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Behind the Feathers is back for an exclusive interview with Head Coach Daryl Shore before this Saturday's match against the Richmond Kickers.

Coach Shore discusses what went right – and wrong – in our 0-0 home opener against Greenville last week, before previewing how the team figures to match up in this weekend's Henny Derby.

Forward Madison will kick off against Richmond at 5:30 p.m. CT this Saturday on both TVW and ESPN+.

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 for an exclusive interview with Head Coach Daryl Shore before this Saturday’s match against the Richmond Kickers.

Coach Shore discusses what went right – and wrong – in our 0-0 home opener against Greenville last week, before previewing how the team figures to match up in this weekend’s Henny Derby.

Forward Madison will kick off against Richmond at 5:30 p.m. CT this Saturday on both TVW and ESPN+.

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

Season tickets for Forward Madison FC’s 2020 season are now available! Get yours by calling 608-204-0855 or visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/season-tickets.

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

Season tickets for Forward Madison FC’s 2020 season are now available! Get yours by calling 608-204-0855 or visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/season-tickets.

Forward Madison defender Christian "Pato" Díaz has been named to the USL League One Team of the Week for Week 3 of the 2020 season.

Díaz completed 35 of 41 passes, won 9 of 15 duels, made three clearances, completed 2 of 2 dribbles and recorded one key pass in the Flamingos' scoreless draw with Greenville Triumph SC. 

Díaz, whom League One named to its Team of the Year in 2019, is the first Forward Madison player to receive Team of the Week honors in the new season.

Forward Madison defender Christian “Pato” Díaz has been named to the USL League One Team of the Week for Week 3 of the 2020 season.

Díaz completed 35 of 41 passes, won 9 of 15 duels, made three clearances, completed 2 of 2 dribbles and recorded one key pass in the Flamingos’ scoreless draw with Greenville Triumph SC. 

Díaz, whom League One named to its Team of the Year in 2019, is the first Forward Madison player to receive Team of the Week honors in the new season.

Forward Madison FC's 2020 season is here! Secure your spot for eight home games at Hart Park by calling by calling 608-204-0855 or visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

Forward Madison FC’s 2020 season is here! Secure your spot for eight home games at Hart Park by calling by calling 608-204-0855 or visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

Forward Madison defender Christian "Pato" Díaz has been named to the USL League One Team of the Week for Week 3 of the 2020 season.

Díaz completed 35 of 41 passes, won 9 of 15 duels, made three clearances, completed 2 of 2 dribbles and recorded one key pass in the Flamingos' scoreless draw with Greenville Triumph SC. 

Díaz, whom League One named to its Team of the Year in 2019, is the first Forward Madison player to receive Team of the Week honors in the new season.

Forward Madison defender Christian “Pato” Díaz has been named to the USL League One Team of the Week for Week 3 of the 2020 season.

Díaz completed 35 of 41 passes, won 9 of 15 duels, made three clearances, completed 2 of 2 dribbles and recorded one key pass in the Flamingos’ scoreless draw with Greenville Triumph SC. 

Díaz, whom League One named to its Team of the Year in 2019, is the first Forward Madison player to receive Team of the Week honors in the new season.

Forward Madison FC's 2020 season is here! Secure your spot for eight home games at Hart Park by calling by calling 608-204-0855 or visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

Forward Madison FC’s 2020 season is here! Secure your spot for eight home games at Hart Park by calling by calling 608-204-0855 or visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

Forward Madison held league-leading Greenville Triumph SC to a 0-0 draw during the team’s debut at Hart Park in Wauwatosa on Friday night. The Flamingos came close on several occasions, but never found the back of the net in their first game at the club’s temporary home.

With a limited capacity and social distancing measures in place, the match certainly didn’t feel quite like what the Flamingos are used to at Breese Stevens Field. Still, team captain Connor Tobin said the fans at Hart Park and beyond gave Forward players their motivation.

I know that [with] the group that came out here tonight, we felt a tremendous amount of support,” Tobin said. “I think we’re seeing that the support is awfully strong in our home of Madison, but there are a lot of people around the state that support us. It’s only gotten stronger.”

Greenville came close in the 6th minute through a rare indirect freekick inside the penalty area after goalkeeper Philipp Marceta picked up a pass from Tobin. Still, Marceta was up to the challenge, saving Omar Mohamed’s close-range shot. 

According to Marceta, he picked up the ball because he thought a Greenville player was last to touch it.

“We did a great job keeping [the ball] out there,” Marceta said. “It was not easy during the first five, 15 minutes.” 

On the other end, striker Wojciech Wojcik hit Hart Park’s football goalpost with his own shot from the edge of the box in the 17th minute. J.C. Banks also came close in the 31st minute, heading a ball just wide of the net.

Eventually, the first half ended scoreless, with most of the contest playing out in a tough midfield battle.

The second half provided few meaningful chances in front of goal even as the Flamingos pushed numbers forward during the final minutes of the game. Head Coach Daryl Shore used four substitutions, including Chicago Fire loanee Alex Monis to add pace on the wings and Brandon Eaton to inject energy into the midfield.

“I think Alex coming into the game changed it, because we moved Don [Smart] centrally and Alex’s pace changed it a little,” Shore said. “At the end of the day Brandon Eaton came in, and he’s the one that changed the game.” 

Still, no Flamingo could provide a finishing touch. 

With Forward Madison now sitting on one point after its first two games, Tobin said the team needs to kick into a new gear.

“There are a lot of excuses floating around that are easy to latch on to, but it goes back to fault versus responsibility,” Tobin said. “If guys want to point out things, we’re going to struggle. The only person that should be pointed out, regardless of whether or not it’s their fault, is themselves. Right now, just from a pure effort and competitive standpoint, we’re not where we need to be.”

Forward Madison’s League One season continues next week as the Flamingos travel to Virginia to take on the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, August 8.

Forward Madison held league-leading Greenville Triumph SC to a 0-0 draw during the team’s debut at Hart Park in Wauwatosa on Friday night. The Flamingos came close on several occasions, but never found the back of the net in their first game at the club’s temporary home.

With a limited capacity and social distancing measures in place, the match certainly didn’t feel quite like what the Flamingos are used to at Breese Stevens Field. Still, team captain Connor Tobin said the fans at Hart Park and beyond gave Forward players their motivation.

I know that [with] the group that came out here tonight, we felt a tremendous amount of support,” Tobin said. “I think we’re seeing that the support is awfully strong in our home of Madison, but there are a lot of people around the state that support us. It’s only gotten stronger.”

Greenville came close in the 6th minute through a rare indirect freekick inside the penalty area after goalkeeper Philipp Marceta picked up a pass from Tobin. Still, Marceta was up to the challenge, saving Omar Mohamed’s close-range shot. 

According to Marceta, he picked up the ball because he thought a Greenville player was last to touch it.

“We did a great job keeping [the ball] out there,” Marceta said. “It was not easy during the first five, 15 minutes.” 

On the other end, striker Wojciech Wojcik hit Hart Park’s football goalpost with his own shot from the edge of the box in the 17th minute. J.C. Banks also came close in the 31st minute, heading a ball just wide of the net.

Eventually, the first half ended scoreless, with most of the contest playing out in a tough midfield battle.

The second half provided few meaningful chances in front of goal even as the Flamingos pushed numbers forward during the final minutes of the game. Head Coach Daryl Shore used four substitutions, including Chicago Fire loanee Alex Monis to add pace on the wings and Brandon Eaton to inject energy into the midfield.

“I think Alex coming into the game changed it, because we moved Don [Smart] centrally and Alex’s pace changed it a little,” Shore said. “At the end of the day Brandon Eaton came in, and he’s the one that changed the game.” 

Still, no Flamingo could provide a finishing touch. 

With Forward Madison now sitting on one point after its first two games, Tobin said the team needs to kick into a new gear.

“There are a lot of excuses floating around that are easy to latch on to, but it goes back to fault versus responsibility,” Tobin said. “If guys want to point out things, we’re going to struggle. The only person that should be pointed out, regardless of whether or not it’s their fault, is themselves. Right now, just from a pure effort and competitive standpoint, we’re not where we need to be.”

Forward Madison’s League One season continues next week as the Flamingos travel to Virginia to take on the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, August 8.

Forward Madison FC: Philipp Marceta #1; Jiro Barriga Toyama #77, Connor Tobin © #13, Josiah Trimmingham #44 (Gustavo Fernandes #4), Christian Diaz #27; Louis Bennett #21 (Alex Monis #28), Eric Leonard #3, J.C. Banks #10 (Brandon Eaton #6); Paulo Junior #11, Wojciech Wojcik #9, Don Smart #7

Substitutes: Chris Brady #34, Eli Lockaby #17, Gustavo Fernandes #4, Allan Rodriguez #39, Brandon Eaton #6, Jamael Cox #14, Alex Monis #38

Greenville Triumph SC: Dallas Jaye #22; Abdi Mohamed #26, Trevor Swartz #21, Cesar Murillo #4, Tyler Polak #3; Noah Pilato #20, Omar Mohamed #18 (Lachlan McLean #14), Carlos Gomez #10 (Joshua Donnelly #17), Aaron Walker © #8, Alex Morrell #7; Jake Keegan #9

Substitutes: Paul Christensen #30, Paul Clowes #6, Joshua Donnelly #17, Lachlan McLean #14

Goals
None

Discipline
Greenville Triumph
90+4’ #20 Noah Pilato- Yellow Card

Referees
Calin Radosav
Rachel Smith
Art Arustamyan
Scott Irwin

Venue
Hart Park – Wauwatosa, WI

Forward Madison FC: Philipp Marceta #1; Jiro Barriga Toyama #77, Connor Tobin © #13, Josiah Trimmingham #44 (Gustavo Fernandes #4), Christian Diaz #27; Louis Bennett #21 (Alex Monis #28), Eric Leonard #3, J.C. Banks #10 (Brandon Eaton #6); Paulo Junior #11, Wojciech Wojcik #9, Don Smart #7

Substitutes: Chris Brady #34, Eli Lockaby #17, Gustavo Fernandes #4, Allan Rodriguez #39, Brandon Eaton #6, Jamael Cox #14, Alex Monis #38

Greenville Triumph SC: Dallas Jaye #22; Abdi Mohamed #26, Trevor Swartz #21, Cesar Murillo #4, Tyler Polak #3; Noah Pilato #20, Omar Mohamed #18 (Lachlan McLean #14), Carlos Gomez #10 (Joshua Donnelly #17), Aaron Walker © #8, Alex Morrell #7; Jake Keegan #9

Substitutes: Paul Christensen #30, Paul Clowes #6, Joshua Donnelly #17, Lachlan McLean #14

Goals
None

Discipline
Greenville Triumph
90+4’ #20 Noah Pilato- Yellow Card

Referees
Calin Radosav
Rachel Smith
Art Arustamyan
Scott Irwin

Venue
Hart Park – Wauwatosa, WI

At long last, we've made it to matchday! If you don't have your ticket yet, click here to get it now.

Match Preview
USL League One Match Center
Watch on TVW or ESPN+

As we prepare to kick off the 2020 season, Forward Madison remains committed to hosting events that are responsible and taking the utmost precautions to keep its fans, players and staff safe. In accordance with that principle, we have put together a COVID-19 Readiness Plan to make sure games are as safe as possible for fans, players, and staff. 

At long last, we’ve made it to matchday! If you don’t have your ticket yet, click here to get it now.

Match Preview
USL League One Match Center
Watch on TVW or ESPN+

As we prepare to kick off the 2020 season, Forward Madison remains committed to hosting events that are responsible and taking the utmost precautions to keep its fans, players and staff safe. In accordance with that principle, we have put together a COVID-19 Readiness Plan to make sure games are as safe as possible for fans, players, and staff. 

Gates Open: 6:35 p.m.
Merchandise Store Opens: 6:35 p.m.
Game Starts: 7:00 p.m.

All tickets must be bought online. There will be no box office or will call at the stadium.

We are excited to host you at our inaugural home match for 2020 at Hart Park. Our first priority is fan and player safety. In advance of the match, we wanted to remind you of several stadium rules:

1. Masks are required at all times in the stadium for guests over the age of five. You are only permitted to remove your mask when you are seated in your socially distanced seat and consuming a food or beverage. Please help us create a safe environment and wear your mask at all other times. 

2. Every ticket in the stadium has an assigned seat and the seating map is designed to socially distance every group in the facility. Please sit in your assigned seat. If your seat is not socially distanced, please notify an usher and we will relocate your party. 

3. The entire seating area, restroom, and common areas will be sanitized prior to your arrival and the restrooms will be cleaned every 30 minutes throughout the night. 

4. We have moved to a cashless environment, so please come with a credit card, debit card or gift card, if you choose to purchase food, beverage, or merchandise. If you only have cash, you can purchase a gift card at the team store for use throughout the night. 

5. There will be no fan and player interaction allowed this season. Unfortunately, this means no autographs or high-fives after the match. Please keep at least 10 feet of distance between yourself and players, coaches, and referees. 

6. Please perform a health self-evaluation before coming to the stadium. If you are feeling unwell at all, please stay home. We are happy to transfer your ticket to another home game this season.

Thank you in advance for your help in creating a safe environment for yourself, our guests, players, and staff. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know. 

Gates Open: 6:35 p.m.
Merchandise Store Opens: 6:35 p.m.
Game Starts: 7:00 p.m.

All tickets must be bought online. There will be no box office or will call at the stadium.

We are excited to host you at our inaugural home match for 2020 at Hart Park. Our first priority is fan and player safety. In advance of the match, we wanted to remind you of several stadium rules:

1. Masks are required at all times in the stadium for guests over the age of five. You are only permitted to remove your mask when you are seated in your socially distanced seat and consuming a food or beverage. Please help us create a safe environment and wear your mask at all other times. 

2. Every ticket in the stadium has an assigned seat and the seating map is designed to socially distance every group in the facility. Please sit in your assigned seat. If your seat is not socially distanced, please notify an usher and we will relocate your party. 

3. The entire seating area, restroom, and common areas will be sanitized prior to your arrival and the restrooms will be cleaned every 30 minutes throughout the night. 

4. We have moved to a cashless environment, so please come with a credit card, debit card or gift card, if you choose to purchase food, beverage, or merchandise. If you only have cash, you can purchase a gift card at the team store for use throughout the night. 

5. There will be no fan and player interaction allowed this season. Unfortunately, this means no autographs or high-fives after the match. Please keep at least 10 feet of distance between yourself and players, coaches, and referees. 

6. Please perform a health self-evaluation before coming to the stadium. If you are feeling unwell at all, please stay home. We are happy to transfer your ticket to another home game this season.

Thank you in advance for your help in creating a safe environment for yourself, our guests, players, and staff. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know. 

1. Fans are required to wear face coverings at all times, including when seated in assigned seats. Face masks may only be removed to consume food and beverage in assigned seats.

2. Carry-ins are limited to one bottle of water per person.

3. Any personal items must be brought in a clear bag for contactless bag check.

4. Please bring cashless payment methods.

5. Hand sanitizer will be available upon entry to the stadium. 

6. Food and beverages may only be be consumed in assigned seats.

7. Capacity in common areas will be monitored by staff.

1. Fans are required to wear face coverings at all times, including when seated in assigned seats. Face masks may only be removed to consume food and beverage in assigned seats.

2. Carry-ins are limited to one bottle of water per person.

3. Any personal items must be brought in a clear bag for contactless bag check.

4. Please bring cashless payment methods.

5. Hand sanitizer will be available upon entry to the stadium. 

6. Food and beverages may only be be consumed in assigned seats.

7. Capacity in common areas will be monitored by staff.

1. At this time, no cash transactions will be accepted.

2. Guests will self-use credit card adapters that reach at least 3 feet at certain food terminals.

3. If a customer is unable to swipe their own credit card, a trained employee will assist them.

4. Napkins, silverware, and condiments will be provided with each order and will be individually wrapped or packaged – no self-serving areas will be available.

5. All lines will be socially distanced in any common areas including at concessions.

6. A menu will be available to order concessions online from a smartphone, and customers will receive a notification to pick up their order at a concession stand when ready.

1. At this time, no cash transactions will be accepted.

2. Guests will self-use credit card adapters that reach at least 3 feet at certain food terminals.

3. If a customer is unable to swipe their own credit card, a trained employee will assist them.

4. Napkins, silverware, and condiments will be provided with each order and will be individually wrapped or packaged – no self-serving areas will be available.

5. All lines will be socially distanced in any common areas including at concessions.

6. A menu will be available to order concessions online from a smartphone, and customers will receive a notification to pick up their order at a concession stand when ready.

We kindly ask fans to follow our bag policy in regards to match safety and to allow for the quick and smooth entry of fans into the stadium. There are strict limitations on what bags are allowed at Hart Park Stadium. Types of bags that are allowed in the stadium: -bags smaller than 12” x 12” x 12” such as a small purse or personal bag. No backpacks. -Medically necessary bags and diaper bags PLEASE DO NOT bring these types of bags: -backpacks -camera cases -large purses -binoculars case -Folding chair bag -Mesh bags -Over-sized tote bags

We kindly ask fans to follow our bag policy in regards to match safety and to allow for the quick and smooth entry of fans into the stadium. There are strict limitations on what bags are allowed at Hart Park Stadium. Types of bags that are allowed in the stadium: -bags smaller than 12” x 12” x 12” such as a small purse or personal bag. No backpacks. -Medically necessary bags and diaper bags PLEASE DO NOT bring these types of bags: -backpacks -camera cases -large purses -binoculars case -Folding chair bag -Mesh bags -Over-sized tote bags

Forward Madison FC unveiled a Black Lives Matter training top on Thursday, which the team plans to wear before every game during the 2020 season. The team will donate all proceeds from sales of the training top to YWCA Madison, an organization that seeks to advance race and gender equity to create a more inclusive community.

Local artist Mike Lroy designed the training top, with input from members of the Featherstone Flamingos – an inclusive group of Forward fans that celebrates Black culture – as well as Forward Madison players.

“BIPOC people are ready for change, and a lot of us shared our frustrations and hope through street art,” said Lroy, who has painted several murals on State Street over the past months. “By wearing jerseys that show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, athletes are showing their fans that silence is violence and the time for change is now.”

Forward Madison FC unveiled a Black Lives Matter training top on Thursday, which the team plans to wear before every game during the 2020 season. The team will donate all proceeds from sales of the training top to YWCA Madison, an organization that seeks to advance race and gender equity to create a more inclusive community.

Local artist Mike Lroy designed the training top, with input from members of the Featherstone Flamingos – an inclusive group of Forward fans that celebrates Black culture – as well as Forward Madison players.

“BIPOC people are ready for change, and a lot of us shared our frustrations and hope through street art,” said Lroy, who has painted several murals on State Street over the past months. “By wearing jerseys that show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, athletes are showing their fans that silence is violence and the time for change is now.”

Midfielder J.C. Banks, who helped connect his teammates with Lroy, said Forward Madison’s players want to be a part of creating change in the community.

“Everything that’s going on is something that I not only wanted to be a part of, but I believe in it and I’m affected by it,” Banks said. “I’m glad that we could do something to put on display, but hopefully more actions come through this.”

Featherstone Flamingos co-founder April Kigeya was the one who suggested that Lroy design the training top. Kigeya also helped select YWCA Madison, which is Featherstone’s 2020 charity partner, as the organization that will receive proceeds from the shirt. 

“I feel honored that the club asked Featherstone to be a part of this and not only trusted me to find the artist, but gave us 100% control over the design,” Kigeya said.  

Forward Madison’s players and staff will wear the Black Lives Matter training top for this first time before their home opener this Friday, July 31 at 7 p.m. at Hart Park in Wauwatosa. The training top is available for purchase on the Forward Madison’s web store.

Midfielder J.C. Banks, who helped connect his teammates with Lroy, said Forward Madison’s players want to be a part of creating change in the community.

“Everything that’s going on is something that I not only wanted to be a part of, but I believe in it and I’m affected by it,” Banks said. “I’m glad that we could do something to put on display, but hopefully more actions come through this.”

Featherstone Flamingos co-founder April Kigeya was the one who suggested that Lroy design the training top. Kigeya also helped select YWCA Madison, which is Featherstone’s 2020 charity partner, as the organization that will receive proceeds from the shirt. 

“I feel honored that the club asked Featherstone to be a part of this and not only trusted me to find the artist, but gave us 100% control over the design,” Kigeya said.  

Forward Madison’s players and staff will wear the Black Lives Matter training top for this first time before their home opener this Friday, July 31 at 7 p.m. at Hart Park in Wauwatosa. The training top is available for purchase on the Forward Madison’s web store.

USL League One – Game 2
Forward Madison FC vs Greenville Triumph SC
Friday, July 31, 2020; 7 p.m. CT
Hart Park – Wauwatosa, WI 

Where to Watch
TVW and ESPN+
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates
Keep track of the official stats on the USL League One Match Center

USL League One – Game 2
Forward Madison FC vs Greenville Triumph SC
Friday, July 31, 2020; 7 p.m. CT
Hart Park – Wauwatosa, WI 

Where to Watch
TVW and ESPN+
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates
Keep track of the official stats on the USL League One Match Center

Forward Madison FC is preparing to leap into the unknown on Friday, with the Flamingos set to take on Greenville Triumph SC in the team’s ‘Home Away from Home’ Opener at Hart Park in Wauwatosa.

As FMFC acclimates to their new home, players and staff have had to deal with the challenges of a temporary move: A longer commute, unfamiliar turf, and, soon, a very unusual atmosphere for a Forward Madison game. But with only 15 more matches to go in a shortened USL League One season, Head Coach Daryl Shore knows his team will have to adapt quickly. 

Speaking on Behind the Feathers, Shore said Friday’s game has been a long time coming.

“We’re excited to finally play our home opener at our home away from home, Hart Park,” he said. “Our guys are just excited to play a game in front of our home fans.”

Forward was originally slated to kick off its season in March, but only started up last week due to health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The Flamingos lost 2-1 on the road to North Texas SC last Saturday, falling off in the latter half of the game after a strong start.

“I think it was evident that we hadn’t played a game in four months,” Shore said. “That was our first 90-minute match and we do feel like we lost a little steam, but overall we were pleased with the way we played. We made a few mistakes, which we got punished for, but at the end of the day we felt good about re-watching the game and we feel good going into Friday’s game against Greenville.”

One piece Shore will be missing is center back Jalen Crisler, who started the game against North Texas. Crisler came off early with a gash near his knee which, according to Shore, required 20 stitches to heal.

Still, the Flamingos will be boosted by the potential debuts of center back Josiah Trimmingham and midfielder Michael Vang. Trimmingham, the Trinidad & Tobago international, has been training with the team this week; Shore said that creative playmaker Vang, meanwhile, will be a game-time decision as he waits on registration paperwork to be approved.

On the other side of the pitch, Forward’s opposition, Greenville Triumph SC, will present a worthy challenge to the ‘Mingos. The Triumph were League One runners-up last year and have won their first two games to start 2020, meaning FMFC would go nine points behind if they were to lose Friday’s game. 

Greenville will be without defender Brandon Fricke, who is serving a suspension for a red card, as well as several other players who are injured or otherwise unavailable for selection. Still, Shore said he can’t afford to underestimate the League One leaders. 

“Now that we’ve got one game under our belt, I think that’s enough,” he said. "Now it’s time to really put our focus on making sure we come out of the gates strong, dictate the tempo of the game and really put Greenville under pressure as much as we can to try to get the three points.” 

Following Friday’s home opener, the Flamingos will travel to play the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, Aug. 8 at City Stadium. Forward Madison will play its next home game on Friday, Aug. 14 against South Georgia Tormenta FC.

Forward Madison FC is preparing to leap into the unknown on Friday, with the Flamingos set to take on Greenville Triumph SC in the team’s ‘Home Away from Home’ Opener at Hart Park in Wauwatosa.

As FMFC acclimates to their new home, players and staff have had to deal with the challenges of a temporary move: A longer commute, unfamiliar turf, and, soon, a very unusual atmosphere for a Forward Madison game. But with only 15 more matches to go in a shortened USL League One season, Head Coach Daryl Shore knows his team will have to adapt quickly. 

Speaking on Behind the Feathers, Shore said Friday’s game has been a long time coming.

“We’re excited to finally play our home opener at our home away from home, Hart Park,” he said. “Our guys are just excited to play a game in front of our home fans.”

Forward was originally slated to kick off its season in March, but only started up last week due to health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. The Flamingos lost 2-1 on the road to North Texas SC last Saturday, falling off in the latter half of the game after a strong start.

“I think it was evident that we hadn’t played a game in four months,” Shore said. “That was our first 90-minute match and we do feel like we lost a little steam, but overall we were pleased with the way we played. We made a few mistakes, which we got punished for, but at the end of the day we felt good about re-watching the game and we feel good going into Friday’s game against Greenville.”

One piece Shore will be missing is center back Jalen Crisler, who started the game against North Texas. Crisler came off early with a gash near his knee which, according to Shore, required 20 stitches to heal.

Still, the Flamingos will be boosted by the potential debuts of center back Josiah Trimmingham and midfielder Michael Vang. Trimmingham, the Trinidad & Tobago international, has been training with the team this week; Shore said that creative playmaker Vang, meanwhile, will be a game-time decision as he waits on registration paperwork to be approved.

On the other side of the pitch, Forward’s opposition, Greenville Triumph SC, will present a worthy challenge to the ‘Mingos. The Triumph were League One runners-up last year and have won their first two games to start 2020, meaning FMFC would go nine points behind if they were to lose Friday’s game. 

Greenville will be without defender Brandon Fricke, who is serving a suspension for a red card, as well as several other players who are injured or otherwise unavailable for selection. Still, Shore said he can’t afford to underestimate the League One leaders. 

“Now that we’ve got one game under our belt, I think that’s enough,” he said. “Now it’s time to really put our focus on making sure we come out of the gates strong, dictate the tempo of the game and really put Greenville under pressure as much as we can to try to get the three points.” 

Following Friday’s home opener, the Flamingos will travel to play the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, Aug. 8 at City Stadium. Forward Madison will play its next home game on Friday, Aug. 14 against South Georgia Tormenta FC.

After four months, Behind the Feathers is back!

We wanted to give you something to listen to before our home opener Friday night, so we talked to Coach Shore about what it will be like to play Greenville Triumph at Hart Park in Wauwatosa for the first time.

We're also publishing a previously-recorded interview with Philipp Marceta, our new goalkeeper.

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

After four months, Behind the Feathers is back!

We wanted to give you something to listen to before our home opener Friday night, so we talked to Coach Shore about what it will be like to play Greenville Triumph at Hart Park in Wauwatosa for the first time.

We’re also publishing a previously-recorded interview with Philipp Marceta, our new goalkeeper.

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

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Season tickets for Forward Madison FC’s 2020 season are now available! Get yours by calling 608-204-0855 or visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/season-tickets.

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

Season tickets for Forward Madison FC’s 2020 season are now available! Get yours by calling 608-204-0855 or visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/season-tickets.

Attempting to write a serious article about Philipp Marceta is more difficult than you’d imagine. Forward Madison’s first-choice goalkeeper may go about his duties on the field in a pragmatic way, but off it, you’d be hard-pressed to get through a few sentences without him cracking a joke.

Marceta (pronounced mar-CHET-uh) will improv one-liners about playing for a professional club in Munich (“It was a good experience for various reasons, Oktoberfest being one of them”). He’ll also recount how, as a teenager, he convinced a statistician to incorrectly list him as ‘two-footed’ on an online soccer database. In a way, it’s impossible to tell Marceta’s story without adding in a little humor. 

All of which brings us to a British Petroleum gas station on the outskirts of Nashville.

Attempting to write a serious article about Philipp Marceta is more difficult than you’d imagine. Forward Madison’s first-choice goalkeeper may go about his duties on the field in a pragmatic way, but off it, you’d be hard-pressed to get through a few sentences without him cracking a joke.

Marceta (pronounced mar-CHET-uh) will improv one-liners about playing for a professional club in Munich (“It was a good experience for various reasons, Oktoberfest being one of them”). He’ll also recount how, as a teenager, he convinced a statistician to incorrectly list him as ‘two-footed’ on an online soccer database. In a way, it’s impossible to tell Marceta’s story without adding in a little humor. 

All of which brings us to a British Petroleum gas station on the outskirts of Nashville.

Forward Madison needed a goalkeeper. Philipp Marceta needed a team. It was really as simple as that.

Marceta, who grew up in Vienna, Austria (he is 27 now), had spent his entire career playing for teams across Europe. After starting out in his home country, he signed with Athlone Town in Ireland, later joining SV Heimstetten of the German third division in 2019.

At the season’s end, Marctea moved to Tennessee to live with his wife, who is American. This left him in a tricky spot as far as finding a soccer club, though. Marceta had to wait to get a Green Card before many clubs would express interest in him, since he would have otherwise taken up teams’ limited international roster spots. 

“There were times when I thought about quitting, just because it didn’t look good, but it’s always been my dream to keep playing,” Marceta said. “It’s the one thing I love doing and I just wanted to do it so badly.”

After an extended trial with the Seattle Sounders of Major League Soccer, Marceta’s agent got a call from Forward Madison head coach Daryl Shore. The Flamingos had lost two goalkeepers (Brian Sylvestre and Ryan Coulter) from their 2019 roster, and despite being in the middle of a February preseason camp, Shore was still looking for the right replacement.

As it happened, Marceta joined up the team at a gas station. The way he tells it, you’d think it was a meeting of star-crossed lovers, simply fated to find each other.

“I was just minding my own business, filling up my car,” Marceta joked. “I saw the ‘Mingo Bus pulling up and thought, ‘This looks not sketchy at all. You [just] hop in a bus with a bunch of dudes.’ So I just did it.”

Of course, that’s not quite what happened. The team van needed to stop for fuel on the way from Alabama to Kentucky, which made the BP near Marceta’s home a convenient meeting point. But as with all of his stories, Marceta’s Forward Madison adventure couldn’t be complete without a joke.

Forward Madison needed a goalkeeper. Philipp Marceta needed a team. It was really as simple as that.

Marceta, who grew up in Vienna, Austria (he is 27 now), had spent his entire career playing for teams across Europe. After starting out in his home country, he signed with Athlone Town in Ireland, later joining SV Heimstetten of the German third division in 2019.

At the season’s end, Marctea moved to Tennessee to live with his wife, who is American. This left him in a tricky spot as far as finding a soccer club, though. Marceta had to wait to get a Green Card before many clubs would express interest in him, since he would have otherwise taken up teams’ limited international roster spots. 

“There were times when I thought about quitting, just because it didn’t look good, but it’s always been my dream to keep playing,” Marceta said. “It’s the one thing I love doing and I just wanted to do it so badly.”

After an extended trial with the Seattle Sounders of Major League Soccer, Marceta’s agent got a call from Forward Madison head coach Daryl Shore. The Flamingos had lost two goalkeepers (Brian Sylvestre and Ryan Coulter) from their 2019 roster, and despite being in the middle of a February preseason camp, Shore was still looking for the right replacement.

As it happened, Marceta joined up the team at a gas station. The way he tells it, you’d think it was a meeting of star-crossed lovers, simply fated to find each other.

“I was just minding my own business, filling up my car,” Marceta joked. “I saw the ‘Mingo Bus pulling up and thought, ‘This looks not sketchy at all. You [just] hop in a bus with a bunch of dudes.’ So I just did it.”

Of course, that’s not quite what happened. The team van needed to stop for fuel on the way from Alabama to Kentucky, which made the BP near Marceta’s home a convenient meeting point. But as with all of his stories, Marceta’s Forward Madison adventure couldn’t be complete without a joke.

It didn’t take long after the ‘Mingo Mobile had left the gas station for Marceta to show why Shore wanted to take a look at him. In his first preseason appearance, he came on to play the second half against USL Championship powerhouse Louisville City. Louisville had scored four goals in the first half, but Marceta didn’t allow any in the latter period.

During the Flamingos’ preseason game on February 29 (which ended up being the team’s last match before COVID-19 delayed its season), Marceta played the first half in goal against Saint Louis FC.

“Before we went out, Coach [Shore] told us there’s one job: We don’t want to give up a goal in the first half,” Marceta said. “I was like, ‘Okay, that seems like he’s addressing me.’”

The Austrian did his job for the first 45 minutes, making saves and coming out to catch crosses. But in stoppage time, Forward conceded a penalty, which left Marceta all alone to defend it. Although he said he normally researches penalty takers’ habits, there wasn’t enough time or information to do that in preseason.

“I thought to myself, ‘I haven’t gone to my left in a while, I’ll just go left,’” he said. “I dove to my left and luckily the striker decided to put the ball right there. We got the job done not to give up a goal in the first half.”

Shortly after the team returned to Madison, Shore offered Marceta a contract. 

It didn’t take long after the ‘Mingo Mobile had left the gas station for Marceta to show why Shore wanted to take a look at him. In his first preseason appearance, he came on to play the second half against USL Championship powerhouse Louisville City. Louisville had scored four goals in the first half, but Marceta didn’t allow any in the latter period.

During the Flamingos’ preseason game on February 29 (which ended up being the team’s last match before COVID-19 delayed its season), Marceta played the first half in goal against Saint Louis FC.

“Before we went out, Coach [Shore] told us there’s one job: We don’t want to give up a goal in the first half,” Marceta said. “I was like, ‘Okay, that seems like he’s addressing me.’”

The Austrian did his job for the first 45 minutes, making saves and coming out to catch crosses. But in stoppage time, Forward conceded a penalty, which left Marceta all alone to defend it. Although he said he normally researches penalty takers’ habits, there wasn’t enough time or information to do that in preseason.

“I thought to myself, ‘I haven’t gone to my left in a while, I’ll just go left,’” he said. “I dove to my left and luckily the striker decided to put the ball right there. We got the job done not to give up a goal in the first half.”

Shortly after the team returned to Madison, Shore offered Marceta a contract. 

Fast-forward five months, and it’s safe to say the 2020 season hasn’t gone exactly to plan, neither for Marceta nor the whole world of professional sports. Forward Madison played its first game since the Saint Louis match on July 25, with Marceta starting in goal against defending USL League One champions North Texas SC.

Marceta, along with the rest of the team, evidently needed time to scrape off the rust in a 2-1 loss. Still, he started to show his skill during the second half of the affair, making several crucial saves to keep the Flamingos in the game.

In some circles, supporters have taken to calling him ‘Big Phil’ – or BP – as an ode to Marceta’s unique origin story. As usual, he’s in on the joke: Marceta even posed with a gas canister during a team photoshoot before the North Texas game.

For a team that has distinguished itself through its sense of humor, Marceta blends in naturally. At long last, though, he’ll have a chance to endear himself to the fans through his goalkeeping.

“I’ve found a club that’s a great fit,” Marceta said. “Now I can keep doing what I love.”

 

Fast-forward five months, and it’s safe to say the 2020 season hasn’t gone exactly to plan, neither for Marceta nor the whole world of professional sports. Forward Madison played its first game since the Saint Louis match on July 25, with Marceta starting in goal against defending USL League One champions North Texas SC.

Marceta, along with the rest of the team, evidently needed time to scrape off the rust in a 2-1 loss. Still, he started to show his skill during the second half of the affair, making several crucial saves to keep the Flamingos in the game.

In some circles, supporters have taken to calling him ‘Big Phil’ – or BP – as an ode to Marceta’s unique origin story. As usual, he’s in on the joke: Marceta even posed with a gas canister during a team photoshoot before the North Texas game.

For a team that has distinguished itself through its sense of humor, Marceta blends in naturally. At long last, though, he’ll have a chance to endear himself to the fans through his goalkeeping.

“I’ve found a club that’s a great fit,” Marceta said. “Now I can keep doing what I love.”

 

Forward Madison FC's 2020 season is here! Secure your spot for eight home games at Hart Park by calling by calling 608-204-0855 or visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

Forward Madison FC’s 2020 season is here! Secure your spot for eight home games at Hart Park by calling by calling 608-204-0855 or visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.