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Behind the Feathers is back!

On this episode, we dig into what Forward Madison been up to in the early days of the offseason. FMFC content managers Jason Klein and Kuba Krzyzostaniak sat down (virtually) with Head Coach Carl Craig to ask him what he's been doing.

Subscribe to Behind the Feathers on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher, or listen to it using the web player below:

Behind the Feathers is back!

On this episode, we dig into what Forward Madison been up to in the early days of the offseason. FMFC content managers Jason Klein and Kuba Krzyzostaniak sat down (virtually) with Head Coach Carl Craig to ask him what he’s been doing.

Subscribe to Behind the Feathers on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher, or listen to it using the web player below:

Subscribe to "Behind the Feathers" on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to "Behind the Feathers" on Google Podcasts

Subscribe to "Behind the Feathers" on Spotify

Subscribe to "Behind the Feathers" on Stitcher

Subscribe to “Behind the Feathers” on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe to “Behind the Feathers” on Google Podcasts

Subscribe to “Behind the Feathers” on Spotify

Subscribe to “Behind the Feathers” on Stitcher

Forward Madison FC has re-signed 22-year-old defender Gustavo Fernandes for the 2021 season, the club announced Friday. Fernandes, a rookie in 2020, often served as the Flamingos’ “Swiss Army Knife,' filling in at an array of different positions as needed.

“Anytime the coaches needed me to go somewhere, I would do it, no questions asked,” Fernandes said. ‘It was an amazing first year, regardless of everything going on. I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.”

Fernandes played in 11 of 16 games for Forward Madison in 2020, earning cameos as a center back, fullback and holding midfielder. His most memorable moment came during an Oct. 11 game against Union Omaha, when Fernandes preserved a draw by heading a shot off the goal line in stoppage time.

“That was pretty cool because I had just come into the game five minutes before,” Fernandes said. “They told me, ‘Try to make an impact. Try to change the game.’ And I think that’s what I did.”

Fernandes, who grew up in West Babylon, N.Y., comes from a soccer family. His father had a 10-year pro career in Brazil, while his older brother, Leo, plays for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL Championship. Prior to joining the Flamingos, Fernandes anchored the defense for Stony Brook University, spending offseasons with the Ocean City Nor’easters and Tampa Bay Rowdies U23s of USL League Two.

After a strong start in his first year as a pro, though, Fernandes said he’s ready to take the next step.

“I want to become a more consistent player, become more of a voice in the locker room,” he said. “ I really want to give something to the Madison fans. I want to play in front of them and give all I can for them.” 

Fernandes’ signing will be confirmed pending league and federation approval.

Forward Madison FC has re-signed 22-year-old defender Gustavo Fernandes for the 2021 season, the club announced Friday. Fernandes, a rookie in 2020, often served as the Flamingos’ “Swiss Army Knife,’ filling in at an array of different positions as needed.

“Anytime the coaches needed me to go somewhere, I would do it, no questions asked,” Fernandes said. ‘It was an amazing first year, regardless of everything going on. I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.”

Fernandes played in 11 of 16 games for Forward Madison in 2020, earning cameos as a center back, fullback and holding midfielder. His most memorable moment came during an Oct. 11 game against Union Omaha, when Fernandes preserved a draw by heading a shot off the goal line in stoppage time.

“That was pretty cool because I had just come into the game five minutes before,” Fernandes said. “They told me, ‘Try to make an impact. Try to change the game.’ And I think that’s what I did.”

Fernandes, who grew up in West Babylon, N.Y., comes from a soccer family. His father had a 10-year pro career in Brazil, while his older brother, Leo, plays for the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the USL Championship. Prior to joining the Flamingos, Fernandes anchored the defense for Stony Brook University, spending offseasons with the Ocean City Nor’easters and Tampa Bay Rowdies U23s of USL League Two.

After a strong start in his first year as a pro, though, Fernandes said he’s ready to take the next step.

“I want to become a more consistent player, become more of a voice in the locker room,” he said. “ I really want to give something to the Madison fans. I want to play in front of them and give all I can for them.” 

Fernandes’ signing will be confirmed pending league and federation approval.

Forward Madison FC has hired Carl Craig as Head Coach & Technical Director, the club announced Tuesday. Craig, who has over 30 years of coaching experience in both the youth and professional ranks, managed Minnesota United FC in 2016 before the team moved to Major League Soccer.

According to Chief Operating Officer and Owner Conor Caloia, who led the search for a head coach, Craig can win on the field and cultivate a relationship with supporters off it.

“After a thorough search, it became clear to our ownership group, our staff and our supporters that there was one person that fit the culture and community of Forward Madison FC,” Caloia said. “We share a vision for this Club on and off the field. We are excited to welcome Carl to Madison and look forward to one day celebrating a USL League One championship together.”

Craig, 55, is no ordinary manager. An Englishman who was once described by the Guardian as a “lapsed punk musician, former bike messenger and one-time aspiring vegan restaurant owner,” Craig emphasized that Forward Madison’s connection to its community will create a successful culture.

“The diversity and the eclectic mix of people who support the football team here was, frankly, the ultimate attraction for me,” Craig said. “Football can create a good community. I believe in that. The football is the reason it gets us here, but it's the other stuff that goes around football which is really what it's all about."

Forward Madison FC has hired Carl Craig as Head Coach & Technical Director, the club announced Tuesday. Craig, who has over 30 years of coaching experience in both the youth and professional ranks, managed Minnesota United FC in 2016 before the team moved to Major League Soccer.

According to Chief Operating Officer and Owner Conor Caloia, who led the search for a head coach, Craig can win on the field and cultivate a relationship with supporters off it.

“After a thorough search, it became clear to our ownership group, our staff and our supporters that there was one person that fit the culture and community of Forward Madison FC,” Caloia said. “We share a vision for this Club on and off the field. We are excited to welcome Carl to Madison and look forward to one day celebrating a USL League One championship together.”

Craig, 55, is no ordinary manager. An Englishman who was once described by the Guardian as a “lapsed punk musician, former bike messenger and one-time aspiring vegan restaurant owner,” Craig emphasized that Forward Madison’s connection to its community will create a successful culture.

“The diversity and the eclectic mix of people who support the football team here was, frankly, the ultimate attraction for me,” Craig said. “Football can create a good community. I believe in that. The football is the reason it gets us here, but it’s the other stuff that goes around football which is really what it’s all about.”

Craig began his coaching career early on, working with youth players for his hometown Newcastle United. He moved to Minnesota in 1994, where he established himself in the local youth soccer scene.

Craig got his chance to shine in the professional ranks in 2010, when he was named assistant manager for the North American Soccer League’s Minnesota Stars. Craig’s Stars (which soon rebranded into Minnesota United FC) won the NASL championship in 2011, came runners-up in 2012 and had the NASL’s best regular season record in 2014.

Craig became head coach of Minnesota United in 2016, the team’s final year before moving to MLS. During his time with the Loons, Craig became a beloved figure with the team’s fans, introducing the “Wonderwall” tradition that takes place after Minnesota’s home wins and developing a reputation as the most interesting man in Minnesota sports.

Since Minnesota United’s transition to MLS, Craig has returned to youth coaching, most recently as the Technical Director of Salvo Soccer Club in Eagan, Minnesota. 

As he settles into his new role, though, Craig said he knows where expectations lie. For him, the end goal is to win a championship with a team Madison can be proud of.

“With the football players and the style of football we play, we want it to be as dynamic as this community,” Craig said. “We want to find those guys. But just as important as that, we have to have people who believe in what we're doing. It's not just coming to play football here because we've got a big crowd; it's coming to play football here to be part of something bigger than football."

Craig began his coaching career early on, working with youth players for his hometown Newcastle United. He moved to Minnesota in 1994, where he established himself in the local youth soccer scene.

Craig got his chance to shine in the professional ranks in 2010, when he was named assistant manager for the North American Soccer League’s Minnesota Stars. Craig’s Stars (which soon rebranded into Minnesota United FC) won the NASL championship in 2011, came runners-up in 2012 and had the NASL’s best regular season record in 2014.

Craig became head coach of Minnesota United in 2016, the team’s final year before moving to MLS. During his time with the Loons, Craig became a beloved figure with the team’s fans, introducing the “Wonderwall” tradition that takes place after Minnesota’s home wins and developing a reputation as the most interesting man in Minnesota sports.

Since Minnesota United’s transition to MLS, Craig has returned to youth coaching, most recently as the Technical Director of Salvo Soccer Club in Eagan, Minnesota. 

As he settles into his new role, though, Craig said he knows where expectations lie. For him, the end goal is to win a championship with a team Madison can be proud of.

“With the football players and the style of football we play, we want it to be as dynamic as this community,” Craig said. “We want to find those guys. But just as important as that, we have to have people who believe in what we’re doing. It’s not just coming to play football here because we’ve got a big crowd; it’s coming to play football here to be part of something bigger than football.”

It’s finally official: Forward Madison’s new head coach will be Carl Craig, a manager known both for his aggressive tactics on the field and his eccentric personality off it. But who exactly is Carl Craig? We’re here to give you the rundown…

Carl Craig isn’t your traditional soccer manager. Yes, he may be from Newcastle – one of England’s great footballing hotbeds – but his route to Forward Madison has been far from ordinary.

Craig grew up playing youth soccer for Newcastle United, but dropped off due to injuries and focused his attention towards his home life, which, as he recounted to the Saint Paul Pioneer Press in 2016, wasn’t always stable. Instead, Craig found passions in punk rock and veganism, delivering newspapers on the side to get by.

“All those things I did outside of football when I was younger are still close to me,” Craig said in an interview with Forward Madison. “I still listen to punk music, I still listen to anti-establishment lyrics, I still listen to reggae music and that sort of thing. But I think what I've really stayed connected to from being a young lad who was into all that stuff is the cooperative spirit.”

Still, Craig eventually parted with his punk bands (The Abductors and Reality Control), and his dream of becoming a vegan restauranteur never had enough money to get off the ground. Instead, he was left with soccer. Craig started earning coaching badges, working his way into positions with the English Football Association as well as Newcastle United’s academy. During that time, he built a reputation as a gifted mentor, helping to train players such as longtime Manchester United star Michael Carrick.

It’s finally official: Forward Madison’s new head coach will be Carl Craig, a manager known both for his aggressive tactics on the field and his eccentric personality off it. But who exactly is Carl Craig? We’re here to give you the rundown…

Carl Craig isn’t your traditional soccer manager. Yes, he may be from Newcastle – one of England’s great footballing hotbeds – but his route to Forward Madison has been far from ordinary.

Craig grew up playing youth soccer for Newcastle United, but dropped off due to injuries and focused his attention towards his home life, which, as he recounted to the Saint Paul Pioneer Press in 2016, wasn’t always stable. Instead, Craig found passions in punk rock and veganism, delivering newspapers on the side to get by.

“All those things I did outside of football when I was younger are still close to me,” Craig said in an interview with Forward Madison. “I still listen to punk music, I still listen to anti-establishment lyrics, I still listen to reggae music and that sort of thing. But I think what I’ve really stayed connected to from being a young lad who was into all that stuff is the cooperative spirit.”

Still, Craig eventually parted with his punk bands (The Abductors and Reality Control), and his dream of becoming a vegan restauranteur never had enough money to get off the ground. Instead, he was left with soccer. Craig started earning coaching badges, working his way into positions with the English Football Association as well as Newcastle United’s academy. During that time, he built a reputation as a gifted mentor, helping to train players such as longtime Manchester United star Michael Carrick.

In 1994, though, Craig took his talents across the Atlantic, following the World Cup to the United States. Craig landed in Minnesota, where he first earned coaching jobs at high schools in suburban Minneapolis-Saint Paul before moving on to the U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy program at Shattuck St. Mary’s boarding school (current Flamingo midfielder Michael Vang is an alumnus).

Along the way, Craig served as head coach for semi-professional teams in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and the USL Premier Development League (now USL League 2), once visiting Breese Stevens Field for a game against the Madison 56ers. And by the time the Minnesota Stars emerged as the state’s only professional soccer club in 2010, Craig had become enough of a known entity that he was hired as an assistant coach.

While coaching the Stars, Craig gained an identity as an idiosyncratic personality, developing deep connections with supporters and earning trust with his players by discarding soccer convention. He famously introduced Britpop anthem “Wonderwall” to the team as a victory song; While the Stars have now rebranded to Minnesota United and play in Major League Soccer, its fans carry on the tradition of belting out the tune after each home win.

During Craig’s tenure as an assistant, the Stars (and later United) won the North American Soccer League championship in 2011, came runners-up in 2012, and earned the league’s best regular season record in 2014. Off the field, Craig won the hearts of the team’s fans, starring in comedic skits and bonding with supporters over post-match pints. 

“CARL CRAIG IS F*CKING AWESOME,” blared a reddit post from 2014. “CARL CRAIG IS ENGLAND’S GREATEST F*CKING GIFT TO THE WORLD.”

In 1994, though, Craig took his talents across the Atlantic, following the World Cup to the United States. Craig landed in Minnesota, where he first earned coaching jobs at high schools in suburban Minneapolis-Saint Paul before moving on to the U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy program at Shattuck St. Mary’s boarding school (current Flamingo midfielder Michael Vang is an alumnus).

Along the way, Craig served as head coach for semi-professional teams in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and the USL Premier Development League (now USL League 2), once visiting Breese Stevens Field for a game against the Madison 56ers. And by the time the Minnesota Stars emerged as the state’s only professional soccer club in 2010, Craig had become enough of a known entity that he was hired as an assistant coach.

While coaching the Stars, Craig gained an identity as an idiosyncratic personality, developing deep connections with supporters and earning trust with his players by discarding soccer convention. He famously introduced Britpop anthem “Wonderwall” to the team as a victory song; While the Stars have now rebranded to Minnesota United and play in Major League Soccer, its fans carry on the tradition of belting out the tune after each home win.

During Craig’s tenure as an assistant, the Stars (and later United) won the North American Soccer League championship in 2011, came runners-up in 2012, and earned the league’s best regular season record in 2014. Off the field, Craig won the hearts of the team’s fans, starring in comedic skits and bonding with supporters over post-match pints. 

“CARL CRAIG IS F*CKING AWESOME,” blared a reddit post from 2014. “CARL CRAIG IS ENGLAND’S GREATEST F*CKING GIFT TO THE WORLD.”

Craig took the reigns as head coach of Minnesota United in 2016, guiding the team through its final year before the move to MLS. When the club declined to keep him on board after its transition to the top flight, Craig receded to less-visible roles in the Minnesota youth coaching scene. A 2019 profile in The Athletic painted him as a sort of Odyssean lost hero, a man who disappeared into the wilderness at the height of his notoriety. 

Yet with Forward Madison FC, Craig is finally returning to the professional game. While the roads he’s had to walk may have been winding, they have ultimately led Craig to a team that shares his philosophy of both life and soccer. In speaking about why he wanted to manage the Flamingos, Craig cited the same principle that has guided his entire existence: Finding a sense of purpose in community. 

“The diversity and the eclectic mix of people who support the football team here was, frankly, the ultimate attraction for me,” Craig said. “My wife's family is from Wisconsin, so I've got a sense of what it’s like, but this is actually only the third time I've been to Madison. I've heard it's an isthmus, which I think is Wisconsin for ‘Oasis.’"

Craig took the reigns as head coach of Minnesota United in 2016, guiding the team through its final year before the move to MLS. When the club declined to keep him on board after its transition to the top flight, Craig receded to less-visible roles in the Minnesota youth coaching scene. A 2019 profile in The Athletic painted him as a sort of Odyssean lost hero, a man who disappeared into the wilderness at the height of his notoriety. 

Yet with Forward Madison FC, Craig is finally returning to the professional game. While the roads he’s had to walk may have been winding, they have ultimately led Craig to a team that shares his philosophy of both life and soccer. In speaking about why he wanted to manage the Flamingos, Craig cited the same principle that has guided his entire existence: Finding a sense of purpose in community. 

“The diversity and the eclectic mix of people who support the football team here was, frankly, the ultimate attraction for me,” Craig said. “My wife’s family is from Wisconsin, so I’ve got a sense of what it’s like, but this is actually only the third time I’ve been to Madison. I’ve heard it’s an isthmus, which I think is Wisconsin for ‘Oasis.’”

It’s now official: Carl Craig will be Forward Madison’s new Head Coach. To get a better feel for who he is, we sat down with Carl to ask him about why he chose Madison, what he loves about soccer, and how he sees FMFC developing under his tenure.  

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

I'm here with Carl Craig, new Forward Madison FC head coach. Carl, how are you?

"Outstanding. Driving into the city today, it was like, ‘It's happening.’ So I'm feeling great." 

I wanted to ask what your immediate thoughts are now that you are the new – I guess the title is Head Coach & Technical Director, right?

"There's certainly an element of excitement because (Assistant Coach) Neil Hlavaty and I have been chatting about footballers and that makes it real. I've already started working, frankly. I'm really excited about that."

Tell me a little bit about what you know about Forward Madison. From my perspective, it seems like one of the reasons this is a good fit is that this club has a very good supporters' culture, and you're a coach that really thrives in a supporters' culture.

"I think that the diversity and the eclectic mix of people who support the football team here was, frankly, the ultimate attraction for me to come here. I mean, I love coaching football and it's afforded me a space where I can just let go of stuff, but it's also been a huge vehicle for me to make connections with people. Having been somewhat aware of the diversity of the community here to where I can lose myself in the football and be here to help support a lovely, diverse, eclectic community – it sounded like a perfect situation to me.

"I know this community is vibrant. My wife's family is from Wisconsin – not from this area, but she's from up north – so I've got a sense of what Wisconsin's like, but this is actually only the third time I've been to Madison. I've heard it's an isthmus, which I think is Wisconsin for ‘Oasis.’" 

You'll find out soon enough! While you may be new to Madison, though, you've been to Breese Stevens Field before, haven't you?

"I can't remember how long ago it was. Probably at least 15 years ago, I was coaching a team in the Twin Cities in the National Premier Soccer League. Jim Launder [now an assistant coach with Forward Madison] was the boss of the Madison 56ers and we played them here. It didn't look much like it does now, but I remember that wall around the side as well as the space that used to be the old dugouts and what have you. 

"It was rough back then, but it was atmospheric. It was a Saturday evening, we got beat 3-1. I've been a colleague of Jim Launder's for quite some time. He was telling me while Forward Madison was starting up that they'd have this new stadium and I said, 'I think I've been there before!' Well, actually, yes I have.”

And now getting to see it in person… 

"Oh yes, it's awesome. One of the first times I spoke with [Owner and COO] Conor Caloia, he sent the flyer for the job, if you will. It was a PDF and I opened it. We had a conversation a day or so later and I had it up on my computer screen. There was a shot with the state capitol building in it, and it started giving me little hairs on the back of my neck. I thought, 'I want to be there.' It was just so atmospheric. It was in the city, with the vista and so on. It was brilliant. I loved it.” 

We're definitely keeping our fingers crossed that we can have that crowd again next year. Moving on, for our fans who don't know, you've got a really interesting history. You were once called the most interesting man in Minnesota sports. There have been articles detailing your past as an anarchist punk band member, a vegan restaurant owner. You've taken a long, winding path to come here, haven't you?

"Yes. I think I'm still that same fellow. All those things I did outside of football when I was younger are still close to me. I still listen to punk music, I still listen to anti-establishment lyrics, I still listen to reggae music and that sort of thing. But I think what I've really stayed connected to from being a young lad who was into all that stuff is the cooperative spirit. And that's the sense that I have about this football club, in particular the fan groups. That's something that really excites me.

“I was chatting with Connor Tobin earlier this year, and we were talking about cooperative work structures, et cetera, and of course we've worked in football together, but that would be the perfect football club model. Let's say, for instance, a local brewery serves the beer; a local bakery helps deliver food; all these different elements that are connected, we support one another. That interaction and cooperative spirit and sense of doing things together, it's not that we're relying on each other, it's that we're choosing to work together. For the betterment, yes, for us to provide a great work environment, but also – and this is so corny here – to create a good community. I believe in that. The football is the reason it gets us here, but it's the other stuff that goes around football which is really what it's all about."

Yeah, I think that's the ethos of Forward Madison. We want our supporters to feel like stakeholders – that the direction they want the club to go in is where it actually is going.

"You could be my scriptwriter. You took the words right out of my mouth. Absolutely. Stakeholders, steeped in what this is. That's what I want to be involved in, but that's also the kind of footballer that I want to attract. Something bigger than playing football. Footballers who, yes, will help us go forward and win, but also people who will embrace the community and that ethos as well. 

“That is so important to me because that's the football club I've come to join and be a part of. We seek to give the fanbase a style of football that they appreciate, respect, and like, but we also want footballers who understand that as well. I am here to serve the football club and the community, and I think the players need to understand that we are here to serve the community as well."

That's a really good transition, because I wanted to segue to asking about your expectations for 2021. What do you think this offseason is going to look like for Forward Madison?

"It's going to be massively important. I will work to try to secure players who will fit both the ethos of the club and also the profile. We want to be a dynamic, protagonistic type of football team. We want to play on the front foot when possible. We've still got to look at the opponent, but the football players and the style of football we play, we want it to be as dynamic as this community.

“Just as important as that, however, is that we have to have people who believe in what we're doing. It's not just coming to play football here because we've got a big crowd; it's coming to play football here to be part of something bigger than football."

What are your goals for this season? What expectations or benchmarks are you going to be setting?

"It's been put to me that it's expected that we are challenging for the championship. Given the support that the ownership group here is providing in terms of financial resources, I don't think that's uncalled for. That's where the club should be. Let me say this: I want footballers to win the championship here at Madison and show us that they've served us to their utmost. We have a purpose here, and that is to be a core and essential part of this community. My job is to help lead this football club on the field and off the field. 

“That being said, we’ve also got to look at the players as individuals and see what their expectations are. I want this to be a place where players can grow, develop, flourish, and really love their life, being here in this community. But I also understand that if they start hitting the dizzy heights, then people, maybe MLS, will start knocking on the door. That will show me that we've done our job in that regard, in terms of development. And then we start again. We want this to be a place that players want to come to. They want to learn, they want to grow, they want to support the community.”

I only have time for one more question, so I want to leave it with this: What message do you have right now for Forward Madison's supporters?

"I'm one of you. I'm here to support you. I'm here to do the utmost to provide you with a football team that represents the whole state of Wisconsin and the city of Madison. I want you to be able to walk around throughout this nation with your Forward Madison shirt on and people will know who you are and where you're from."

Thank you, Carl. We're so excited to have you.

 "Thank you!"

It’s now official: Carl Craig will be Forward Madison’s new Head Coach. To get a better feel for who he is, we sat down with Carl to ask him about why he chose Madison, what he loves about soccer, and how he sees FMFC developing under his tenure.  

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

I’m here with Carl Craig, new Forward Madison FC head coach. Carl, how are you?

“Outstanding. Driving into the city today, it was like, ‘It’s happening.’ So I’m feeling great.” 

I wanted to ask what your immediate thoughts are now that you are the new – I guess the title is Head Coach & Technical Director, right?

“There’s certainly an element of excitement because (Assistant Coach) Neil Hlavaty and I have been chatting about footballers and that makes it real. I’ve already started working, frankly. I’m really excited about that.”

Tell me a little bit about what you know about Forward Madison. From my perspective, it seems like one of the reasons this is a good fit is that this club has a very good supporters’ culture, and you’re a coach that really thrives in a supporters’ culture.

“I think that the diversity and the eclectic mix of people who support the football team here was, frankly, the ultimate attraction for me to come here. I mean, I love coaching football and it’s afforded me a space where I can just let go of stuff, but it’s also been a huge vehicle for me to make connections with people. Having been somewhat aware of the diversity of the community here to where I can lose myself in the football and be here to help support a lovely, diverse, eclectic community – it sounded like a perfect situation to me.

“I know this community is vibrant. My wife’s family is from Wisconsin – not from this area, but she’s from up north – so I’ve got a sense of what Wisconsin’s like, but this is actually only the third time I’ve been to Madison. I’ve heard it’s an isthmus, which I think is Wisconsin for ‘Oasis.’” 

You’ll find out soon enough! While you may be new to Madison, though, you’ve been to Breese Stevens Field before, haven’t you?

“I can’t remember how long ago it was. Probably at least 15 years ago, I was coaching a team in the Twin Cities in the National Premier Soccer League. Jim Launder [now an assistant coach with Forward Madison] was the boss of the Madison 56ers and we played them here. It didn’t look much like it does now, but I remember that wall around the side as well as the space that used to be the old dugouts and what have you. 

“It was rough back then, but it was atmospheric. It was a Saturday evening, we got beat 3-1. I’ve been a colleague of Jim Launder’s for quite some time. He was telling me while Forward Madison was starting up that they’d have this new stadium and I said, ‘I think I’ve been there before!’ Well, actually, yes I have.”

And now getting to see it in person… 

“Oh yes, it’s awesome. One of the first times I spoke with [Owner and COO] Conor Caloia, he sent the flyer for the job, if you will. It was a PDF and I opened it. We had a conversation a day or so later and I had it up on my computer screen. There was a shot with the state capitol building in it, and it started giving me little hairs on the back of my neck. I thought, ‘I want to be there.’ It was just so atmospheric. It was in the city, with the vista and so on. It was brilliant. I loved it.” 

We’re definitely keeping our fingers crossed that we can have that crowd again next year. Moving on, for our fans who don’t know, you’ve got a really interesting history. You were once called the most interesting man in Minnesota sports. There have been articles detailing your past as an anarchist punk band member, a vegan restaurant owner. You’ve taken a long, winding path to come here, haven’t you?

“Yes. I think I’m still that same fellow. All those things I did outside of football when I was younger are still close to me. I still listen to punk music, I still listen to anti-establishment lyrics, I still listen to reggae music and that sort of thing. But I think what I’ve really stayed connected to from being a young lad who was into all that stuff is the cooperative spirit. And that’s the sense that I have about this football club, in particular the fan groups. That’s something that really excites me.

“I was chatting with Connor Tobin earlier this year, and we were talking about cooperative work structures, et cetera, and of course we’ve worked in football together, but that would be the perfect football club model. Let’s say, for instance, a local brewery serves the beer; a local bakery helps deliver food; all these different elements that are connected, we support one another. That interaction and cooperative spirit and sense of doing things together, it’s not that we’re relying on each other, it’s that we’re choosing to work together. For the betterment, yes, for us to provide a great work environment, but also – and this is so corny here – to create a good community. I believe in that. The football is the reason it gets us here, but it’s the other stuff that goes around football which is really what it’s all about.”

Yeah, I think that’s the ethos of Forward Madison. We want our supporters to feel like stakeholders – that the direction they want the club to go in is where it actually is going.

“You could be my scriptwriter. You took the words right out of my mouth. Absolutely. Stakeholders, steeped in what this is. That’s what I want to be involved in, but that’s also the kind of footballer that I want to attract. Something bigger than playing football. Footballers who, yes, will help us go forward and win, but also people who will embrace the community and that ethos as well. 

“That is so important to me because that’s the football club I’ve come to join and be a part of. We seek to give the fanbase a style of football that they appreciate, respect, and like, but we also want footballers who understand that as well. I am here to serve the football club and the community, and I think the players need to understand that we are here to serve the community as well.”

That’s a really good transition, because I wanted to segue to asking about your expectations for 2021. What do you think this offseason is going to look like for Forward Madison?

“It’s going to be massively important. I will work to try to secure players who will fit both the ethos of the club and also the profile. We want to be a dynamic, protagonistic type of football team. We want to play on the front foot when possible. We’ve still got to look at the opponent, but the football players and the style of football we play, we want it to be as dynamic as this community.

“Just as important as that, however, is that we have to have people who believe in what we’re doing. It’s not just coming to play football here because we’ve got a big crowd; it’s coming to play football here to be part of something bigger than football.”

What are your goals for this season? What expectations or benchmarks are you going to be setting?

“It’s been put to me that it’s expected that we are challenging for the championship. Given the support that the ownership group here is providing in terms of financial resources, I don’t think that’s uncalled for. That’s where the club should be. Let me say this: I want footballers to win the championship here at Madison and show us that they’ve served us to their utmost. We have a purpose here, and that is to be a core and essential part of this community. My job is to help lead this football club on the field and off the field. 

“That being said, we’ve also got to look at the players as individuals and see what their expectations are. I want this to be a place where players can grow, develop, flourish, and really love their life, being here in this community. But I also understand that if they start hitting the dizzy heights, then people, maybe MLS, will start knocking on the door. That will show me that we’ve done our job in that regard, in terms of development. And then we start again. We want this to be a place that players want to come to. They want to learn, they want to grow, they want to support the community.”

I only have time for one more question, so I want to leave it with this: What message do you have right now for Forward Madison’s supporters?

“I’m one of you. I’m here to support you. I’m here to do the utmost to provide you with a football team that represents the whole state of Wisconsin and the city of Madison. I want you to be able to walk around throughout this nation with your Forward Madison shirt on and people will know who you are and where you’re from.”

Thank you, Carl. We’re so excited to have you.

 “Thank you!”

Forward Madison FC has re-signed midfielder Michael Vang, ensuring the team’s leading goalscorer from 2020 for will play a part in next year’s campaign. Vang, 20, provided the Flamingos’ creative spark in his debut season, earning team MVP honors in a fan vote.

“It feels great knowing that the club believes in what I can do and bring to the team,” Vang said. “Giving me the opportunity to come back and play for Madison again, I’m grateful for that.” 

Vang broke out in his debut season with the Flamingos, earning a regular starting spot in midfield. Despite missing the first three games due to paperwork issues, he led the team with four goals and added two assists. 

According to Vang, Forward Madison’s strong supporters’ culture makes it a club he can be proud to represent.

“The way the fans showed support at the games, screaming your name, wanting autographs and pictures with you, you can see how much support Madison has,” he said.

Vang also earned notoriety in 2020 as the first Hmong-American to play professional soccer. Earlier this month, Forward Madison donated Vang's game-worn jersey to the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Vang grew up in Saint Paul, Minn. and played in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s boarding school, earning call-ups along the way to U.S. youth national teams. In 2018, Vang decided to forgo college to start his soccer career in Europe. Vang signed for S.U. 1º Dezembro, a third-division club in Portugal, and after spending a year with their U-19s, was promoted to the first team in 2019. 

Now, after impressing in his first year with the Flamingos, Vang said he wants 2020 to be remembered as the start of something bigger.

“Last year was just letting everything out and showing the coaches, my teammates, everyone, how I play,” Vang said. “I can’t wait to come back and win a championship for Madison.”

Forward Madison FC has re-signed midfielder Michael Vang, ensuring the team’s leading goalscorer from 2020 for will play a part in next year’s campaign. Vang, 20, provided the Flamingos’ creative spark in his debut season, earning team MVP honors in a fan vote.

“It feels great knowing that the club believes in what I can do and bring to the team,” Vang said. “Giving me the opportunity to come back and play for Madison again, I’m grateful for that.” 

Vang broke out in his debut season with the Flamingos, earning a regular starting spot in midfield. Despite missing the first three games due to paperwork issues, he led the team with four goals and added two assists. 

According to Vang, Forward Madison’s strong supporters’ culture makes it a club he can be proud to represent.

“The way the fans showed support at the games, screaming your name, wanting autographs and pictures with you, you can see how much support Madison has,” he said.

Vang also earned notoriety in 2020 as the first Hmong-American to play professional soccer. Earlier this month, Forward Madison donated Vang’s game-worn jersey to the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Vang grew up in Saint Paul, Minn. and played in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s boarding school, earning call-ups along the way to U.S. youth national teams. In 2018, Vang decided to forgo college to start his soccer career in Europe. Vang signed for S.U. 1º Dezembro, a third-division club in Portugal, and after spending a year with their U-19s, was promoted to the first team in 2019. 

Now, after impressing in his first year with the Flamingos, Vang said he wants 2020 to be remembered as the start of something bigger.

“Last year was just letting everything out and showing the coaches, my teammates, everyone, how I play,” Vang said. “I can’t wait to come back and win a championship for Madison.”

Forward Madison FC has re-signed 20-year-old striker Noah Fuson for the 2021 season, the club announced Friday. Fuson, who joined FMFC midway through the 2020 season, became the Flamingos’ “super sub,” making 10 appearances off the bench and scoring one goal.

According to Fuson, his decision was motivated by his desire to improve upon a promising rookie campaign.

“Last year I was welcomed with open arms and I learned a lot about myself and the professional game,” Fuson said. “I think coming into next season that, with all the tools I acquired from last year, I’ll be able to help the team even more.”

Fuson initially signed for Forward Madison in August, inking his first professional contract. Once with the team, he made a significant impact, playing in all 12 of the Flamingos’ remaining matches. Fuson claimed his first goal during the final game of the season, slipping behind the defense against New England Revolution II to score from close range.

“You don’t know how many shots I took during practice, just waiting for that opportunity to put one into the back of the net,” Fuson said. “When I finally did it, it was just the best feeling – one that I’m going to be chasing forever.”

Fuson grew up in Los Angeles, but moved to the i2i Soccer Academy in England after high school to focus on starting a professional career. Prior to signing with the Flamingos, Fuson had earned trials with Sacramento Republic FC and Loudon United FC of the USL Championship.

For Fuson, whose speed and agility provided a constant threat to defenders last season, his ambition will continue to rise going into 2021.

“I want to score 20 goals next season,” Fuson said. “It’s a really high standard, but I always think, ‘Why put a cap on what I can do? Why set my goals low?’ I want to do everything I can to help the team win games and get to that final game that matters.”

Forward Madison FC has re-signed 20-year-old striker Noah Fuson for the 2021 season, the club announced Friday. Fuson, who joined FMFC midway through the 2020 season, became the Flamingos’ “super sub,” making 10 appearances off the bench and scoring one goal.

According to Fuson, his decision was motivated by his desire to improve upon a promising rookie campaign.

“Last year I was welcomed with open arms and I learned a lot about myself and the professional game,” Fuson said. “I think coming into next season that, with all the tools I acquired from last year, I’ll be able to help the team even more.”

Fuson initially signed for Forward Madison in August, inking his first professional contract. Once with the team, he made a significant impact, playing in all 12 of the Flamingos’ remaining matches. Fuson claimed his first goal during the final game of the season, slipping behind the defense against New England Revolution II to score from close range.

“You don’t know how many shots I took during practice, just waiting for that opportunity to put one into the back of the net,” Fuson said. “When I finally did it, it was just the best feeling – one that I’m going to be chasing forever.”

Fuson grew up in Los Angeles, but moved to the i2i Soccer Academy in England after high school to focus on starting a professional career. Prior to signing with the Flamingos, Fuson had earned trials with Sacramento Republic FC and Loudon United FC of the USL Championship.

For Fuson, whose speed and agility provided a constant threat to defenders last season, his ambition will continue to rise going into 2021.

“I want to score 20 goals next season,” Fuson said. “It’s a really high standard, but I always think, ‘Why put a cap on what I can do? Why set my goals low?’ I want to do everything I can to help the team win games and get to that final game that matters.”

Give the gift of #FullMingo this holiday season!

Our Breese Stevens Field team store, located at the corner of E. Washington Ave. and Patterson St., will be open for limited hours during the months of November and December.

The safety of our fans and staff is of utmost importance during this process, so accordingly, we are limiting capacity to only five customers at a time, as well as requiring mask use inside the store.

Fans who prefer shopping from the comfort of their own homes are still able to purchase items via our online shop. For any other special circumstances, please feel free to contact us at: store@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc 

Give the gift of #FullMingo this holiday season!

Our Breese Stevens Field team store, located at the corner of E. Washington Ave. and Patterson St., will be open for limited hours during the months of November and December.

The safety of our fans and staff is of utmost importance during this process, so accordingly, we are limiting capacity to only five customers at a time, as well as requiring mask use inside the store.

Fans who prefer shopping from the comfort of their own homes are still able to purchase items via our online shop. For any other special circumstances, please feel free to contact us at: store@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc 

Upcoming Store Hours:

Wednesday, December 2 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, December 4| 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 5 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday, December 9 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, December 11 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday, December 16 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, December 18 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 19 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monday, December 21 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday, December 22 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, December 23 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Upcoming Store Hours:

Wednesday, December 2 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, December 4| 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 5 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday, December 9 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, December 11 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 12 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Wednesday, December 16 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, December 18 | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 19 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monday, December 21 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tuesday, December 22 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, December 23 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Forward Madison FC has re-signed defender Josiah Trimmingham, making him the first player to officially join the Flamingos’ 2021 roster. Trimmingham, a 23-year-old center back from Trinidad & Tobago, established himself as a regular starter for FMFC in 2020.

According to Trimmingham, Forward Madison’s positive direction as a club made his decision to return an easy one.

“I’m expecting big things for next season,” Trimmingham said. “I’m expecting big things from the guys that are coming back and the new players that are coming in.”

Trimmingham started 13 of Forward Madison’s 16 games in 2020, locking down a consistent spot in the lineup and leading the team with 70 clearances and 37 aerial duels won. He made an impact with his physical style of play, earning the nickname “Tank” from his teammates.

Trimmingham, who is from San Juan, Trinidad, started his career in his home country’s TT Pro League with San Juan Jabloteh in 2014. Trimmingham’s progression earned him call-ups to the Trinidad & Tobago National Team, including an appearance on the bench during the Soca Warriors’ infamous 2017 win that eliminated the United States from World Cup qualification. 

After starring as a guest player during one of Forward Madison’s exhibition games in 2019, Trimmingham joined on a full contract for a pandemic shortened 2020 season.

“We endured a lot of obstacles, but from a player’s perspective we overcame all that we could,” Trimmingham said. “Our fans really backed us and it’s nice to see that you have that support going into next season.”

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

Forward Madison FC has re-signed defender Josiah Trimmingham, making him the first player to officially join the Flamingos’ 2021 roster. Trimmingham, a 23-year-old center back from Trinidad & Tobago, established himself as a regular starter for FMFC in 2020.

According to Trimmingham, Forward Madison’s positive direction as a club made his decision to return an easy one.

“I’m expecting big things for next season,” Trimmingham said. “I’m expecting big things from the guys that are coming back and the new players that are coming in.”

Trimmingham started 13 of Forward Madison’s 16 games in 2020, locking down a consistent spot in the lineup and leading the team with 70 clearances and 37 aerial duels won. He made an impact with his physical style of play, earning the nickname “Tank” from his teammates.

Trimmingham, who is from San Juan, Trinidad, started his career in his home country’s TT Pro League with San Juan Jabloteh in 2014. Trimmingham’s progression earned him call-ups to the Trinidad & Tobago National Team, including an appearance on the bench during the Soca Warriors’ infamous 2017 win that eliminated the United States from World Cup qualification. 

After starring as a guest player during one of Forward Madison’s exhibition games in 2019, Trimmingham joined on a full contract for a pandemic shortened 2020 season.

“We endured a lot of obstacles, but from a player’s perspective we overcame all that we could,” Trimmingham said. “Our fans really backed us and it’s nice to see that you have that support going into next season.”

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