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://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/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://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.
