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On this episode of Behind the Feathers, we talk to Robert and Nic from the Wasatch Mingos, the Forward Madison fan group based in Utah that is making a 12+ hour drive to Arizona to watch the Flamingos play FC Tucson this Friday.

We also spend time talking to Head Coach Daryl Shore about his plans to celebrate his one-year anniversary as FMFC manager by guiding the 'Mingos into a playoff spot. Finally, goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre enters the Content Swamp to break down the worst player karaoke attempts on Connor Tobin's Unnamed Segment.

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

On this episode of Behind the Feathers, we talk to Robert and Nic from the Wasatch Mingos, the Forward Madison fan group based in Utah that is making a 12+ hour drive to Arizona to watch the Flamingos play FC Tucson this Friday.

We also spend time talking to Head Coach Daryl Shore about his plans to celebrate his one-year anniversary as FMFC manager by guiding the ‘Mingos into a playoff spot. Finally, goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre enters the Content Swamp to break down the worst player karaoke attempts on Connor Tobin’s Unnamed Segment.

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

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.

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 closed out its inaugural home schedule with a memorable win on Sunday, beating USL League One regular season champion North Texas SC 1-0. An Imanol Almaguer own goal in the 24th minute gave the result to the Flamingos, who now have a three-point cushion in the League One playoff spots with two matches to play.

According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, Sunday’s victory was the perfect way to end an unforgettable first year in Madison.

“To finally be able to reward this crowd with three points is great,” Shore said. “We’ve been talking about playoff soccer for a long time. When you give up very few chances and you score a goal, you’ve got good chances to win.”

With an announced crowd of 4,315 on hand, FMFC officially finished its inaugural year with an average attendance of 4,292, the highest in USL League One.

The Flamingos came into the game tied on points for fourth place after Chattanooga Red Wolves’ win on Saturday night. Now, though, the ‘Mingos need just three more points to officially clinch their spot in the USL League One playoffs.

The game started innocuously, with back-and-forth play setting the stage throughout the first half. Forward grabbed the lead through an own goal, which defender Connor Tobin blasted off North Texas’ Almaguer at the near post in the 24th minute.

North Texas nearly responded immediately, but two key saves by Bryan Sylvestre helped preserve the scoreline going into the break. First, Sylvestre put his body on the line in 31st minute, denying what looked like a certain goal with a one-on-one stop. Sylvestre’s second save came just two minute later as the veteran goalkeeper went full extension to get a few fingertips on a ball heading for the top corner of the net.

According to Shore, Sylvestre has come up big time and time again during the home stretch of the season.

“He’s been in great form [and] he made an unbelievable save in the first half [that] kept us in the game,” Shore said. “The whole team defensively did a great job.”

The second half was more of a stalemate, with North Texas getting time on the ball but failing to penetrate. The visitors thought they had a goal in the third minute of stoppage time through Arturo Rodriguez, but after a short conversation with his assistant, referee Adam Kilpatrick chalked it off for offside.

Following the final whistle, FMFC’s players reveled in the stadium’s atmosphere, taking a trip around the field to thank their fans one more time. For team captain Connor Tobin, the scene rivaled any he’d been a part of in his decade-long pro career.

“I can’t speak volumes enough to what the fans have created here and the sense of community that they’ve built,” Tobin said. “It gives me goosebumps. To come and play here, it’s a privilege. I said this after the home opener and they’ve proved it all year: This is as good as any environment in the United States, and man, it’s special.”

Up next for the Flamingos is a trip to the desert to face FC Tucson on Friday, Sept. 27. With no more home matches left in the season, FMFC still has an outside chance to claim third place if results fall favorably over the final two weeks of the regular season. If not, as Shore knows, the ‘Mingos path to a championship will run through North Texas.

“North Texas is the best team in the league, and we know that the road goes through Dallas to get to the USL [League One Final],” Shore said. “[It’ll] be good for us, but [North Texas] playing at home, they’re very good. If we play them in the first round of the playoffs, it’ll be a tough game.”

Forward Madison closed out its inaugural home schedule with a memorable win on Sunday, beating USL League One regular season champion North Texas SC 1-0. An Imanol Almaguer own goal in the 24th minute gave the result to the Flamingos, who now have a three-point cushion in the League One playoff spots with two matches to play.

According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, Sunday’s victory was the perfect way to end an unforgettable first year in Madison.

“To finally be able to reward this crowd with three points is great,” Shore said. “We’ve been talking about playoff soccer for a long time. When you give up very few chances and you score a goal, you’ve got good chances to win.”

With an announced crowd of 4,315 on hand, FMFC officially finished its inaugural year with an average attendance of 4,292, the highest in USL League One.

The Flamingos came into the game tied on points for fourth place after Chattanooga Red Wolves’ win on Saturday night. Now, though, the ‘Mingos need just three more points to officially clinch their spot in the USL League One playoffs.

The game started innocuously, with back-and-forth play setting the stage throughout the first half. Forward grabbed the lead through an own goal, which defender Connor Tobin blasted off North Texas’ Almaguer at the near post in the 24th minute.

North Texas nearly responded immediately, but two key saves by Bryan Sylvestre helped preserve the scoreline going into the break. First, Sylvestre put his body on the line in 31st minute, denying what looked like a certain goal with a one-on-one stop. Sylvestre’s second save came just two minute later as the veteran goalkeeper went full extension to get a few fingertips on a ball heading for the top corner of the net.

According to Shore, Sylvestre has come up big time and time again during the home stretch of the season.

“He’s been in great form [and] he made an unbelievable save in the first half [that] kept us in the game,” Shore said. “The whole team defensively did a great job.”

The second half was more of a stalemate, with North Texas getting time on the ball but failing to penetrate. The visitors thought they had a goal in the third minute of stoppage time through Arturo Rodriguez, but after a short conversation with his assistant, referee Adam Kilpatrick chalked it off for offside.

Following the final whistle, FMFC’s players reveled in the stadium’s atmosphere, taking a trip around the field to thank their fans one more time. For team captain Connor Tobin, the scene rivaled any he’d been a part of in his decade-long pro career.

“I can’t speak volumes enough to what the fans have created here and the sense of community that they’ve built,” Tobin said. “It gives me goosebumps. To come and play here, it’s a privilege. I said this after the home opener and they’ve proved it all year: This is as good as any environment in the United States, and man, it’s special.”

Up next for the Flamingos is a trip to the desert to face FC Tucson on Friday, Sept. 27. With no more home matches left in the season, FMFC still has an outside chance to claim third place if results fall favorably over the final two weeks of the regular season. If not, as Shore knows, the ‘Mingos path to a championship will run through North Texas.

“North Texas is the best team in the league, and we know that the road goes through Dallas to get to the USL [League One Final],” Shore said. “[It’ll] be good for us, but [North Texas] playing at home, they’re very good. If we play them in the first round of the playoffs, it’ll be a tough game.”

Forward Madison FC
Head Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper- Brian Sylvestre #92
Defender- Christian Diaz #27 YC
Defender – Connor Tobin #13 (captain)
Defender- Shaun Russell #15 YC
Defender- Carter Manley #2
Midfielder – J.C. Banks #29
Midfielder -Eric Leonard #3
Midfielder –  Josiel Nunez #70
Forward- Don Smart #7 (82’- Jiro Barriga Toyama #77)
Forward – Paulo Jr. #11 (90+1’- Zaire Bartley #17) 
Forward-  Danny Tenorio #10 (72’- Brian Bement #14) 

Substitutes
G- Ryan Coulter #1
M- Louis Bennett #21
M- Brandon Eaton #6
F- Jiro Barriga Toyama #77
F- Zaire Bartley #17
F- Brian Bement #14
F- Oliver White #20

North Texas SC
Head Coach: Eric Quill        
Goalkeeper: Kyle Zobeck #30
Defender: Imanol Almaguer #36 ⚽OG
Defender: Callum Montgomery #25
Defender: Brecc Evans #4 (captain)
Defender: Bryan Reynolds #29  YC
Midfielder: Edwin Cerillo #33 YC (88’ Cesar Murillo #2)
Midfielder: Thomas Roberts #23
Midfielder: David Rodriguez #8 (51’- Alfusainey Jatta #6) 
Midfielder: Arturo Rodriguez #10
Forward: Gibran Rayo #39 
Forward: Richard Danso #14

Substitutes
GK: Carlos Avilez #1
D: Cesar Murillo #2
D: Hector Montalvo #5
M: Alfusainey Jatta #6
F: Oscar Romero #7

Goals
Forward Madison FC
24’- Imanol Almaguer #36 (Own Goal)

Yellow Cards
Forward Madison FC
37’- Christian Diaz #27
71’- Shaun Russell #15

North Texas SC
29’- Edwin Cerillo #33
41’- Bryan Reynolds #29

Referees
Adam Kilpatrick
Ethan Buege
Justin Mack
Alex Beehler

Venue
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Attendance
4,315

Starion Bank Mingo of the Match
Brian Sylvestre

Forward Madison FC
Head Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper- Brian Sylvestre #92
Defender- Christian Diaz #27 YC
Defender – Connor Tobin #13 (captain)
Defender- Shaun Russell #15 YC
Defender- Carter Manley #2
Midfielder – J.C. Banks #29
Midfielder -Eric Leonard #3
Midfielder –  Josiel Nunez #70
Forward- Don Smart #7 (82’- Jiro Barriga Toyama #77)
Forward – Paulo Jr. #11 (90+1’- Zaire Bartley #17) 
Forward-  Danny Tenorio #10 (72’- Brian Bement #14) 

Substitutes
G- Ryan Coulter #1
M- Louis Bennett #21
M- Brandon Eaton #6
F- Jiro Barriga Toyama #77
F- Zaire Bartley #17
F- Brian Bement #14
F- Oliver White #20

North Texas SC
Head Coach: Eric Quill        
Goalkeeper: Kyle Zobeck #30
Defender: Imanol Almaguer #36 ⚽OG
Defender: Callum Montgomery #25
Defender: Brecc Evans #4 (captain)
Defender: Bryan Reynolds #29  YC
Midfielder: Edwin Cerillo #33 YC (88’ Cesar Murillo #2)
Midfielder: Thomas Roberts #23
Midfielder: David Rodriguez #8 (51’- Alfusainey Jatta #6) 
Midfielder: Arturo Rodriguez #10
Forward: Gibran Rayo #39 
Forward: Richard Danso #14

Substitutes
GK: Carlos Avilez #1
D: Cesar Murillo #2
D: Hector Montalvo #5
M: Alfusainey Jatta #6
F: Oscar Romero #7

Goals
Forward Madison FC
24’- Imanol Almaguer #36 (Own Goal)

Yellow Cards
Forward Madison FC
37’- Christian Diaz #27
71’- Shaun Russell #15

North Texas SC
29’- Edwin Cerillo #33
41’- Bryan Reynolds #29

Referees
Adam Kilpatrick
Ethan Buege
Justin Mack
Alex Beehler

Venue
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Attendance
4,315

Starion Bank Mingo of the Match
Brian Sylvestre

USL League One – Game 26
Forward Madison FC vs North Texas SC
Sunday, September 22, 2019; 4:00 p.m. CT
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Where to Watch
ESPN+
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates
Keep track of official stats on the USL League One match center

Get your tickets now!

Forward Madison FC will celebrate the end of its inaugural home schedule when it takes on USL League One regular season champion North Texas SC on Sunday at 4 p.m. at Breese Stevens Field. The Flamingos have drawn huge crowds in their first year, leading the 10-team League One with an average attendance of 4,290, and expect one of their largest numbers of the season this weekend.

Not only does Sunday’s home finale serve as a commemoration of an unforgettable inaugural year, but it also carries deep implications in FMFC’s playoff race. With three games left to play, Forward occupies League One’s fourth and final playoff spot, three points ahead of South Georgia Tormenta FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.

According to head coach Daryl Shore, the pressure is on his team to deliver the goods.

“It’s a massive game,” Shore said. “[We’re] expecting a huge crowd, and we need to go out in the regular season and really put in a good performance, not just for our team and ourselves, but for our fans and for everybody who comes out and supports us.”

After winning 1-0 against the Richmond Kickers last weekend, Forward can come home Sunday carrying some momentum. The Flamingos will, however, have to deal with the loss of on-loan center back Wyatt Omsberg, who was recalled to Minnesota United to fill in following a 10-game suspension for Loons defender Brent Kallman.

FMFC lost its first two games against North Texas on the road in the season series, but came back in June with a statement 4-1 win at home. Although the visitors were missing a handful of players during that game, Shore said he also owed some of the credit for the victory to the fans, who can create a difficult atmosphere to play in for opposition teams.

“There’s no better 12th man in lower-league soccer than in Madison, Wisconsin,” Shore said. “If our fans can get out and they’re loud and they’re vibrant as they always are, maybe it catches them off guard a little bit and then it inspires our guys to get three points.”

Still, even a home field advantage will only slightly ease FMFC’s task. North Texas SC has coasted through USL League One, and won the regular season title last week with three games to spare. The Texans have won five matches in a row, and forward Ronaldo Damus leads the league’s Golden Boot race with 16 goals. 

“The road to the USL [League One Final] goes through North Texas, so there’s nothing better than having the opportunity to play them prior to the playoffs and hopefully get a leg up on them,” Shore said. “It’ll be a hard game. These guys, they’re not in the number one seed for chance or luck.”

Although the Flamingos are out of contention to host a playoff semi-final game, the team has a very outside shot at hosting the USL League One Final, which would require both finishing in third place (Forward is four points back of Greenville) and having the two semi-final hosts lose. Still, that scenario is unlikely to play out.  

In a sense, then, the last home game takes on an importance beyond that of any other matchday. For Shore, it’s the culmination of a season’s worth of unforgettable memories.

“It’s the old adage, time flies when you’re having fun,” Shore said. “Let’s come out early, let’s celebrate, and then hopefully we give you three points and it gets us that much closer to the playoffs.”

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its final home game on Sept. 22 vs North Texas SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

USL League One – Game 26
Forward Madison FC vs North Texas SC
Sunday, September 22, 2019; 4:00 p.m. CT
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Where to Watch
ESPN+
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates
Keep track of official stats on the USL League One match center

Get your tickets now!

Forward Madison FC will celebrate the end of its inaugural home schedule when it takes on USL League One regular season champion North Texas SC on Sunday at 4 p.m. at Breese Stevens Field. The Flamingos have drawn huge crowds in their first year, leading the 10-team League One with an average attendance of 4,290, and expect one of their largest numbers of the season this weekend.

Not only does Sunday’s home finale serve as a commemoration of an unforgettable inaugural year, but it also carries deep implications in FMFC’s playoff race. With three games left to play, Forward occupies League One’s fourth and final playoff spot, three points ahead of South Georgia Tormenta FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC.

According to head coach Daryl Shore, the pressure is on his team to deliver the goods.

“It’s a massive game,” Shore said. “[We’re] expecting a huge crowd, and we need to go out in the regular season and really put in a good performance, not just for our team and ourselves, but for our fans and for everybody who comes out and supports us.”

After winning 1-0 against the Richmond Kickers last weekend, Forward can come home Sunday carrying some momentum. The Flamingos will, however, have to deal with the loss of on-loan center back Wyatt Omsberg, who was recalled to Minnesota United to fill in following a 10-game suspension for Loons defender Brent Kallman.

FMFC lost its first two games against North Texas on the road in the season series, but came back in June with a statement 4-1 win at home. Although the visitors were missing a handful of players during that game, Shore said he also owed some of the credit for the victory to the fans, who can create a difficult atmosphere to play in for opposition teams.

“There’s no better 12th man in lower-league soccer than in Madison, Wisconsin,” Shore said. “If our fans can get out and they’re loud and they’re vibrant as they always are, maybe it catches them off guard a little bit and then it inspires our guys to get three points.”

Still, even a home field advantage will only slightly ease FMFC’s task. North Texas SC has coasted through USL League One, and won the regular season title last week with three games to spare. The Texans have won five matches in a row, and forward Ronaldo Damus leads the league’s Golden Boot race with 16 goals. 

“The road to the USL [League One Final] goes through North Texas, so there’s nothing better than having the opportunity to play them prior to the playoffs and hopefully get a leg up on them,” Shore said. “It’ll be a hard game. These guys, they’re not in the number one seed for chance or luck.”

Although the Flamingos are out of contention to host a playoff semi-final game, the team has a very outside shot at hosting the USL League One Final, which would require both finishing in third place (Forward is four points back of Greenville) and having the two semi-final hosts lose. Still, that scenario is unlikely to play out.  

In a sense, then, the last home game takes on an importance beyond that of any other matchday. For Shore, it’s the culmination of a season’s worth of unforgettable memories.

“It’s the old adage, time flies when you’re having fun,” Shore said. “Let’s come out early, let’s celebrate, and then hopefully we give you three points and it gets us that much closer to the playoffs.”

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its final home game on Sept. 22 vs North Texas SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

If there are any Forward Madison players listening to this episode of Behind the Feathers, they might want to get some aloe vera, because goalkeeper Ryan Coulter is going all in on his teammates' fashion choices!

We kick the Episode 4 off with a recap of last week's cross-country Irruption road tour, including an interview from the bus with Peter Wilt and Chicago Red Stars owner/CEO Arnim Whisler; we continue on by talking to Head Coach Daryl Shore, who previews the final home game of the regular season; and we close with Ryan's epic roast of the locker room on Connor Tobin's player segment.

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

If there are any Forward Madison players listening to this episode of Behind the Feathers, they might want to get some aloe vera, because goalkeeper Ryan Coulter is going all in on his teammates’ fashion choices!

We kick the Episode 4 off with a recap of last week’s cross-country Irruption road tour, including an interview from the bus with Peter Wilt and Chicago Red Stars owner/CEO Arnim Whisler; we continue on by talking to Head Coach Daryl Shore, who previews the final home game of the regular season; and we close with Ryan’s epic roast of the locker room on Connor Tobin’s player segment.

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’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its final home game on Sept. 22 vs North Texas SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its final home game on Sept. 22 vs North Texas SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

Move over #HotGirlSummer, it's time for #HotMingoFall! We've got the perfect pack to get your fall kicked off right for the Flamingos' last home match of 2019.

The "Fall Mingo" pack includes your ticket to the match, a Forward Madison-branded flannel shirt, and a Forward Madison-branded campfire mug that we'll fill it with homemade pumpkin spice White Claw.

See you Sunday!

Move over #HotGirlSummer, it’s time for #HotMingoFall! We’ve got the perfect pack to get your fall kicked off right for the Flamingos’ last home match of 2019.

The “Fall Mingo” pack includes your ticket to the match, a Forward Madison-branded flannel shirt, and a Forward Madison-branded campfire mug that we’ll fill it with homemade pumpkin spice White Claw.

See you Sunday!

Forward Madison came out on top in the Battle for Wisconsin on Tuesday night, besting the Milwaukee Torrent 2-1 in a exhibition encounter at Breese Stevens Field. Although the Flamingos fell behind early, Brian Bement bagged a second half brace to seal the comeback.

Thanks to their win, the victorious ‘Mingos lifted the Astonishingly Shiny Cup Of All Cups, a trophy created just the previous day that combines a salad bowl, a tea kettle and a gravy boat. The ASCOAC is named after the ultimate prize from the Backyard Soccer computer game.

“The Astonishingly Shiny Cup Of All Cups, I’ve been winning that since I was in kindergarten,” Bement said. “Whether that was against the Flying Zeppelins or whoever it is, I just figured [against the] Milwaukee Torrent, we’ve got to win it again.”

Although Madison’s team emerged victorious, the Flamingos did face some trouble early on. FMFC found itself facing an energetic challenge from traveling Torrent, which currently competes in the inaugural NPSL Members Cup. 

After applying solid pressure from the start, the visitors grabbed their lead through Santiago D’Imperio, who was given space on the edge of the box before firing past goalkeeper Ryan Coulter’s far post in the 15th minute. 

The Torrent led 1-0 at the break, forcing Head Coach Daryl Shore to change up his gameplan. Team captain Connor Tobin, who had exited Saturday’s game early due to food poisoning, convinced Shore to let him play on.

“It wasn’t pretty in the first half, but we fixed a few things at halftime,” Shore said. “[Tobin] was supposed to play 45 minutes, [but] he cursed at me and told me if I take him out at halftime he’d kill me.”

The Flamingos turned the scoreline around in the second period through a pair of headers from Bement in the 49th and 55th minutes. In both cases, winger Zaire Bartley made solid runs down the right wing and placed inch-perfect crosses to Bement, who created space near the six-yard box before heading home.

“I’ve been trying to fight for minutes and I felt like I’ve been scoring goals in training,” Bement said. “[I was] glad to finally get an opportunity and put my chances away.”

With the Astonishingly Shiny Cup of All Cups in hand, Forward Madison will turn its attention to more pressing matters as it looks ahead to its final home match of the season this Sunday against North Texas SC. The Flamingos currently occupy the fourth and final spot in the USL League One playoff race with three games left to go.

“We’ve got a more important trophy that we’re trying to win,” Shore said. “We’ve got to figure out a way to still get in the playoffs and hopefully we’ll have a chance to win a trophy that means something to more than just the fans, but to the whole organization and the whole city. Hopefully it gave our guys a little bit of a taste of what it’s like to lift a trophy.”

Forward Madison came out on top in the Battle for Wisconsin on Tuesday night, besting the Milwaukee Torrent 2-1 in a exhibition encounter at Breese Stevens Field. Although the Flamingos fell behind early, Brian Bement bagged a second half brace to seal the comeback.

Thanks to their win, the victorious ‘Mingos lifted the Astonishingly Shiny Cup Of All Cups, a trophy created just the previous day that combines a salad bowl, a tea kettle and a gravy boat. The ASCOAC is named after the ultimate prize from the Backyard Soccer computer game.

“The Astonishingly Shiny Cup Of All Cups, I’ve been winning that since I was in kindergarten,” Bement said. “Whether that was against the Flying Zeppelins or whoever it is, I just figured [against the] Milwaukee Torrent, we’ve got to win it again.”

Although Madison’s team emerged victorious, the Flamingos did face some trouble early on. FMFC found itself facing an energetic challenge from traveling Torrent, which currently competes in the inaugural NPSL Members Cup. 

After applying solid pressure from the start, the visitors grabbed their lead through Santiago D’Imperio, who was given space on the edge of the box before firing past goalkeeper Ryan Coulter’s far post in the 15th minute. 

The Torrent led 1-0 at the break, forcing Head Coach Daryl Shore to change up his gameplan. Team captain Connor Tobin, who had exited Saturday’s game early due to food poisoning, convinced Shore to let him play on.

“It wasn’t pretty in the first half, but we fixed a few things at halftime,” Shore said. “[Tobin] was supposed to play 45 minutes, [but] he cursed at me and told me if I take him out at halftime he’d kill me.”

The Flamingos turned the scoreline around in the second period through a pair of headers from Bement in the 49th and 55th minutes. In both cases, winger Zaire Bartley made solid runs down the right wing and placed inch-perfect crosses to Bement, who created space near the six-yard box before heading home.

“I’ve been trying to fight for minutes and I felt like I’ve been scoring goals in training,” Bement said. “[I was] glad to finally get an opportunity and put my chances away.”

With the Astonishingly Shiny Cup of All Cups in hand, Forward Madison will turn its attention to more pressing matters as it looks ahead to its final home match of the season this Sunday against North Texas SC. The Flamingos currently occupy the fourth and final spot in the USL League One playoff race with three games left to go.

“We’ve got a more important trophy that we’re trying to win,” Shore said. “We’ve got to figure out a way to still get in the playoffs and hopefully we’ll have a chance to win a trophy that means something to more than just the fans, but to the whole organization and the whole city. Hopefully it gave our guys a little bit of a taste of what it’s like to lift a trophy.”

Forward Madison FC
Head Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper- Ryan Coulter #1
Defender- Louis Bennett #21 (85’ Taylor Pill #4)
Defender- Shaun Russell #15
Defender- Connor Tobin #13 (captain)
Defender-  Carl Schneider #23
Midfielder – Brandon Eaton #6 (45’ Carter Manley #2) 
Midfielder – Vital Nizigiyimana #19 (71’ Jiro Barriga Toyama #77)
Midfielder –  Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi
Forward- Zaire Bartley #17 (90’ Mike Marchianno #24)
Forward – Brian Bement #14⚽ ⚽
Forward-  Oliver White #20

Substitutes
G- Brian Sylvestre #92
D- Austin Salazar #33
M- Jiro Barriga Toyama #77
D- Carter Manley #2
D- Taylor Pill #4
F- Mike Marchianno #24

Milwaukee Torrent
Head Coach: Carlos Cordoba
Goalkeeper: Kevin Tengo #31
Defender: Sebastien Capozucchi (captain) #2
Defender: Gonne Ben-Tal #22 (45’ Connor Provan #13)
Defender: Steffen Boehm #20
Defender: Stephan Ruggieri #4
Midfielder:Anthony Doellefield #23
Midfielder: Lucca Lemos #24
Midfielder: Guiseppe Berone #95
Forward: Anthony Colaizzi #9
Forward: Santiago D’Imperio #27 ⚽
Forward: Reid Stevenson #7

Substitutes
GK- Gianfranco Berone #1
D- Sebastian Ciaccheri #3
D- Symon Fabrricatore #14
D- Connor Provan #13
D- Sam Novak #18
M- Gerardo Saavedra #12
M- Amilcar Herrera #10
M- Dani Arango #5

Goals
Forward Madison FC
49’- Brian Bement #14 (Zaire Bartley #17)
55’- Brian Bement #14 (Zaire Bartley #17)

Milwaukee Torrent
15’ Santiago D’Imperio #27 

Discipline
None

Referees
Ryan Shanklin 
Brian McKay
Eric Del Rosario
Nicolas Ramos

Venue
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its final home game on Sept. 22 vs North Texas SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

Forward Madison FC
Head Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper- Ryan Coulter #1
Defender- Louis Bennett #21 (85’ Taylor Pill #4)
Defender- Shaun Russell #15
Defender- Connor Tobin #13 (captain)
Defender-  Carl Schneider #23
Midfielder – Brandon Eaton #6 (45’ Carter Manley #2) 
Midfielder – Vital Nizigiyimana #19 (71’ Jiro Barriga Toyama #77)
Midfielder –  Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi
Forward- Zaire Bartley #17 (90’ Mike Marchianno #24)
Forward – Brian Bement #14⚽ ⚽
Forward-  Oliver White #20

Substitutes
G- Brian Sylvestre #92
D- Austin Salazar #33
M- Jiro Barriga Toyama #77
D- Carter Manley #2
D- Taylor Pill #4
F- Mike Marchianno #24

Milwaukee Torrent
Head Coach: Carlos Cordoba
Goalkeeper: Kevin Tengo #31
Defender: Sebastien Capozucchi (captain) #2
Defender: Gonne Ben-Tal #22 (45’ Connor Provan #13)
Defender: Steffen Boehm #20
Defender: Stephan Ruggieri #4
Midfielder:Anthony Doellefield #23
Midfielder: Lucca Lemos #24
Midfielder: Guiseppe Berone #95
Forward: Anthony Colaizzi #9
Forward: Santiago D’Imperio #27 ⚽
Forward: Reid Stevenson #7

Substitutes
GK- Gianfranco Berone #1
D- Sebastian Ciaccheri #3
D- Symon Fabrricatore #14
D- Connor Provan #13
D- Sam Novak #18
M- Gerardo Saavedra #12
M- Amilcar Herrera #10
M- Dani Arango #5

Goals
Forward Madison FC
49’- Brian Bement #14 (Zaire Bartley #17)
55’- Brian Bement #14 (Zaire Bartley #17)

Milwaukee Torrent
15’ Santiago D’Imperio #27 

Discipline
None

Referees
Ryan Shanklin 
Brian McKay
Eric Del Rosario
Nicolas Ramos

Venue
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its final home game on Sept. 22 vs North Texas SC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

IT'S MATCHDAY! If you don't have your ticket yet, get it now! 

Match Preview

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All fans who enter Breese Stevens Field MUST pass through a metal detector. Please arrive early to allow for extra time to make your way through security and to your seat. As a reminder, umbrellas are not allowed inside Breese Stevens Field.

STADIUM STORE OPENS: Noon

BOX OFFICE OPENS: 4:00 PM – if you have tickets available at Will Call, this is when you can come pick them up. 

OFFICIAL PRE-GAME RESTAURANT: Stop by the Avenue Club, the official pre-match restaurant of Forward Madison FC, before you make your way down to Breese Stevens Field tonight!

GATES OPEN: 6:00 p.m. 

ARRIVAL AT THE STADIUM: For those of you driving to the game, please see the parking map for lots in the area. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to safely arrive at Breese Stevens Field and get to your seat. 

BUD LIGHT SHUTTLE BUS: The Bud Light Shuttle Bus only runs for USL League One games, so it will not run today.

POSTERS: Matchday posters are only available during USL League One games, so you'll have to wait until Sunday for the last one.

BAG POLICY: 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 Breese Stevens Field. 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.
-1-gallon plastic freezer bags
-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

CONCESSIONS: Our main concessions and beer stands are located on the west end of the stadium. Our menu, including items created by three of Madison's celebrity chefs – Tory Miller, Patrick DePula & Daniel Bonanno – will be available for you to taste! 

OFFICIAL POST-GAME PARTY: Our players are heading to the Essen Haus after every home game this season, and they want you to join them! Come by our official post-game restaurant and have a meal with the team; we'll raise some steins to celebrate a win!

For a full A to Z guide on our stadium policies, please click here! 

If you have any issues or concerns about the game, please don't hesitate to reach out to our front office team at: 608-204-0855 or info@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc

IT’S MATCHDAY! If you don’t have your ticket yet, get it now! 

Match Preview

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All fans who enter Breese Stevens Field MUST pass through a metal detector. Please arrive early to allow for extra time to make your way through security and to your seat. As a reminder, umbrellas are not allowed inside Breese Stevens Field.

STADIUM STORE OPENS: Noon

BOX OFFICE OPENS: 4:00 PM – if you have tickets available at Will Call, this is when you can come pick them up. 

OFFICIAL PRE-GAME RESTAURANT: Stop by the Avenue Club, the official pre-match restaurant of Forward Madison FC, before you make your way down to Breese Stevens Field tonight!

GATES OPEN: 6:00 p.m. 

ARRIVAL AT THE STADIUM: For those of you driving to the game, please see the parking map for lots in the area. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to safely arrive at Breese Stevens Field and get to your seat. 

BUD LIGHT SHUTTLE BUS: The Bud Light Shuttle Bus only runs for USL League One games, so it will not run today.

POSTERS: Matchday posters are only available during USL League One games, so you’ll have to wait until Sunday for the last one.

BAG POLICY: 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 Breese Stevens Field. 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.
-1-gallon plastic freezer bags
-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

CONCESSIONS: Our main concessions and beer stands are located on the west end of the stadium. Our menu, including items created by three of Madison’s celebrity chefs – Tory Miller, Patrick DePula & Daniel Bonanno – will be available for you to taste! 

OFFICIAL POST-GAME PARTY: Our players are heading to the Essen Haus after every home game this season, and they want you to join them! Come by our official post-game restaurant and have a meal with the team; we’ll raise some steins to celebrate a win!

For a full A to Z guide on our stadium policies, please click here! 

If you have any issues or concerns about the game, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our front office team at: 608-204-0855 or info@https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc

Special Exhibition Game
Forward Madison FC vs Milwaukee Torrent
Tuesday, September 17, 2019; 7:00 p.m. CT
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Where to Watch
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates
There’s no stream, so you’ve got to be there. Get your tickets now!

Forward Madison FC is looking to claim state soccer bragging rights as it hosts the “Battle for Wisconsin” exhibition against the Milwaukee Torrent on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The match pits in-state opponents from Wisconsin’s two biggest cities, giving each the chance to claim state-wide soccer supremacy. 

During its inaugural USL League One season, Forward Madison has already integrated itself into Wisconsin’s strong soccer community, playing various games against the Milwaukee Bavarians, Green Bay Voyageurs and UW-Madison. The Flamingos have hosted exhibitions so far against national and world-renowned clubs such as Hertha Berlin, Minnesota United and Leones Negros, but Tuesday’s exhibition is tailored specially for Wisconsin.

With just three games to go in League One and playoffs on the line, Head Coach Daryl Shore will likely use the game to make sure all his players are match fit for the home stretch. For players like midfielder Brandon Eaton, who recently returned from a long injury layoff last Saturday in Richmond, the Torrent game could be a chance to get back into the groove at a crucial point in the season.

The Milwaukee Torrent, founded in 2015, has competed in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), a national amateur and semi-professional league, during past seasons. The Torrent recently upgraded its roster in anticipation of its entry into the NPSL “Members Cup” competition – which kicked off in August – and hired former MLS head coach Carlos “Cacho” Córdoba to lead the team. 

The Torrent currently sit fourth in the six-team Members Cup with a record of 1-1-2.

Forward Madison, in recognition of a larger proliferation of friendly tournaments around the world, has dubbed the contest the “Astonishingly Shiny Cup Of All Cups.” Rumor has it that FMFC staff were recently spotted at a thrift store on Williamson St. picking up used silverware to create the trophy.

Following its exhibition against the Torrent, Forward Madison will return home Sunday for its last home game of the year as it takes on League One regular season winners North Texas SC. The Flamingos have only a three-point cushion in the playoff race, and will look to score a vital win.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on Sept. 17 vs Milwaukee Torrent. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

Special Exhibition Game
Forward Madison FC vs Milwaukee Torrent
Tuesday, September 17, 2019; 7:00 p.m. CT
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Where to Watch
Follow @ForwardMSNFC on Twitter for live updates
There’s no stream, so you’ve got to be there. Get your tickets now!

Forward Madison FC is looking to claim state soccer bragging rights as it hosts the “Battle for Wisconsin” exhibition against the Milwaukee Torrent on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The match pits in-state opponents from Wisconsin’s two biggest cities, giving each the chance to claim state-wide soccer supremacy. 

During its inaugural USL League One season, Forward Madison has already integrated itself into Wisconsin’s strong soccer community, playing various games against the Milwaukee Bavarians, Green Bay Voyageurs and UW-Madison. The Flamingos have hosted exhibitions so far against national and world-renowned clubs such as Hertha Berlin, Minnesota United and Leones Negros, but Tuesday’s exhibition is tailored specially for Wisconsin.

With just three games to go in League One and playoffs on the line, Head Coach Daryl Shore will likely use the game to make sure all his players are match fit for the home stretch. For players like midfielder Brandon Eaton, who recently returned from a long injury layoff last Saturday in Richmond, the Torrent game could be a chance to get back into the groove at a crucial point in the season.

The Milwaukee Torrent, founded in 2015, has competed in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), a national amateur and semi-professional league, during past seasons. The Torrent recently upgraded its roster in anticipation of its entry into the NPSL “Members Cup” competition – which kicked off in August – and hired former MLS head coach Carlos “Cacho” Córdoba to lead the team. 

The Torrent currently sit fourth in the six-team Members Cup with a record of 1-1-2.

Forward Madison, in recognition of a larger proliferation of friendly tournaments around the world, has dubbed the contest the “Astonishingly Shiny Cup Of All Cups.” Rumor has it that FMFC staff were recently spotted at a thrift store on Williamson St. picking up used silverware to create the trophy.

Following its exhibition against the Torrent, Forward Madison will return home Sunday for its last home game of the year as it takes on League One regular season winners North Texas SC. The Flamingos have only a three-point cushion in the playoff race, and will look to score a vital win.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on Sept. 17 vs Milwaukee Torrent. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

Forward Madison FC walked away with a crucial victory in front of a huge section of traveling supporters Saturday night. The Flamingos beat the Richmond Kickers 1-0 on the road, cheered on by well over 50 Forward fans, who were there as part of the team’s “Irruption” Tour.

FMFC’s fans, some of whom had traveled across the country on a mini-bus carrying a keg of Spotted Cow, stayed in full throat throughout the game to will the ‘Mingos to a fourth clean sheet in six matches.

Striker Danny Tenorio scored the game’s only goal in the 6th minute when he split Richmond’s defenders to find space in the middle of the 18-yard box. After creating room, the Ecuadorian received a clean pass from midfielder Josiel Núñez and had enough time to pick his spot past goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald.

The Flamingos put two more chances near the net at the end of the first half, with Paulo Júnior’s 40th minute shot stopped by  Fitzgerald and Tenorio’s 41st minute shot sailing over the crossbar.

Forward tightened up during the second half, focusing on defense as the team tried to hang onto its lead. The Kickers’ Joe Gallardo forced a save from FMFC’s Brian Sylvestre with a 50th minute shot, but ninth-place Richmond struggled to create in the closing stages.

The Flamingos brought on their two ex-Kickers late in the game, giving substitute appearances to defender Shaun Russell and midfielder Brandon Eaton. For Eaton, the moment was extra special, as Saturday’s game marked his first match since coming off with a knee injury on June 1 in Lansing.

With other results going Forward’s way around the league Saturday, Madison’s team now sits in the fourth and final USL League One playoff spot with a three-point cushion. There are only three matches left for the Flamingos in the League One regular season.

Forward Madison will return home on Tuesday for a special exhibition game against the Milwaukee Torrent at 7 p.m. at Breese Stevens Field.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on Sept. 17 vs Milwaukee Torrent. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

Forward Madison FC walked away with a crucial victory in front of a huge section of traveling supporters Saturday night. The Flamingos beat the Richmond Kickers 1-0 on the road, cheered on by well over 50 Forward fans, who were there as part of the team’s “Irruption” Tour.

FMFC’s fans, some of whom had traveled across the country on a mini-bus carrying a keg of Spotted Cow, stayed in full throat throughout the game to will the ‘Mingos to a fourth clean sheet in six matches.

Striker Danny Tenorio scored the game’s only goal in the 6th minute when he split Richmond’s defenders to find space in the middle of the 18-yard box. After creating room, the Ecuadorian received a clean pass from midfielder Josiel Núñez and had enough time to pick his spot past goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald.

The Flamingos put two more chances near the net at the end of the first half, with Paulo Júnior’s 40th minute shot stopped by  Fitzgerald and Tenorio’s 41st minute shot sailing over the crossbar.

Forward tightened up during the second half, focusing on defense as the team tried to hang onto its lead. The Kickers’ Joe Gallardo forced a save from FMFC’s Brian Sylvestre with a 50th minute shot, but ninth-place Richmond struggled to create in the closing stages.

The Flamingos brought on their two ex-Kickers late in the game, giving substitute appearances to defender Shaun Russell and midfielder Brandon Eaton. For Eaton, the moment was extra special, as Saturday’s game marked his first match since coming off with a knee injury on June 1 in Lansing.

With other results going Forward’s way around the league Saturday, Madison’s team now sits in the fourth and final USL League One playoff spot with a three-point cushion. There are only three matches left for the Flamingos in the League One regular season.

Forward Madison will return home on Tuesday for a special exhibition game against the Milwaukee Torrent at 7 p.m. at Breese Stevens Field.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on Sept. 17 vs Milwaukee Torrent. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.