FORWARD MADISON FC PULLS OUT FIRST USL LEAGUE ONE WIN OF THE SEASON AGAINST THE RICHMOND KICKERS
Mingos take the first match of the Henny Derby as they secure a 2-1 victory over the Richmond Kickers
Lineup Notes
RIC: #2 Barnathan, #4 Fitch, #5 Schenfeld (Anderson 81’), #10 Seufert (Vaughan 68’), #16 Cela, #19 Espinal, #27 O’Dwyer, #32 Terzaghi, #33 Bolduc (Billhardt 68’), #35 Sneddon, #38 Garnett
Subs not used: Kirkland, França, Richman, Kanagwa, Jara, Howell
MAD: #2 Chilaka #5 Mehl, #7 Dietrich (Murphy Jr. 81’), #8 Boyce (Munjoma 68’), #9 McLaughlin (Galindrez 68’), #10 Mesias (Carrera-García, 89’), #16 Crull, #17 Gebhard, #25 Sousa (Garcia 89’), #36 Lapsley, #77 Brown
Subs not used: Finnerty, Bell
Match Action
Forward Madison FC and the Richmond Kickers started their first matchup in the annual Henny Derby neck-and-neck, splitting possession 60% to 40%, favoring Richmond. The Mingos were able to fend off early opportunities from Richmond, including an excellent shot off of a corner in the 15th minute of the match. While both teams battled back and forth throughout the first half, it was eventually Forward Madison who would strike first. Capitalizing on a corner awarded in the 40th minute of the match, Garett McLaughlin was able to corral a loose ball and slot in an excellent pass to Derek Gebhard, who put the Mingos on the score sheet first with a stellar strike delivered to the back of the net.
Keeping the momentum strong, Forward Madison came out on the attack after the break. Adding to his already impressive first half, Derek Gebhard scored an unassisted goal in the 48th minute of the match. Forward Madison’s two goal lead was short-lived, however, as Richmond’s Darwin Espinal brought the goal deficit back to one with a phenomenal strike in the 50th minute. Following the flurry of excitement to start the second half, both teams traded blows, creating goal scoring opportunities and strong defensive stands on both ends of the pitch. After an equally hard-fought match, it was Forward Madison that pulled out ahead, winning the first matchup of the Henny Derby 2-1.
Goal Summary
1-0 MAD, Gebhard (40’) – McLaughlin assists
2-0 MAD, Gebhard (48’)
2-1 RIC, Espinal (50’)
Disciplinary Summary
Yellow, MAD – Devin Boyce (43’)
Yellow, MAD – Ferrety Sousa (49’)
Yellow, MAD – Wallis Lapsley (90’+1’)
Yellow, MAD – John Murphy Jr. (90’+5’)
Next Match
Next up, FMFC is back at Breese Stevens Field as they host USL Championship side, FC Tulsa, in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup! Tickets are on sale now here!About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019 and 2023, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team’s weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
