz #51(#57 Tariq Mohammed 70’)
Defender – Patrick Bunk-Andersen #42
Defender- Julian Dunn #52
Defender- Dante Campbell #48
Midfielder – Noble Okello #59
Midfielder – Adolfo Ovalle #43 (Captain)
Midfielder – Luca Petrasso #39
Midfielder – Griffin Dorsey #19 (#58 Jordan Faria 75’)
Midfielder- Jacob Shaffelburg #84 ⚽ assisted by Julian Dunn 43’
Forward – Jordan Perruzza #77

Substitutes
GK- Kevin Silva #90
D- Franco Ramos Mingo #36
M- Terique Mohammed #57
M- Gideon Waja #37
M- Jordan Faria #58
M- Mehdi Essoussi #35

Goals
Forward Madison FC
33’ – Paulo Junior (Don Smart)
68’ Carter Manley (Don Smart)
90+6’ Don Smart (Brian Bement)

Toronto FC II
43’ Jacob Shaffelburg (Julian Dunn)

Yellow Cards 
Forward Madison FC
89’ J.C. Banks

Referees
Calin Radosav
John Krill
Art Arustamyan
Peter Bernardy

Attendance
3,806

MATCHDAY! We've got less than 200 seats available, so 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. 

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 before the game for food and drink!

GATES OPEN: 6:00 PM 

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 fans to try! 

OFFICIAL POST-GAME RESTAURANT: 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

MATCHDAY! We’ve got less than 200 seats available, so 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. 

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 before the game for food and drink!

GATES OPEN: 6:00 PM 

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 fans to try! 

OFFICIAL POST-GAME RESTAURANT: 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

Forward Madison FC went Full Mingo Friday evening, unveiling a new pink flamingo-themed alternate jersey during a fan event at Fields Auto Madison. The kit – which will be used primarily during U.S. Open Cup and exhibition matches – was manufactured by hummel and designed in-house by FMFC’s Cassidy Sepnieski.

According to Forward Madison Managing Director Peter Wilt, the new jersey perfectly encapsulates the exuberant spirit of Forward Madison.

“We’re big believers in the idea that life, especially in Madison, should be fun and a bit irreverent,” Wilt said. “This Full Mingo jersey was an outside-the-box, crazy idea, and now that it’s come to life, we think fans will adore it.”

Forward Madison FC went Full Mingo Friday evening, unveiling a new pink flamingo-themed alternate jersey during a fan event at Fields Auto Madison. The kit – which will be used primarily during U.S. Open Cup and exhibition matches – was manufactured by hummel and designed in-house by FMFC’s Cassidy Sepnieski.

According to Forward Madison Managing Director Peter Wilt, the new jersey perfectly encapsulates the exuberant spirit of Forward Madison.

“We’re big believers in the idea that life, especially in Madison, should be fun and a bit irreverent,” Wilt said. “This Full Mingo jersey was an outside-the-box, crazy idea, and now that it’s come to life, we think fans will adore it.”

The jersey itself is mostly pink, with a navy-and-white winged pattern running down the front, intersected by a scalloping pattern derived from the Forward Madison logo. The sleeves are solid pink, featuring navy hummel chevrons on the shoulders. The collar includes the words “Full Mingo,” a reference to Forward Madison’s viral Twitter post that has developed into the club’s tagline.

The front of the jersey features the logo of Dairyland Insurance, part of a three-year agreement FMFC announced in March. Fans will have their first opportunity to purchase the Full Mingo alternate jersey during Saturday’s home game against Toronto FC II, which kicks off at 7:00 p.m. at Breese Stevens Field. Online sales will start at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 5.

The jersey itself is mostly pink, with a navy-and-white winged pattern running down the front, intersected by a scalloping pattern derived from the Forward Madison logo. The sleeves are solid pink, featuring navy hummel chevrons on the shoulders. The collar includes the words “Full Mingo,” a reference to Forward Madison’s viral Twitter post that has developed into the club’s tagline.

The front of the jersey features the logo of Dairyland Insurance, part of a three-year agreement FMFC announced in March. Fans will have their first opportunity to purchase the Full Mingo alternate jersey during Saturday’s home game against Toronto FC II, which kicks off at 7:00 p.m. at Breese Stevens Field. Online sales will start at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 5.

According to Wilt, the jersey will give Madisonians one more reason to love their new soccer club.

“The team’s supporters showed during the sold-out home opener in last Saturday’s snowstorm that they are one of the best soccer fanbases in the entire country,” Wilt said. “Flock leadership weighed in on various designs and were influential in the final selection.”

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game Saturday, May 4 against Toronto FC II. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.

According to Wilt, the jersey will give Madisonians one more reason to love their new soccer club.

“The team’s supporters showed during the sold-out home opener in last Saturday’s snowstorm that they are one of the best soccer fanbases in the entire country,” Wilt said. “Flock leadership weighed in on various designs and were influential in the final selection.”

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game Saturday, May 4 against Toronto FC II. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.