USL League One – Game 14
Forward Madison FC @ Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Saturday, July 31, 2021; 6:00 p.m. CT
CHI Memorial Stadium- Tennessee
Where to Watch
ESPN+
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter and Instagram for live updates
Keep track of the official stats on the USL League One Match Center
Forward Madison travels to Chattanooga, Tennessee for a face-off against second place team Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT
Last weekend, the Flamingos were stunned by a draw against Fort Lauderdale CF. Noah Fuson put Forward Madison in the lead when he scored his first goal of the season in the 30th minute. The game was almost in the hands of the Flamingos but Fort Lauderdale’s Mitchel Curry scored a surprising equalizer in the 90+10’ minute that halted Forward Madison’s efforts to pick up three points. Forward Madison now sits in 8th place with 18 points in USL League One standings.
Fuson notes that upon team reflection, the final score didn’t reflect the style of play.
“After Saturday, we had a little more time to reflect, and after looking back it was obviously a good performance and we kind of got back to our football and the way we want to play things,” said Fuson. “This week, we’re continuing to focus on playing and getting back to that style of play that we want coming into Chattanooga this weekend.”
As we turn to the competition, Chattanooga is a completely different team compared to past seasons. The Red Wolves are currently in 2nd place with 24 points in USL League One and have not lost a match in seven games. Collectively, Chattanooga scored 23 goals this season, which is the second-highest in the league.
“Their [Chattanooga] style is assertive,” said Head Coach Carl Craig. “One thing that they do which is different from most teams in this league, is they go man for man when they defend higher up the field.”
With the Red Wolves use of man-to-man coverage, Craig notes that focusing on movement patterns is crucial for the Flamingos.
“We have to be better in our movements in between lines, in switching up, and marking; and if we do that, then I think we can have a lot of fun in this game.”
Despite this dominant presence by Chattanooga, Craig has full faith that the Flamingos can put up a solid match against this team.
“We weren’t overrode in Greenville, we weren’t overrode in Omaha and we’re 1-1-1 with Omaha. We’re not worried about going anywhere and we’re not daunted with the teams above us.”
Following this weekend’s game, Forward Madison will travel to Nebraska for its final regular-season matchup against Union Omaha on Saturday, August 7.
