February 24, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Forward Madison FC News Release
Forward Madison FC made their way down to Bridgeview, IL to take on Chicago Fire II in a preseason friendly. This friendly came a week after the Flamingos took on Minnesota United 2 in Minneapolis the week prior. The match began at 10:00am CT. This match was viewed by the coaching staff as being a great opportunity to continue to build squad cohesion and test trialists’ skill sets.
The match got off to a quick start with FMFC playing through Derek Gebhard and Jayden Onen to challenge the Fire II back line. Within the first 10 minutes, Aiden Mesias played a lofted ball into the box, looking for the head of Mauro Chichero. Fire II were able to get a head to the ball first, stymying the attack for the moment.
In the 9th minute, a cross was sent into the box from the right wing, connecting with Chichero’s foot for the Flamingos first goal of the match. After going up 1-0, the Flamingos defense was tested with pressure from the Fire II attack. Jacob Crull and Stephen Payne absorbed the pressure well and put the FMFC back on the front foot. Fire II took advantage of a testing ball down the right wing to level the score at 1-1 in the 20th minute. In the 23rd minute, a trackback by Eric Conerty prevented a Fire II breakaway. After a back-and-forth opening to the match, both squads settled in and went into the half level at 1-1.
FMFC changed the XI at half to feature a lineup of trialists to complete the match for the Flamingos. FMFC came out on the offensive, scoring from a corner kick in the 58th minute. After taking the lead, Forward were fluid in the attack and defense, keeping the Fire II attack at bay. After defending a corner, FMFC went on a counter attack in the 80th minute that resulted in a looping goal by a trialist over the Chicago Fire II keeper to go up 3-1. A good defensive presence kept the ‘Mingos in the lead until the final whistle sounded, with FMFC getting the win 3-1.
Next on the schedule, the Flamingos will take on Indy Eleven of the USL Championship on Friday, March 3rd in Indianapolis.
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Major Moments:
9′ FMFC Mauro Chichero goal
16′ Chicago Fire II free kick in the attacking third
20′ Chicago Fire II goal
31′ Chicago Fire II free kick in the attacking third
57′ FMFC corner
58′ FMFC goal (trialist)
76′ Chicago Fire II corner
78′ Chicago Fire II corner
80′ FMFC goal (trialist)
85′ FMFC corner
Goals
Forward Madison
9′: Mauro Chichero
58′: Trailist
80′:…