Home

Forward Madison FC has signed 22-year-old midfielder Justin Sukow, adding an attacking force to its 2021 roster. Sukow, who spent the 2020 season with Reno 1868 of the USL Championship, said he wants to add a fighting spirit and energy to the team.  

“I want to be a player that’s going to fight for the team and do whatever it takes to get a win,” Sukow said. 

Sukow’s signing marks the fifth midfielder Forward Madison has added to its 2021 roster. According to head coach Carl Craig, Sukow’s dynamic playstyle could make him a successful player as an attacking midfielder or left winger. 

 “He’s powerful, has quick feet, is a great athlete and is good on the ball,” Craig said. “He’s keen to work. He goes about his work quietly and he’s just a great athlete.” 

The San Antonio native grew up playing for Lonestar SC and Ronald Reagan High School, before committing to the University of South Carolina in 2017 and then transferring to Loyola-Chicago in 2019. At South Carolina, Sukow was a starter for 27 matches and scored five goals during his freshman year. Sukow continued to be an asset at Loyola where he started in all 20 games and scored nine goals. 

Sukow was a late edition for Reno in 2020, signing in September, and ultimately didn’t make an appearance for a team that finished first in the USL Championship regular season standings. As he returns to the Midwest, Sukow said he’s ready to work and bring a title to the city of Madison. 

“I just want to do whatever I can to get on the field, fight for the team and score some goals,” Sukow said. “I think the main goal for the team is to win a championship and have that for the fans in Madison.”

Sukow’s signing will be confirmed pending league and federation approval.

Forward Madison FC has signed 22-year-old midfielder Justin Sukow, adding an attacking force to its 2021 roster. Sukow, who spent the 2020 season with Reno 1868 of the USL Championship, said he wants to add a fighting spirit and energy to the team.  

“I want to be a player that’s going to fight for the team and do whatever it takes to get a win,” Sukow said. 

Sukow’s signing marks the fifth midfielder Forward Madison has added to its 2021 roster. According to head coach Carl Craig, Sukow’s dynamic playstyle could make him a successful player as an attacking midfielder or left winger. 

 “He’s powerful, has quick feet, is a great athlete and is good on the ball,” Craig said. “He’s keen to work. He goes about his work quietly and he’s just a great athlete.” 

The San Antonio native grew up playing for Lonestar SC and Ronald Reagan High School, before committing to the University of South Carolina in 2017 and then transferring to Loyola-Chicago in 2019. At South Carolina, Sukow was a starter for 27 matches and scored five goals during his freshman year. Sukow continued to be an asset at Loyola where he started in all 20 games and scored nine goals. 

Sukow was a late edition for Reno in 2020, signing in September, and ultimately didn’t make an appearance for a team that finished first in the USL Championship regular season standings. As he returns to the Midwest, Sukow said he’s ready to work and bring a title to the city of Madison. 

“I just want to do whatever I can to get on the field, fight for the team and score some goals,” Sukow said. “I think the main goal for the team is to win a championship and have that for the fans in Madison.”

Sukow’s signing will be confirmed pending league and federation approval.

The goals may not have bloomed yet for Forward Madison this spring, but for new head coach Carl Craig said he saw signs of progress in the Flamingos' 0-3 preseason defeat to Indy Eleven on Saturday.

"We were streets ahead of where we were in Chicago [last week]," Craig said. "I thought we looked like a football team today, and with a bit of better quality in attack, we could have been comfortably in at the half a couple of goals ahead."

Forward Madison's first half starters featured nine rostered players and included the preseason debut of Michael Vang, who has returned from the Chicago Fire's training camp. Vang came close to putting Forward on the board in the 42nd minute with a low shot from the top of the penalty area that Indy Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr dived to keep out.

"If you can have such things as moral victories, then in the first half we had a moral victory," Craig said. "The way things came together, I was quite pleased with.

Craig changed his lineup in the second half, bringing on a number of trialists to gel with rostered players. Indy Eleven, which has already played several preseason games, took full advantage, posting three goals by the 70th minute. Indy's Nick Moon, Manuel Arteaga and Jordan Hamilton all added their names on the scoresheet.

While the result may not have gone the Flamingos' way, Craig emphasized that preseason games are about more than the scoreline.

"I'm very, very pleased with where we're at right now, but there's still a long way to go," he said.

Following Saturday's match, Forward Madison will travel to play Sporting Kansas City II on April 24 before closing out its preseason schedule at home on May 1 against Milwaukee Bavarians SC. The Flamingos kick off their third USL League One season on May 8 at FC Tucson.

The goals may not have bloomed yet for Forward Madison this spring, but for new head coach Carl Craig said he saw signs of progress in the Flamingos’ 0-3 preseason defeat to Indy Eleven on Saturday.

“We were streets ahead of where we were in Chicago [last week],” Craig said. “I thought we looked like a football team today, and with a bit of better quality in attack, we could have been comfortably in at the half a couple of goals ahead.”

Forward Madison’s first half starters featured nine rostered players and included the preseason debut of Michael Vang, who has returned from the Chicago Fire’s training camp. Vang came close to putting Forward on the board in the 42nd minute with a low shot from the top of the penalty area that Indy Eleven goalkeeper Jordan Farr dived to keep out.

“If you can have such things as moral victories, then in the first half we had a moral victory,” Craig said. “The way things came together, I was quite pleased with.

Craig changed his lineup in the second half, bringing on a number of trialists to gel with rostered players. Indy Eleven, which has already played several preseason games, took full advantage, posting three goals by the 70th minute. Indy’s Nick Moon, Manuel Arteaga and Jordan Hamilton all added their names on the scoresheet.

While the result may not have gone the Flamingos’ way, Craig emphasized that preseason games are about more than the scoreline.

“I’m very, very pleased with where we’re at right now, but there’s still a long way to go,” he said.

Following Saturday’s match, Forward Madison will travel to play Sporting Kansas City II on April 24 before closing out its preseason schedule at home on May 1 against Milwaukee Bavarians SC. The Flamingos kick off their third USL League One season on May 8 at FC Tucson.

Forward Madison will travel south for its first official preseason game of 2021 on Saturday, taking on Indy Eleven at 12:00 p.m. CT. The Eleven, who compete in the USL Championship, are set to provide the Flamingos' new-look roster a true test from a capable team.

FMFC faced an early challenge last week when it fell 0-2 to the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer, using a mix of rostered players and trialists. The makeup of Saturday's team will be similar as Forward continues to fill out its full squad.

Indy Eleven, co-founded in 2014 by former Forward Madison president Peter Wilt, has made a name as one of the powerhouses of lower-league soccer in recent seasons. The Boys in Blue made the USL Championship playoff semifinal in 2019, but just missed postseason qualification during a pandemic-shortened 2020.

Forward Madison and Indy Eleven have met once before in preseason, with Zaire Bartley scoring the decisive goal for the Flamingos in a 1-0 win in 2019.

Following Saturday's match, Forward Madison will travel to play Sporting Kansas City II on April 24 before closing out its preseason schedule at home on May 1 against Milwaukee Bavarians SC. The Flamingos kick off their third USL League One season on May 8 at FC Tucson.

Forward Madison will travel south for its first official preseason game of 2021 on Saturday, taking on Indy Eleven at 12:00 p.m. CT. The Eleven, who compete in the USL Championship, are set to provide the Flamingos’ new-look roster a true test from a capable team.

FMFC faced an early challenge last week when it fell 0-2 to the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer, using a mix of rostered players and trialists. The makeup of Saturday’s team will be similar as Forward continues to fill out its full squad.

Indy Eleven, co-founded in 2014 by former Forward Madison president Peter Wilt, has made a name as one of the powerhouses of lower-league soccer in recent seasons. The Boys in Blue made the USL Championship playoff semifinal in 2019, but just missed postseason qualification during a pandemic-shortened 2020.

Forward Madison and Indy Eleven have met once before in preseason, with Zaire Bartley scoring the decisive goal for the Flamingos in a 1-0 win in 2019.

Following Saturday’s match, Forward Madison will travel to play Sporting Kansas City II on April 24 before closing out its preseason schedule at home on May 1 against Milwaukee Bavarians SC. The Flamingos kick off their third USL League One season on May 8 at FC Tucson.

Forward Madison FC has finalized its preseason schedule in the lead-up to the 2021 USL League One season, the club announced Friday. The Flamingos will travel to play USL Championship teams Indy Eleven on April 17 and Sporting Kansas City II on April 24 before returning home to play the Milwaukee Bavarians on May 1.

The game against the Bavarians, which will kick off at 11 a.m., is set to serve as a test run for Forward Madison’s return to Breese Stevens Field. A limited number of tickets will be available starting Monday, April 19 for season ticket members and Tuesday, April 20 for the general public. 

All tickets to the game must be purchased in four-person pods at $50 per pod ($12.50 per person). Season ticket members will be able to buy discounted tickets before seats are available to the general public.

Forward Madison officially kicked off its preseason in late March, then traveled south for a scrimmage with Chicago Fire FC of Major League Soccer on April 7. The Flamingos will begin their third USL League One season on May 8 at FC Tucson before returning to Breese Stevens Field for its home opener against North Carolina FC on May 15.

Preseason is sponsored by Metro Kia/Ford of Madison.

Forward Madison FC has finalized its preseason schedule in the lead-up to the 2021 USL League One season, the club announced Friday. The Flamingos will travel to play USL Championship teams Indy Eleven on April 17 and Sporting Kansas City II on April 24 before returning home to play the Milwaukee Bavarians on May 1.

The game against the Bavarians, which will kick off at 11 a.m., is set to serve as a test run for Forward Madison’s return to Breese Stevens Field. A limited number of tickets will be available starting Monday, April 19 for season ticket members and Tuesday, April 20 for the general public. 

All tickets to the game must be purchased in four-person pods at $50 per pod ($12.50 per person). Season ticket members will be able to buy discounted tickets before seats are available to the general public.

Forward Madison officially kicked off its preseason in late March, then traveled south for a scrimmage with Chicago Fire FC of Major League Soccer on April 7. The Flamingos will begin their third USL League One season on May 8 at FC Tucson before returning to Breese Stevens Field for its home opener against North Carolina FC on May 15.

Preseason is sponsored by Metro Kia/Ford of Madison.

Forward Madison FC has hired Emerson Lovato as its goalkeeper coach, officially completing the team’s 2021 coaching staff. Lovato joins the Flamingos after previously working as an assistant for several Division II collegiate programs in Texas and South Carolina.

“The community is a big part of the club, and that’s something that I’ve been looking for,” Lovato said. “I had three or four conversations with [head coach] Carl Craig that I really enjoyed. He has a plan for this club both on and off the field and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Lovato comes to Madison following coaching roles at the University of Texas Permian Basin, Midwestern State University (Texas) and Newberry College (S.C.). At 27 years old, Lovato said he sees his role at Forward Madison as an opportunity to grow in a professional setting.

“I love the setup and everything we’ve been doing so far,” Lovato said. “As Forward Madison continues to build a relationship with the community, I definitely see myself as an individual that can help out and connect with a lot of people around here.” 

Forward Madison’s current squad includes one goalkeeper in veteran Phil Breno, but the team has typically had three on its roster. The Flamingos open their USL League One season on May 8 at FC Tucson before returning to Breese Stevens Field for its home opener on May 15.

Forward Madison FC has hired Emerson Lovato as its goalkeeper coach, officially completing the team’s 2021 coaching staff. Lovato joins the Flamingos after previously working as an assistant for several Division II collegiate programs in Texas and South Carolina.

“The community is a big part of the club, and that’s something that I’ve been looking for,” Lovato said. “I had three or four conversations with [head coach] Carl Craig that I really enjoyed. He has a plan for this club both on and off the field and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Lovato comes to Madison following coaching roles at the University of Texas Permian Basin, Midwestern State University (Texas) and Newberry College (S.C.). At 27 years old, Lovato said he sees his role at Forward Madison as an opportunity to grow in a professional setting.

“I love the setup and everything we’ve been doing so far,” Lovato said. “As Forward Madison continues to build a relationship with the community, I definitely see myself as an individual that can help out and connect with a lot of people around here.” 

Forward Madison’s current squad includes one goalkeeper in veteran Phil Breno, but the team has typically had three on its roster. The Flamingos open their USL League One season on May 8 at FC Tucson before returning to Breese Stevens Field for its home opener on May 15.

Forward Madison FC and Green Bay Voyageurs FC are teaming up to launch a player development-focused affiliation, the clubs announced Monday. Starting this season, the two teams will begin formally working together to identify potential talent from Green Bay’s USL League Two roster that could go pro with the Flamingos.

While Forward Madison and the Green Bay Voyageurs operate independently, the new affiliation marks the first time they will formally work together to develop players across the state of Wisconsin.

According to Forward Madison head coach Carl Craig, the new partnership will help the Flamingos add more talent to their roster.

“I believe this relationship is important because it’ll provide a pathway for those college players who wish to move on to the pro game,” Craig said. “It can also be beneficial to Forward Madison as we cast our net upon a wider pool of potential players. It’s something that will give us an additional set of eyes on what’s going on in the college game." 

For Green Bay Voyageurs head coach Brian Kamler, the affiliation could be a powerful tool to help recruit new players.

“The partnership with Forward Madison is important because it allows players the vision of a path to eventually play professional soccer after college,” Kamler said. “We will be in communication with Carl and his staff on players we feel should be on their radar.”

The Flamingos and Voyageurs have met before on the field of play, drawing 1-1 at Capital Credit Union Park in June 2019. The Voyageurs have also helped supply guest players for some of Forward’s exhibition matches, as well as coaching assistance during tryouts and past preseasons.

Forward Madison FC and Green Bay Voyageurs FC are teaming up to launch a player development-focused affiliation, the clubs announced Monday. Starting this season, the two teams will begin formally working together to identify potential talent from Green Bay’s USL League Two roster that could go pro with the Flamingos.

While Forward Madison and the Green Bay Voyageurs operate independently, the new affiliation marks the first time they will formally work together to develop players across the state of Wisconsin.

According to Forward Madison head coach Carl Craig, the new partnership will help the Flamingos add more talent to their roster.

“I believe this relationship is important because it’ll provide a pathway for those college players who wish to move on to the pro game,” Craig said. “It can also be beneficial to Forward Madison as we cast our net upon a wider pool of potential players. It’s something that will give us an additional set of eyes on what’s going on in the college game.” 

For Green Bay Voyageurs head coach Brian Kamler, the affiliation could be a powerful tool to help recruit new players.

“The partnership with Forward Madison is important because it allows players the vision of a path to eventually play professional soccer after college,” Kamler said. “We will be in communication with Carl and his staff on players we feel should be on their radar.”

The Flamingos and Voyageurs have met before on the field of play, drawing 1-1 at Capital Credit Union Park in June 2019. The Voyageurs have also helped supply guest players for some of Forward’s exhibition matches, as well as coaching assistance during tryouts and past preseasons.

Forward Madison FC will carry the spirit of its supporters on the road this year thanks to a new fan-designed away jersey the team unveiled Saturday. The 2021 away kit, created by FMFC’s independent supporters’ association The Flock, features a pink-and-white pattern emblazoned with symbols of the Wisconsin capitol building.

As part of the reveal, Forward Madison also announced that five dollars from the sale of every jersey will go to the Flock Soccer Fund, which benefits local soccer-related organizations and charities.

According to Flock president Andrew Schmidt, who helped create the kit, the design process involved focus groups made up of supporters representing all areas of the Forward fanbase.

“We want people to be proud to wear this shirt,” Schmidt said. “We have a diverse supporters’ culture with groups that represent different people groups and different causes. They are the beating heart of this club. Their opinions and their voices matter.”

The primary pattern of the new jersey centers around a pointed pink rotunda, meant to recall the shape of the capitol building on Madison’s city flag. Letter-forms cut into the shape spell out “F-M-F-C,” a reference to the club’s initials.

The new shirt also features a fold-over pink collar, a first for Flamingo kits. As with all of Forward Madison's jerseys, this one features the logo of Dairyland Insurance on the front and Just Coffee Cooperative on the sleeve.

Forward Madison’s new away jersey is now available for purchase on the team’s web store.

Forward Madison FC will carry the spirit of its supporters on the road this year thanks to a new fan-designed away jersey the team unveiled Saturday. The 2021 away kit, created by FMFC’s independent supporters’ association The Flock, features a pink-and-white pattern emblazoned with symbols of the Wisconsin capitol building.

As part of the reveal, Forward Madison also announced that five dollars from the sale of every jersey will go to the Flock Soccer Fund, which benefits local soccer-related organizations and charities.

According to Flock president Andrew Schmidt, who helped create the kit, the design process involved focus groups made up of supporters representing all areas of the Forward fanbase.

“We want people to be proud to wear this shirt,” Schmidt said. “We have a diverse supporters’ culture with groups that represent different people groups and different causes. They are the beating heart of this club. Their opinions and their voices matter.”

The primary pattern of the new jersey centers around a pointed pink rotunda, meant to recall the shape of the capitol building on Madison’s city flag. Letter-forms cut into the shape spell out “F-M-F-C,” a reference to the club’s initials.

The new shirt also features a fold-over pink collar, a first for Flamingo kits. As with all of Forward Madison’s jerseys, this one features the logo of Dairyland Insurance on the front and Just Coffee Cooperative on the sleeve.

Forward Madison’s new away jersey is now available for purchase on the team’s web store.

Forward Madison FC will return to Breese Stevens Field in 2021, the team announced Thursday. The Flamingos will start the season with a limited capacity of fans, pursuant to new social distancing guidelines in the latest Public Health Madison & Dane County order.

Forward Madison led USL League One in attendance while at Breese Stevens Field in 2019, but hosted games in Wauwatosa last year due to COVID-19. The Flamingos will kick off a 14-game home schedule on May 15 against North Carolina FC.

“Breese Stevens Field is and always will be the home of Forward Madison,” COO & Owner Conor Caloia said. “We are excited to be able to return to our fans and our city. The Flock and Forward Madison fans create a home-field advantage unlike any other in the USL, and we look forward to bringing that back to life on May 15.”

According to Andrew Schmidt, president of Forward Madison’s independent supporters’ association The Flock, the Flamingos’ homecoming has special meaning to the team’s fans.

“This past year has been really hard for a lot of people, and especially for those who’ve lost friends and family to this virus, heroic frontline healthcare workers, and people in the hospitality industry, many of whom are FMFC fans,” Schmidt said. “For some, bringing soccer back to Breese is a bright light at the end of what’s felt like a very long, dark tunnel. We know we’re not out of the woods yet, but we can’t wait to be back.”

Current restrictions permit fans to be seated six feet apart, meaning the Flamingos will host games at a greatly reduced capacity to start the season. Forward Madison season ticket holders will be given first priority for 2021 tickets.

"We are working on an interpretation of the new orders to get our fans safely seated," Caloia said. "We appreciate our fans' patience as these orders change and we continue to adapt to them."

Forward Madison has worked closely with Public Health Madison & Dane County over the past 12 months and greatly appreciates its help in returning to Breese Stevens Field. 

Seat assignments and single-game ticket information will be available in early May. Meanwhile, season ticket packages are available now on Forward Madison’s website.

Forward Madison FC will return to Breese Stevens Field in 2021, the team announced Thursday. The Flamingos will start the season with a limited capacity of fans, pursuant to new social distancing guidelines in the latest Public Health Madison & Dane County order.

Forward Madison led USL League One in attendance while at Breese Stevens Field in 2019, but hosted games in Wauwatosa last year due to COVID-19. The Flamingos will kick off a 14-game home schedule on May 15 against North Carolina FC.

“Breese Stevens Field is and always will be the home of Forward Madison,” COO & Owner Conor Caloia said. “We are excited to be able to return to our fans and our city. The Flock and Forward Madison fans create a home-field advantage unlike any other in the USL, and we look forward to bringing that back to life on May 15.”

According to Andrew Schmidt, president of Forward Madison’s independent supporters’ association The Flock, the Flamingos’ homecoming has special meaning to the team’s fans.

“This past year has been really hard for a lot of people, and especially for those who’ve lost friends and family to this virus, heroic frontline healthcare workers, and people in the hospitality industry, many of whom are FMFC fans,” Schmidt said. “For some, bringing soccer back to Breese is a bright light at the end of what’s felt like a very long, dark tunnel. We know we’re not out of the woods yet, but we can’t wait to be back.”

Current restrictions permit fans to be seated six feet apart, meaning the Flamingos will host games at a greatly reduced capacity to start the season. Forward Madison season ticket holders will be given first priority for 2021 tickets.

“We are working on an interpretation of the new orders to get our fans safely seated,” Caloia said. “We appreciate our fans’ patience as these orders change and we continue to adapt to them.”

Forward Madison has worked closely with Public Health Madison & Dane County over the past 12 months and greatly appreciates its help in returning to Breese Stevens Field. 

Seat assignments and single-game ticket information will be available in early May. Meanwhile, season ticket packages are available now on Forward Madison’s website.

Forward Madison games will continue to air on ESPN+ during the 2021 season, allowing fans to keep up with the Flamingos all season long. USL League One agreed to a three-year deal with ESPN in 2019, meaning matches will remain on the network through 2022.

This year's broadcast schedule notably features the first USL League One game to be aired on national television, a matchup between Greenville and Omaha on May 16.

“This is the biggest and brightest platform we’ve ever had for our league,” said USL Executive Vice President Court Jeske. “It’s a special thing for our league to be able to showcase our clubs and cities across the USL Championship and League One on ESPN’s networks in addition to streaming an incredible schedule on ESPN+.”
 
Forward Madison's 2021 USL League One season will kick off on May 8 at FC Tucson.

Forward Madison games will continue to air on ESPN+ during the 2021 season, allowing fans to keep up with the Flamingos all season long. USL League One agreed to a three-year deal with ESPN in 2019, meaning matches will remain on the network through 2022.

This year’s broadcast schedule notably features the first USL League One game to be aired on national television, a matchup between Greenville and Omaha on May 16.

“This is the biggest and brightest platform we’ve ever had for our league,” said USL Executive Vice President Court Jeske. “It’s a special thing for our league to be able to showcase our clubs and cities across the USL Championship and League One on ESPN’s networks in addition to streaming an incredible schedule on ESPN+.”
 
Forward Madison’s 2021 USL League One season will kick off on May 8 at FC Tucson.