Forward Madison completed its preseason tour of the USL Championship on Saturday, falling 2-1 to Saint Louis FC. The Flamingos, who took the lead early through Paulo Júnior, will now head back to Madison for the first time in two weeks.
FMFC has now played four USL Championship teams this preseason. According to Head Coach & Technical Director Daryl Shore, his team’s on-field progression against those clubs has been clear.
“We asked the guys to work on a few things today and for the most part they accomplished what we had talked about,” Shore said. “We talked about being up or even at halftime and we came in with a 1-0 lead. We obviously made a lot of changes at the 60th minute, but overall we’re pleased with how it went.”
Forward started a lineup that looked close to full-strength, and the team’s talent showed from the opening whistle. The Flamingos had allowed four first-half goals to Louisville City FC earlier in the week, but on Saturday, they looked much more prepared.
Paulo Júnior scored the opening goal, making a run to the far post and toeing home a well-placed cross from J.C. Banks in the sixth minute. Saint Louis had a chance to equalize from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time, but Forward’s trialist goalkeeper dove to his left-hand side and pushed away Sam Fink’s attempt.
“The guys are doing a good job of buying into our principles – mostly defensive principles – which is what they’ve been working on,” Shore said. “Today was really the first game where we focused on making sure those principles were put into place.”
The Flamingos made big changes to their lineup both at halftime and in the 60th minute, eventually swapping out the entire starting 11.
Although Forward held the lead with 10 minutes to go, Saint Louis scored twice through Russell Cicerone – with a penalty kick in the 81st minute and a curled effort from range in the 90th minute – to complete the comeback.
FMFC will now return to Wisconsin for its first practice session of the year at Breese Stevens Field. The Flamingos will contest their next preseason game on March 14 against UW-Parkside at Madison College.
Despite Saturday’s match being played several hundred miles from Madison, several dozen FMFC supporters made the trip there, singing through the whole 90 minutes. According to Shore, it was perfect preparation for the USL League One season.
“I’m proud to be the leader of this great organization on the field and I’m proud to have our great fans following us again,” Shore said. “Hopefully they saw a glimpse of what’s to come for 2020.”
Forward Madison completed its preseason tour of the USL Championship on Saturday, falling 2-1 to Saint Louis FC. The Flamingos, who took the lead early through Paulo Júnior, will now head back to Madison for the first time in two weeks.
FMFC has now played four USL Championship teams this preseason. According to Head Coach & Technical Director Daryl Shore, his team’s on-field progression against those clubs has been clear.
“We asked the guys to work on a few things today and for the most part they accomplished what we had talked about,” Shore said. “We talked about being up or even at halftime and we came in with a 1-0 lead. We obviously made a lot of changes at the 60th minute, but overall we’re pleased with how it went.”
Forward started a lineup that looked close to full-strength, and the team’s talent showed from the opening whistle. The Flamingos had allowed four first-half goals to Louisville City FC earlier in the week, but on Saturday, they looked much more prepared.
Paulo Júnior scored the opening goal, making a run to the far post and toeing home a well-placed cross from J.C. Banks in the sixth minute. Saint Louis had a chance to equalize from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time, but Forward’s trialist goalkeeper dove to his left-hand side and pushed away Sam Fink’s attempt.
“The guys are doing a good job of buying into our principles – mostly defensive principles – which is what they’ve been working on,” Shore said. “Today was really the first game where we focused on making sure those principles were put into place.”
The Flamingos made big changes to their lineup both at halftime and in the 60th minute, eventually swapping out the entire starting 11.
Although Forward held the lead with 10 minutes to go, Saint Louis scored twice through Russell Cicerone – with a penalty kick in the 81st minute and a curled effort from range in the 90th minute – to complete the comeback.
FMFC will now return to Wisconsin for its first practice session of the year at Breese Stevens Field. The Flamingos will contest their next preseason game on March 14 against UW-Parkside at Madison College.
Despite Saturday’s match being played several hundred miles from Madison, several dozen FMFC supporters made the trip there, singing through the whole 90 minutes. According to Shore, it was perfect preparation for the USL League One season.
“I’m proud to be the leader of this great organization on the field and I’m proud to have our great fans following us again,” Shore said. “Hopefully they saw a glimpse of what’s to come for 2020.”
Season tickets for Forward Madison FC’s 2020 season are now available! Get yours by calling 608-204-0855 or visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/season-tickets.
Season tickets for Forward Madison FC’s 2020 season are now available! Get yours by calling 608-204-0855 or visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/season-tickets.
