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Forward Madison FC launched shot after shot – 17 in total – at the Lansing Ignite goal on Saturday night, but nothing seemed to go in. The Flamingos fell 1-0 to Lansing, despite the support of a boisterous crowd of 4,271 at Breese Stevens Field.

The result means FMFC are now rooted to the bottom of the USL League One standings, although with one game in hand and at only five points out of playoff position, it’s certainly not over for the Flamingos yet. According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, his team just didn’t take its chances well enough.

“Sometimes the soccer gods aren’t with you,” Shore said. “[The team keeps] creating chances, creating chances and just can’t score, so we’ve got to just keep plugging away.”

FMFC came into the game on short rest, having played most of its starters in a third-round U.S. Open Cup game Wednesday in Saint Louis. Tanzanian midfielder Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi, on loan from Minnesota United, was one of the players who filled in, making his first-ever USL League One start.

Forward Madison dominated possession throughout the first half, with Lansing struggling to stay in front of wingers Don Smart and Paulo Júnior. Even Madison native Carl Schneider, starting at left back rather than his usual right side, took advantage of an overlapping J.C. Banks to get forward and cause problems.

Goalkeeper Ryan Coulter, who returned to the FMFC lineup after several games off, turned in another solid performance, making five saves. His point-blank denial of Lansing’s Nick Moon in the 24th minute helped put the ‘Mingos on solid footing early on.

As the first half continued, scattered rain showers started to fall, forcing both teams to adapt to new playing conditions. Smart came perhaps the closest of anyone to scoring when he ran onto a through ball from midfielder Josiel Núñez in the 36th minute, but wasn’t able to touch it past the goalkeeper.

In the second half, Lansing grew into the match quickly. The Ignite took advantage of several Forward mistakes on the ball, and it was Moon who found himself on the end of the game-changing moment. The Waukesha native took hold of the ball on his own in the 47th minute, then slotted the game’s only goal past Coulter’s near post.

According to Shore, Lansing’s ability to finish made all the difference.

“Soccer’s a funny sport,” Shore said. “You dominate the game, you give up a chance right out of halftime [after] you talked about being good at the start of the second half and we just give up a goal. And you know, right now we can’t buy a goal.”

The Flamingos squandered most of their chances as the second half dragged on, coming close but never quite getting the goal they needed to tie the game. Paulo Júnior had a shot deflected wide by a defender in the 60th minute, then saved by the goalkeeper in the 63rd; Brandon Eaton’s long-range curler came back off the far post in the 85th minute; Jiro Barriga Toyama skied an effort over the crossbar just moments later.

If the result had been a disappointment, it got even worse after referee Brad Jensen blew the final whistle. Jensen issued Josiel Núñez a red card following the game’s conclusion. A red card carries a one-game minimum suspension in USL League One.

Forward Madison is on the road next week, taking on USL League Two team Green Bay Voyageurs in an exhibition match on Wednesday before returning to USL League One play on Friday at Orlando City B. The Flamingos earned their first-ever win against Orlando in April, overturning a first half deficit to win 2-1.

“The cards are stacked against us a little bit, but we’re still in this,” Shore said. “It’s not like we’re 15 points out of the playoffs or anything like that, so we’ve just got to get back into the rhythm and we’ve got to try and find a way to score some goals and then start winning some games.”

Forward Madison FC launched shot after shot – 17 in total – at the Lansing Ignite goal on Saturday night, but nothing seemed to go in. The Flamingos fell 1-0 to Lansing, despite the support of a boisterous crowd of 4,271 at Breese Stevens Field.

The result means FMFC are now rooted to the bottom of the USL League One standings, although with one game in hand and at only five points out of playoff position, it’s certainly not over for the Flamingos yet. According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, his team just didn’t take its chances well enough.

“Sometimes the soccer gods aren’t with you,” Shore said. “[The team keeps] creating chances, creating chances and just can’t score, so we’ve got to just keep plugging away.”

FMFC came into the game on short rest, having played most of its starters in a third-round U.S. Open Cup game Wednesday in Saint Louis. Tanzanian midfielder Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi, on loan from Minnesota United, was one of the players who filled in, making his first-ever USL League One start.

Forward Madison dominated possession throughout the first half, with Lansing struggling to stay in front of wingers Don Smart and Paulo Júnior. Even Madison native Carl Schneider, starting at left back rather than his usual right side, took advantage of an overlapping J.C. Banks to get forward and cause problems.

Goalkeeper Ryan Coulter, who returned to the FMFC lineup after several games off, turned in another solid performance, making five saves. His point-blank denial of Lansing’s Nick Moon in the 24th minute helped put the ‘Mingos on solid footing early on.

As the first half continued, scattered rain showers started to fall, forcing both teams to adapt to new playing conditions. Smart came perhaps the closest of anyone to scoring when he ran onto a through ball from midfielder Josiel Núñez in the 36th minute, but wasn’t able to touch it past the goalkeeper.

In the second half, Lansing grew into the match quickly. The Ignite took advantage of several Forward mistakes on the ball, and it was Moon who found himself on the end of the game-changing moment. The Waukesha native took hold of the ball on his own in the 47th minute, then slotted the game’s only goal past Coulter’s near post.

According to Shore, Lansing’s ability to finish made all the difference.

“Soccer’s a funny sport,” Shore said. “You dominate the game, you give up a chance right out of halftime [after] you talked about being good at the start of the second half and we just give up a goal. And you know, right now we can’t buy a goal.”

The Flamingos squandered most of their chances as the second half dragged on, coming close but never quite getting the goal they needed to tie the game. Paulo Júnior had a shot deflected wide by a defender in the 60th minute, then saved by the goalkeeper in the 63rd; Brandon Eaton’s long-range curler came back off the far post in the 85th minute; Jiro Barriga Toyama skied an effort over the crossbar just moments later.

If the result had been a disappointment, it got even worse after referee Brad Jensen blew the final whistle. Jensen issued Josiel Núñez a red card following the game’s conclusion. A red card carries a one-game minimum suspension in USL League One.

Forward Madison is on the road next week, taking on USL League Two team Green Bay Voyageurs in an exhibition match on Wednesday before returning to USL League One play on Friday at Orlando City B. The Flamingos earned their first-ever win against Orlando in April, overturning a first half deficit to win 2-1.

“The cards are stacked against us a little bit, but we’re still in this,” Shore said. “It’s not like we’re 15 points out of the playoffs or anything like that, so we’ve just got to get back into the rhythm and we’ve got to try and find a way to score some goals and then start winning some games.”

Forward Madison FC
Head Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper – Ryan Coulter  #1
Defender- Carl Schneider #23  (75’ Jiro Barriga Toyama #77)
Defender – Connor Tobin (captain) #13
Defender- Eric Leonard #3
Defender – Christian “Pato” Diaz #27
Midfielder – Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi #12 (75’ Brandon Eaton #6)
Midfielder – Josiel Núñez  #70 RC
Midfielder – Jeff Michaud  #8
Forward – J.C. Banks #29 YC
Forward- Don Smart #7
Forward – Paulo Jr.  #11

Substitutes
GK- Brian Sylvestre #92
D- Shaun Russell #15
M- Brandon Eaton #6
M- Vital Niziyigimana #19
M- Jiro Barriga Toyama #77
M- Don Smart #7
F- Brian Bement #14

Lansing Ignite FC
Head Coach: Nate Miller
Goalkeeper – Stefan Cleveland #30
Defender-  Grant Lillard #15
Defender – Brandon Fricke (Captain) #5
Defender- Grant Stoneman #4
Midfielder – Rhys Williams #2
Midfielder- Marshall Hollingsworth #25 (83’ Elva N’For #24)
Midfielder – Ivo Cerda #21
Midfielder – Xavier Gomez #10
Midfielder- Nick Moon #14 ⚽
Midfielder- Rafa Mentzingen #7 (90+4’ Steeve Saint-Duc #11)
Forward – Ricky Lopez-Espin #9 (89’ Pato Botello-Faz #19)

Substitutes
GK- Michael Kirk #1
M- Kyle Carr #8
M- Christian Silva #12
M- Lewis Jones #16
F- Elma N’for #24
F- Pato Botello-Faz #19
F- Steeve Saint-Duc #11

Goals

Lansing Ignite FC
47’ – Nick Moon #14

Discipline

Forward Madison FC
38’ – #29 J.C. Banks, Yellow Card
#70 Josiel Nunez, Red Card after the final whistle

Lansing Ignite FC
51’- Grant Stoneman #4
81’- Ivo Cerda #21

Referees
Brad Jensen
Eric Del Rosario
Ryan Birdsall
Kyle Hannon

Venue
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Attendance
4,271

 

Forward Madison FC
Head Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper – Ryan Coulter  #1
Defender- Carl Schneider #23  (75’ Jiro Barriga Toyama #77)
Defender – Connor Tobin (captain) #13
Defender- Eric Leonard #3
Defender – Christian “Pato” Diaz #27
Midfielder – Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi #12 (75’ Brandon Eaton #6)
Midfielder – Josiel Núñez  #70 RC
Midfielder – Jeff Michaud  #8
Forward – J.C. Banks #29 YC
Forward- Don Smart #7
Forward – Paulo Jr.  #11

Substitutes
GK- Brian Sylvestre #92
D- Shaun Russell #15
M- Brandon Eaton #6
M- Vital Niziyigimana #19
M- Jiro Barriga Toyama #77
M- Don Smart #7
F- Brian Bement #14

Lansing Ignite FC
Head Coach: Nate Miller
Goalkeeper – Stefan Cleveland #30
Defender-  Grant Lillard #15
Defender – Brandon Fricke (Captain) #5
Defender- Grant Stoneman #4
Midfielder – Rhys Williams #2
Midfielder- Marshall Hollingsworth #25 (83’ Elva N’For #24)
Midfielder – Ivo Cerda #21
Midfielder – Xavier Gomez #10
Midfielder- Nick Moon #14 ⚽
Midfielder- Rafa Mentzingen #7 (90+4’ Steeve Saint-Duc #11)
Forward – Ricky Lopez-Espin #9 (89’ Pato Botello-Faz #19)

Substitutes
GK- Michael Kirk #1
M- Kyle Carr #8
M- Christian Silva #12
M- Lewis Jones #16
F- Elma N’for #24
F- Pato Botello-Faz #19
F- Steeve Saint-Duc #11

Goals

Lansing Ignite FC
47’ – Nick Moon #14

Discipline

Forward Madison FC
38’ – #29 J.C. Banks, Yellow Card
#70 Josiel Nunez, Red Card after the final whistle

Lansing Ignite FC
51’- Grant Stoneman #4
81’- Ivo Cerda #21

Referees
Brad Jensen
Eric Del Rosario
Ryan Birdsall
Kyle Hannon

Venue
Breese Stevens Field – Madison, WI

Attendance
4,271

 

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

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. REMINDER: umbrellas are not allowed at Breese Stevens Field, please leave them in your car or at home. We play rain or shine! We will be monitoring the weather closely, and if there are any changes to the match we will post on our website and our social media platforms. 

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 and party with The Flock before the game with food and drink!

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. 

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! 

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. REMINDER: umbrellas are not allowed at Breese Stevens Field, please leave them in your car or at home. We play rain or shine! We will be monitoring the weather closely, and if there are any changes to the match we will post on our website and our social media platforms. 

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 and party with The Flock before the game with food and drink!

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. 

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

USL League One – Game 9
Forward Madison FC vs Lansing Ignite FC
Saturday, June 1, 2019; 7:00 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 is under pressure to get back to winning ways as it takes on Lansing Ignite FC on Saturday, June 1 at 7 p.m. at Breese Stevens Field. The Flamingos have dropped two straight games in USL League One, but remain just three points out of playoff position.

Speaking on Let Me Be Forward this week, Head Coach Daryl Shore said he isn’t satisfied with FMFC’s early results in league play.

“We know it’s not a must-win game, but it’s a ‘we need to win’ game,” Shore said. “We’re going to be dissatisfied if we don’t come out of the Lansing game with three points.”

Not only is Saturday’s game significant in the league table, but it’s also important for the fans, as Lansing represents FMFC’s closest geographical opponent. Supporters from both The Flock (Madison) and the Assembly Line (Lansing) will be hoping to rub in bragging rights over the other by the time the final whistle blows.

Forward Madison comes into the game with significantly less rest, having just played a U.S. Open Cup match in Saint Louis on Wednesday night. The Flamingos fell 3-1 to USL Championship side Saint Louis FC despite starting a strong lineup, so Shore will now have to balance his personnel preferences with the need for rotation. Still, with Madison leading League One in attendance by nearly 1,000 fans per game, whichever players Shore chooses should get an extra boost from the typically raucous Breese crowd.

“We feel like games at home, we need three points in all of them,” Shore said. “Sometimes maybe we’ll settle for a point, but those really aren’t going to be good enough.”

Lansing, meanwhile, sits in eighth place in USL League One, two points above Forward Madison with one more game played. The Ignite are stuck in a rut of their own, having failed to win any of their previous six league matches. Lansing recently got some outside help, however, from Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire, which added the Ignite as an affiliate team last week. The deal opens up the possibility for Lansing to receive loan players from Chicago for the game on Saturday and beyond.

Saturday’s game carries importance off the field as well, with Forward Madison set to host its first-ever Pride Night to support and celebrate Madison’s LGBTQ+ community. FMFC is offering a special Pride ticket package for the match, which includes an FMFC Pride t-shirt along with a grandstand ticket to the game. Connor Tobin, the Flamingos’ captain, is participating for a third consecutive year in “Playing for Pride,” the annual fundraiser founded by North Carolina FC midfielder Austin da Luz. Tobin will also wear a special Pride armband during the game.

Following its game against Lansing, the Flamingos will head north for an exhibition match against new USL League 2 club Green Bay Voyageurs FC on June 5 before continuing its USL League One schedule away to Orlando City B on June 7. For now, though, all the focus within the squad is on beating Lansing this Saturday.

“Whenever you’re sitting in ninth place in a ten-team table, you’re not satisfied,” Shore said. “We do know that this is a big game.”

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 1 vs Lansing Ignite FC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

USL League One – Game 9
Forward Madison FC vs Lansing Ignite FC
Saturday, June 1, 2019; 7:00 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 is under pressure to get back to winning ways as it takes on Lansing Ignite FC on Saturday, June 1 at 7 p.m. at Breese Stevens Field. The Flamingos have dropped two straight games in USL League One, but remain just three points out of playoff position.

Speaking on Let Me Be Forward this week, Head Coach Daryl Shore said he isn’t satisfied with FMFC’s early results in league play.

“We know it’s not a must-win game, but it’s a ‘we need to win’ game,” Shore said. “We’re going to be dissatisfied if we don’t come out of the Lansing game with three points.”

Not only is Saturday’s game significant in the league table, but it’s also important for the fans, as Lansing represents FMFC’s closest geographical opponent. Supporters from both The Flock (Madison) and the Assembly Line (Lansing) will be hoping to rub in bragging rights over the other by the time the final whistle blows.

Forward Madison comes into the game with significantly less rest, having just played a U.S. Open Cup match in Saint Louis on Wednesday night. The Flamingos fell 3-1 to USL Championship side Saint Louis FC despite starting a strong lineup, so Shore will now have to balance his personnel preferences with the need for rotation. Still, with Madison leading League One in attendance by nearly 1,000 fans per game, whichever players Shore chooses should get an extra boost from the typically raucous Breese crowd.

“We feel like games at home, we need three points in all of them,” Shore said. “Sometimes maybe we’ll settle for a point, but those really aren’t going to be good enough.”

Lansing, meanwhile, sits in eighth place in USL League One, two points above Forward Madison with one more game played. The Ignite are stuck in a rut of their own, having failed to win any of their previous six league matches. Lansing recently got some outside help, however, from Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire, which added the Ignite as an affiliate team last week. The deal opens up the possibility for Lansing to receive loan players from Chicago for the game on Saturday and beyond.

Saturday’s game carries importance off the field as well, with Forward Madison set to host its first-ever Pride Night to support and celebrate Madison’s LGBTQ+ community. FMFC is offering a special Pride ticket package for the match, which includes an FMFC Pride t-shirt along with a grandstand ticket to the game. Connor Tobin, the Flamingos’ captain, is participating for a third consecutive year in “Playing for Pride,” the annual fundraiser founded by North Carolina FC midfielder Austin da Luz. Tobin will also wear a special Pride armband during the game.

Following its game against Lansing, the Flamingos will head north for an exhibition match against new USL League 2 club Green Bay Voyageurs FC on June 5 before continuing its USL League One schedule away to Orlando City B on June 7. For now, though, all the focus within the squad is on beating Lansing this Saturday.

“Whenever you’re sitting in ninth place in a ten-team table, you’re not satisfied,” Shore said. “We do know that this is a big game.”

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 1 vs Lansing Ignite FC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural U.S. Open Cup campaign came to an end Wednesday night, as the Flamingos fell 3-1 to Saint Louis FC on the road. FMFC advanced further than any other USL League One team in the tournament, which earned them a $25,000 prize.

Despite the match being played several hundred miles away on a weeknight, a handful of Forward fans made the trip, singing and chanting throughout the game. According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, his team used their energy to fight back after a poor start.

“Our guys didn’t give up,” Shore said. “They kept fighting, and that’s indicative of what our fans are about. They keep us going.”

The Flamingos fell behind quickly, conceding two goals in the opening 10 minutes to Saint Louis. Paris Gee capitalized on a misplayed clearance in the 2nd minute, while Guy Abend collected on a ball deflected into the middle of the box.

“[I’m] disappointed that we started the game the way we did,” Shore said. “It’s important to have a good start, and it’s a competition where you know if you lose you’re done.”

After its shaky start, FMFC found solid footing. The Flamingos nearly forced an own goal that rebounded off the post in the 24th minute, and Don Smart had a close-range opportunity that went just wide in the 36th minute.

Smart made good on another chance just two minutes later, pulling FMFC into the game before halftime. Midfielder Jeff Michaud played a long ball from his own half through the defensive line, and Smart ran onto it to get a one-on-one chance against Saint Louis goalkeeper Tomas Gomez. Smart still had work to do to beat Gomez at his near post, but rifled his shot perfectly into the top corner.

In the second half, the ‘Mingos could never quite make the comeback happen. Josiel Núñez had one of the best opportunities with a free kick around 25 yards out from goal. His shot, though smashed straight into the Saint Louis wall.

With FMFC still searching for an equalizer, Saint Louis’ Russell Cicerone all but sealed the result with a headed goal off a corner kick in the 72nd minute.

Forward Madison will return home on Saturday, hosting Lansing Ignite FC in USL League One play at Breese Stevens Field. The Flamingos are just two points behind their Midwestern foes, and could move within touching distance of a playoff place with a win.

“[We] had some good moments, but then we give up the third goal and it’s hard to come back from a two-goal deficit when there’s only 20 minutes left,” Shore said. “Now we’ve got to get home and concentrate on the league. We’ve got to start climbing the table.”

Saint Louis FC
Tomas Gomez; Matt Bahner (yellow 56’), Sam Fink, Phaunuel Kavita, Paris Gee; Lewis Hilton, Oscar Umar (yellow 51’), Guy Abend [Nichi Vlastos 80’]; Russell Cicerone, Kyle Greig [Austin Martz 61’], Kadeem Dacres [Kippy Keller 88’]

Unused Substitutes
Jake Fenlason, Patrick Schulte, Jansen Miller, Lawson Redmon

Forward Madison FC
Brian Sylvestre; Shaun Russell [Brian Bement 67’], Eric Leonard, Connor Tobin, Christian “Pato” Díaz; J.C. Banks, Jeff Michaud (yellow 82’), Josiel Núñez; Jiro Barriga Toyama [Brandon Eaton 88’], Don Smart (goal 38’), Paulo Júnior

Unused Substitutes
Ryan Coulter, Carl Schneider, Vital Nizigiyimana, Ally Hamis Ng’anzi, Zaire Bartley

Venue
Toyota Stadium – Fenton, MO

Attendance
1,206

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural U.S. Open Cup campaign came to an end Wednesday night, as the Flamingos fell 3-1 to Saint Louis FC on the road. FMFC advanced further than any other USL League One team in the tournament, which earned them a $25,000 prize.

Despite the match being played several hundred miles away on a weeknight, a handful of Forward fans made the trip, singing and chanting throughout the game. According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, his team used their energy to fight back after a poor start.

“Our guys didn’t give up,” Shore said. “They kept fighting, and that’s indicative of what our fans are about. They keep us going.”

The Flamingos fell behind quickly, conceding two goals in the opening 10 minutes to Saint Louis. Paris Gee capitalized on a misplayed clearance in the 2nd minute, while Guy Abend collected on a ball deflected into the middle of the box.

“[I’m] disappointed that we started the game the way we did,” Shore said. “It’s important to have a good start, and it’s a competition where you know if you lose you’re done.”

After its shaky start, FMFC found solid footing. The Flamingos nearly forced an own goal that rebounded off the post in the 24th minute, and Don Smart had a close-range opportunity that went just wide in the 36th minute.

Smart made good on another chance just two minutes later, pulling FMFC into the game before halftime. Midfielder Jeff Michaud played a long ball from his own half through the defensive line, and Smart ran onto it to get a one-on-one chance against Saint Louis goalkeeper Tomas Gomez. Smart still had work to do to beat Gomez at his near post, but rifled his shot perfectly into the top corner.

In the second half, the ‘Mingos could never quite make the comeback happen. Josiel Núñez had one of the best opportunities with a free kick around 25 yards out from goal. His shot, though smashed straight into the Saint Louis wall.

With FMFC still searching for an equalizer, Saint Louis’ Russell Cicerone all but sealed the result with a headed goal off a corner kick in the 72nd minute.

Forward Madison will return home on Saturday, hosting Lansing Ignite FC in USL League One play at Breese Stevens Field. The Flamingos are just two points behind their Midwestern foes, and could move within touching distance of a playoff place with a win.

“[We] had some good moments, but then we give up the third goal and it’s hard to come back from a two-goal deficit when there’s only 20 minutes left,” Shore said. “Now we’ve got to get home and concentrate on the league. We’ve got to start climbing the table.”

Saint Louis FC
Tomas Gomez; Matt Bahner (yellow 56’), Sam Fink, Phaunuel Kavita, Paris Gee; Lewis Hilton, Oscar Umar (yellow 51’), Guy Abend [Nichi Vlastos 80’]; Russell Cicerone, Kyle Greig [Austin Martz 61’], Kadeem Dacres [Kippy Keller 88’]

Unused Substitutes
Jake Fenlason, Patrick Schulte, Jansen Miller, Lawson Redmon

Forward Madison FC
Brian Sylvestre; Shaun Russell [Brian Bement 67’], Eric Leonard, Connor Tobin, Christian “Pato” Díaz; J.C. Banks, Jeff Michaud (yellow 82’), Josiel Núñez; Jiro Barriga Toyama [Brandon Eaton 88’], Don Smart (goal 38’), Paulo Júnior

Unused Substitutes
Ryan Coulter, Carl Schneider, Vital Nizigiyimana, Ally Hamis Ng’anzi, Zaire Bartley

Venue
Toyota Stadium – Fenton, MO

Attendance
1,206

U.S. Open Cup – Round 3
Forward Madison FC at Saint Louis FC
Wednesday, May 29, 2019; 7:00 p.m. CT
Toyota Stadium – Fenton, MO

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

Forward Madison FC will play what is possibly the most important game in the club’s young history on Wednesday night, as it takes the field at Toyota Stadium in Fenton, Mo. for its third-round U.S. Open Cup game against Saint Louis FC. If FMFC can earn a victory, it will advance to play a Major League Soccer team in the fourth round.

As the last surviving USL League One team in the Open Cup, Forward Madison has had to do it all on the road so far. The Flamingos beat Milwaukee Bavarian SC 2-0 in the first round, then battered El Paso Locomotive FC 3-0 in Texas, earning 25,000 dollars in prize money in the process. Round Three is the last stage of the tournament before MLS teams enter, and only nine lower-division clubs across the country will emerge from it.

If Forward Madison wins, it will find out its MLS opponent – as well as whether it will host that team at Breese Stevens Field – in a draw the next day. FMFC would play on June 11 or 12 against a regional opponent.

The Flamingos are arriving extra early in St. Louis, getting there on Monday to order to get in a few extra training sessions and familiarize themselves with the playing surface at Toyota Field. According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, his team understands the magnitude of the occasion.

“We know it’s one and done,” Shore said. “We believed that we [could] go to El Paso and get a result, but we knew it was going to be hard. We believe that we can go to St. Louis and get a result, but we know it’s going to be hard. There’s no pressure on us. Nobody expects us to win, except for maybe our club.”

FMFC is in the middle of congested schedule, and rotated players for its previous game last Friday, an exhibition match against German Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin.

Saint Louis FC beat the Des Moines Menace on penalty kicks to advance to this round of the Open Cup. Saint Louis currently sits in fifth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference, and has only lost one game all year, making the team a formidable opponent. In fact, FMFC has already seen Saint Louis in action this year, having suffered a 1-0 defeat at Toyota Stadium during preseason.

According to forward and St. Louis native Brian Bement, the Flamingos are a better team now.

“The last time we played them we were not even a week into preseason, and we battled hard,” Bement said. “Obviously we’ve been training a lot more, kind of clicking a little bit and we can use this energy [from the Hertha Berlin exhibition] and just kind of ride the wave into Wednesday.”

Following its U.S. Open Cup game in Saint Louis, FMFC will return home Saturday for a USL League One game against its closest geographic opponent, Lansing Ignite FC.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 1 vs Lansing Ignite FC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

U.S. Open Cup – Round 3
Forward Madison FC at Saint Louis FC
Wednesday, May 29, 2019; 7:00 p.m. CT
Toyota Stadium – Fenton, MO

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

Forward Madison FC will play what is possibly the most important game in the club’s young history on Wednesday night, as it takes the field at Toyota Stadium in Fenton, Mo. for its third-round U.S. Open Cup game against Saint Louis FC. If FMFC can earn a victory, it will advance to play a Major League Soccer team in the fourth round.

As the last surviving USL League One team in the Open Cup, Forward Madison has had to do it all on the road so far. The Flamingos beat Milwaukee Bavarian SC 2-0 in the first round, then battered El Paso Locomotive FC 3-0 in Texas, earning 25,000 dollars in prize money in the process. Round Three is the last stage of the tournament before MLS teams enter, and only nine lower-division clubs across the country will emerge from it.

If Forward Madison wins, it will find out its MLS opponent – as well as whether it will host that team at Breese Stevens Field – in a draw the next day. FMFC would play on June 11 or 12 against a regional opponent.

The Flamingos are arriving extra early in St. Louis, getting there on Monday to order to get in a few extra training sessions and familiarize themselves with the playing surface at Toyota Field. According to Head Coach Daryl Shore, his team understands the magnitude of the occasion.

“We know it’s one and done,” Shore said. “We believed that we [could] go to El Paso and get a result, but we knew it was going to be hard. We believe that we can go to St. Louis and get a result, but we know it’s going to be hard. There’s no pressure on us. Nobody expects us to win, except for maybe our club.”

FMFC is in the middle of congested schedule, and rotated players for its previous game last Friday, an exhibition match against German Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin.

Saint Louis FC beat the Des Moines Menace on penalty kicks to advance to this round of the Open Cup. Saint Louis currently sits in fifth place in the USL Championship Eastern Conference, and has only lost one game all year, making the team a formidable opponent. In fact, FMFC has already seen Saint Louis in action this year, having suffered a 1-0 defeat at Toyota Stadium during preseason.

According to forward and St. Louis native Brian Bement, the Flamingos are a better team now.

“The last time we played them we were not even a week into preseason, and we battled hard,” Bement said. “Obviously we’ve been training a lot more, kind of clicking a little bit and we can use this energy [from the Hertha Berlin exhibition] and just kind of ride the wave into Wednesday.”

Following its U.S. Open Cup game in Saint Louis, FMFC will return home Saturday for a USL League One game against its closest geographic opponent, Lansing Ignite FC.

Forward Madison FC’s inaugural season is here! The team will play its next home game on June 1 vs Lansing Ignite FC. Get tickets to see Forward Madison’s inaugural season at: https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/forwardmadisonfc/tickets.

A sold-out, record crowd of 4,731 packed Breese Stevens Field Friday night to watch Forward Madison take on one of Germany’s major soccer clubs, Hertha Berlin. The Flamingos fell to a 4-0 defeat in the international friendly, but the game was a winner for the fans in attendance.

According to FMFC forward Brian Bement, the atmosphere at Breese was undeniable.

“These fans are the best in the league without a doubt, I’ve said it multiple times,” Bement said. “It’s not even close honestly. I mean, they just have so much energy. Obviously there were more people today which brings more energy, but I just love playing here. It’s an absolute blast and  they bring it every single day.”

Even the Hertha players, who played to an average attendance of nearly 50,000 this season, came out of the match with compliments for the Forward fans. Javairô Dilrosun, who scored the first goal of the game for this visitors, said the noise of the crowd impressed him.

“I think it was a good atmosphere, you [could] hear the crowd and it was nice for them,” he said. “We came in and gave them a game and I think it was a good game. I enjoyed it.”

For Forward Madison, the match was a chance to give minutes to all the players on its roster during a congested time in the season schedule. Vital Nizigiyimana, the only player to make the team from open tryouts, started for the first-ever time. Several players from USL League 2’s Green Bay Voyageurs, which shares ownership with FMFC, also filled in as guest players.

Hertha Berlin took a 2-0 lead in the first half, showing a convincing performance worthy of the team’s status in the German Bundesliga. The match began with steady control from Berlin through Per Skjelbred and and Maurice Covic, before Salomon Kalou took control from the left wing. The Ivorian’s play lead to multiple chances throughout the match, and resulted in the first goal as he set up Dilrosun for a perfect curler past a diving Ryan Coulter in the 25th minute.

The Flamingos were able to generate a few chances down the right side, as Christian Díaz came close to playing in Zaire Bartley, Brian Bement and Paulo Júnior. The closest Forward Madison came to scoring in the first half did, in fact, come through a Paulo chance, as he found himself in front of goal and forced a save from goalkeeper Thomas Smarsch.

Hertha’s second goal came courtesy of an opportunistic Fabian Lustenberger, who capitalized on a misplayed save from Ryan Coulter at the start of first-half stoppage time.

In the second half, substitutions for both sides resulted in a much more open game that created chances for both the ‘Mingos in and the Berliners. Hertha’s third goal came courtesy of a Davie Selke penalty, the former German youth national team player sending Brandon Barnes the wrong way after Maximilian Mittelstadt drew a foul in the box. Midfielder Marko Grujic scored the final goal, unleashing an unstoppable shot past Barnes to seal the result.

According to FMFC Head Coach Daryl Shore, his players loved having the chance to play against such high-level opposition.

“We told [our players], you have an opportunity to showcase yourselves [not just] as individuals, but also to showcase our club, our city and our fan base,” Shore said. “The guys were excited. A lot of them didn’t want to come out, a lot of them wanted to keep playing, but we had to be smart about minutes.”

The Flamingos will be back in action next Wednesday, playing perhaps their most important game of the year – away to Saint Louis FC in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup, with the winner earning a game against a Major League Soccer team as its prize.

“We’re up for a challenge, and this is going to be one,” Shore said. “We’ll give them a couple of days to kind of decompress, and then we’re back in Monday.”

Forward Madison FC
Head Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper – Ryan Coulter  #1 (46’ #33 Brandon Barnes)
Defender- Carl Schneider #23 (46’ – # 77 Jiro Barriga Toyama)
Defender – Connor Tobin (captain) #13 (34’- #15 Shaun Russell)
Defender- Eric Leonard #3
Defender – Christian “Pato” Diaz #27
Midfielder – Vital Nizigiyimana #19 (72’ – #19 J.C. Banks)
Midfielder – Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi #12
Midfielder – Josiel Núñez  #70 (46’ – #6 Brandon Eaton)
Forward – Zaire Bartley #17 (72’ – #4 George Morris)
Forward- Paulo Jr #11 (63’- #24 Dani Morillo)
Forward – Brian Bement #14

Substitutes
GK- Brandon Barnes #33
D- Shaun Russell #15
D- Alex Glavas #5 (guest player)
D- George Morris #4 (guest from Green Bay Voyageurs FC)
M- Brandon Eaton #6
M- J.C. Banks #29
M- Dani Morillo #24 (guest from Green Bay Voyageurs FC)

Hertha Berlin
Head Coach: Pal Dardai
#2 Peter Pekarik (69 – #20 Valentino Lazaro)
#3 Per Skjelbred (46’ – #15 Marko Grujic⚽)
#5 Niklas Stark (46’ – #4 Karim Rekik)
#8 Salomon Kalou (46’ – #27 Davie Selke PK⚽)
#12 Dennis Smarsch
#14 Pascal Kopke
#16 Javairo Dilrosun ⚽
#17 Maximilian Mittelstadt
#25 Jordan Torunarigha
#28 Fabian Lustenberger⚽ (46’ – #21 Marvin Plattenhardt)
#34 Maurice Covic (69’ – #1 Thomas Kraft)

Substitutes
#1 Thomas Kraft
#4 Karim Rekik
#15 Marko Grujic
#20 Valentino Lazaro
#21 Marvin Plattenhardt
#27 Davie Selke

Goals

Hertha Berlin
25’ #16 Javairo Dilrosun (#8 Salomon Kalou)
45 + 1’ Fabian Lustenberger
58’ #27 Davie Selke (PK)
80’ #15 Marko Grujic

Referees
Calin Radosav
Ryan Shanklin
Neven Stojsavljevic
Thomas De Mers

Attendance
4,731 (sellout)

A sold-out, record crowd of 4,731 packed Breese Stevens Field Friday night to watch Forward Madison take on one of Germany’s major soccer clubs, Hertha Berlin. The Flamingos fell to a 4-0 defeat in the international friendly, but the game was a winner for the fans in attendance.

According to FMFC forward Brian Bement, the atmosphere at Breese was undeniable.

“These fans are the best in the league without a doubt, I’ve said it multiple times,” Bement said. “It’s not even close honestly. I mean, they just have so much energy. Obviously there were more people today which brings more energy, but I just love playing here. It’s an absolute blast and  they bring it every single day.”

Even the Hertha players, who played to an average attendance of nearly 50,000 this season, came out of the match with compliments for the Forward fans. Javairô Dilrosun, who scored the first goal of the game for this visitors, said the noise of the crowd impressed him.

“I think it was a good atmosphere, you [could] hear the crowd and it was nice for them,” he said. “We came in and gave them a game and I think it was a good game. I enjoyed it.”

For Forward Madison, the match was a chance to give minutes to all the players on its roster during a congested time in the season schedule. Vital Nizigiyimana, the only player to make the team from open tryouts, started for the first-ever time. Several players from USL League 2’s Green Bay Voyageurs, which shares ownership with FMFC, also filled in as guest players.

Hertha Berlin took a 2-0 lead in the first half, showing a convincing performance worthy of the team’s status in the German Bundesliga. The match began with steady control from Berlin through Per Skjelbred and and Maurice Covic, before Salomon Kalou took control from the left wing. The Ivorian’s play lead to multiple chances throughout the match, and resulted in the first goal as he set up Dilrosun for a perfect curler past a diving Ryan Coulter in the 25th minute.

The Flamingos were able to generate a few chances down the right side, as Christian Díaz came close to playing in Zaire Bartley, Brian Bement and Paulo Júnior. The closest Forward Madison came to scoring in the first half did, in fact, come through a Paulo chance, as he found himself in front of goal and forced a save from goalkeeper Thomas Smarsch.

Hertha’s second goal came courtesy of an opportunistic Fabian Lustenberger, who capitalized on a misplayed save from Ryan Coulter at the start of first-half stoppage time.

In the second half, substitutions for both sides resulted in a much more open game that created chances for both the ‘Mingos in and the Berliners. Hertha’s third goal came courtesy of a Davie Selke penalty, the former German youth national team player sending Brandon Barnes the wrong way after Maximilian Mittelstadt drew a foul in the box. Midfielder Marko Grujic scored the final goal, unleashing an unstoppable shot past Barnes to seal the result.

According to FMFC Head Coach Daryl Shore, his players loved having the chance to play against such high-level opposition.

“We told [our players], you have an opportunity to showcase yourselves [not just] as individuals, but also to showcase our club, our city and our fan base,” Shore said. “The guys were excited. A lot of them didn’t want to come out, a lot of them wanted to keep playing, but we had to be smart about minutes.”

The Flamingos will be back in action next Wednesday, playing perhaps their most important game of the year – away to Saint Louis FC in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup, with the winner earning a game against a Major League Soccer team as its prize.

“We’re up for a challenge, and this is going to be one,” Shore said. “We’ll give them a couple of days to kind of decompress, and then we’re back in Monday.”

Forward Madison FC
Head Coach: Daryl Shore
Goalkeeper – Ryan Coulter  #1 (46’ #33 Brandon Barnes)
Defender- Carl Schneider #23 (46’ – # 77 Jiro Barriga Toyama)
Defender – Connor Tobin (captain) #13 (34’- #15 Shaun Russell)
Defender- Eric Leonard #3
Defender – Christian “Pato” Diaz #27
Midfielder – Vital Nizigiyimana #19 (72’ – #19 J.C. Banks)
Midfielder – Ally Hamis Ng’Anzi #12
Midfielder – Josiel Núñez  #70 (46’ – #6 Brandon Eaton)
Forward – Zaire Bartley #17 (72’ – #4 George Morris)
Forward- Paulo Jr #11 (63’- #24 Dani Morillo)
Forward – Brian Bement #14

Substitutes
GK- Brandon Barnes #33
D- Shaun Russell #15
D- Alex Glavas #5 (guest player)
D- George Morris #4 (guest from Green Bay Voyageurs FC)
M- Brandon Eaton #6
M- J.C. Banks #29
M- Dani Morillo #24 (guest from Green Bay Voyageurs FC)

Hertha Berlin
Head Coach: Pal Dardai
#2 Peter Pekarik (69 – #20 Valentino Lazaro)
#3 Per Skjelbred (46’ – #15 Marko Grujic⚽)
#5 Niklas Stark (46’ – #4 Karim Rekik)
#8 Salomon Kalou (46’ – #27 Davie Selke PK⚽)
#12 Dennis Smarsch
#14 Pascal Kopke
#16 Javairo Dilrosun ⚽
#17 Maximilian Mittelstadt
#25 Jordan Torunarigha
#28 Fabian Lustenberger⚽ (46’ – #21 Marvin Plattenhardt)
#34 Maurice Covic (69’ – #1 Thomas Kraft)

Substitutes
#1 Thomas Kraft
#4 Karim Rekik
#15 Marko Grujic
#20 Valentino Lazaro
#21 Marvin Plattenhardt
#27 Davie Selke

Goals

Hertha Berlin
25’ #16 Javairo Dilrosun (#8 Salomon Kalou)
45 + 1’ Fabian Lustenberger
58’ #27 Davie Selke (PK)
80’ #15 Marko Grujic

Referees
Calin Radosav
Ryan Shanklin
Neven Stojsavljevic
Thomas De Mers

Attendance
4,731 (sellout)

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

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. REMINDER: umbrellas are not allowed at Breese Stevens Field, please leave them in your car or at home. We play rain or shine! We will be monitoring the weather closely, and if there are any changes to the match we will post on our website and our social media platforms. 

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 before the game for food and drink!

GATES OPEN: 6:00 PM 

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. 

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 fans to try! 

OFFICIAL POST-GAME PARTY:t Tonight we are partying at High Noon Saloon following the game! There will be polka, dancing, and beer – you can find all the info for the party in the Facebook invite.

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

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

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. REMINDER: umbrellas are not allowed at Breese Stevens Field, please leave them in your car or at home. We play rain or shine! We will be monitoring the weather closely, and if there are any changes to the match we will post on our website and our social media platforms. 

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 before the game for food and drink!

GATES OPEN: 6:00 PM 

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. 

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 fans to try! 

OFFICIAL POST-GAME PARTY:t Tonight we are partying at High Noon Saloon following the game! There will be polka, dancing, and beer – you can find all the info for the party in the Facebook invite.

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