Forward Madison FC closed out its inaugural season on Saturday, bowing out of the USL League One playoffs in a 2-0 loss to regular season champions North Texas SC. Despite the defeat, the Flamingos can still call their first year a successful one, rounding it off with a league-high average attendance and a hard-fought postseason berth.
After a shaky first few minutes, the ‘Mingos found their footing, creating a wonderfully-worked chance courtesy of Brian Bement in the 17th minute. Midfielder J.C. Banks added another long shot in the 43rd minute, but it was pushed away by NTX goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer
Despite conceding the large majority of possession to the home team, the Flamingos held their own, stifling opposition chances for most of the night. North Texas didn’t make the task any easier, calling in several players from FC Dallas that did not feature prominently during the regular season.
In the second half, goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre kept the ‘Mingos in the match, making several important saves to keep North Texas off the board. One stop in the 68th minute in particular saw Sylvestre use his fingertips to knock a shot over the crossbar, which kept the score tied as the match headed into its last 20 minutes.
In the final stages of the game, however, FMFC’s defense finally came undone. North Texas striker Ricardo Pepi, who returned to the team after spending the second half of the season with FC Dallas, scored both goals late on, finding the net in the 76th and 78th minutes.
The Flamingos pushed back to try to find a goal, but didn’t manage to find the target in the end.
One of the highlights of the night came via the 25 or so Forward fans made the journey to cheer on their team in Texas. Meanwhile, several hundred others packed the Brass Ring to capacity back in Madison.
Season tickets for Forward Madison FC’s 2020 season are now available! Get yours by calling 608-204-0855 or by visiting https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/season-tickets.
Forward Madison FC closed out its inaugural season on Saturday, bowing out of the USL League One playoffs in a 2-0 loss to regular season champions North Texas SC. Despite the defeat, the Flamingos can still call their first year a successful one, rounding it off with a league-high average attendance and a hard-fought postseason berth.
After a shaky first few minutes, the ‘Mingos found their footing, creating a wonderfully-worked chance courtesy of Brian Bement in the 17th minute. Midfielder J.C. Banks added another long shot in the 43rd minute, but it was pushed away by NTX goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer
Despite conceding the large majority of possession to the home team, the Flamingos held their own, stifling opposition chances for most of the night. North Texas didn’t make the task any easier, calling in several players from FC Dallas that did not feature prominently during the regular season.
In the second half, goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre kept the ‘Mingos in the match, making several important saves to keep North Texas off the board. One stop in the 68th minute in particular saw Sylvestre use his fingertips to knock a shot over the crossbar, which kept the score tied as the match headed into its last 20 minutes.
In the final stages of the game, however, FMFC’s defense finally came undone. North Texas striker Ricardo Pepi, who returned to the team after spending the second half of the season with FC Dallas, scored both goals late on, finding the net in the 76th and 78th minutes.
The Flamingos pushed back to try to find a goal, but didn’t manage to find the target in the end.
One of the highlights of the night came via the 25 or so Forward fans made the journey to cheer on their team in Texas. Meanwhile, several hundred others packed the Brass Ring to capacity back in Madison.
Season tickets for Forward Madison FC’s 2020 season are now available! Get yours by calling 608-204-0855 or by visiting https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/season-tickets.
