April 11, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Forward Madison FC News Release
Forward Madison FC returned to Madison, Wisconsin after two matches on the road in the USL League One season for their first home match of the season in the 2nd round of the U.S. Open Cup against Chicago House AC. This match was initially supposed to take place on April 4th, but was moved to the 11th due to severe weather on the 4th. The match began just after 6pm CT with the Flamingos wearing their Smoky Sunset 2023 Away Kit.
Forward Madison controlled the pace of the match right from the start. A Christian Chaney header went off the bar in the 6th minute and the ‘Mingos kept pushing in the attack thereafter. The breakthrough came for FMFC in the 18th minute when Mauro Cichero played a through ball to Jayden Onen, who slotted home a shot to go up 1-0. Much of the first half was played in the Chicago House defensive third, with Robert Screen and Cichero causing the House back line trouble. Chicago House launched an attack of their own in the 42nd minute with a threatening through ball and shot that went into the side netting. The match went into halftime with the hosts in the lead by a goal.
The second half got off to a quick start for the Flamingos with a goal from Tino Vasquez in the 48th minute. This was Vasquez’s first goal as a member of Forward Madison. Chicago House had a brief chance in the 60th minute off a corner, but it was defended well by FMFC to keep the score at 2-0. Chicago House were able to go on a breakaway in the 75th minute, beating the FMFC back line for a goal. In dramatic fashion, House were able to equalize in the 92nd minute and the game went into extra time tied at 2-2.
Extra time got off to a strong start for Chicago House, as they took the lead off of an AR Smith shot in the box. Forward Madison would put pressure for an equalizer, launching attack after attack into the Chicago House defense. Ultimately, it was the visitors that ended up victorious at the end of extra time, 3-2.
Next up, FMFC will play their Home Opener on Saturday, April 15th at 6pm against Greenville Triumph. Lexington will play host to USL League One 2022 Champions South Georgia Tormenta on Saturday, April 15th.
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