April 15, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Forward Madison FC News Release
Forward Madison FC hosted their Home Opener on Saturday, April 15th at 6pm against Greenville Triumph SC. Greenville entered the match winless in two USL League One league matches, while FMFC gained two points on two successive draws to begin the season. The match kicked off the home start of Forward Madison’s fifth season.
The first half of the match began quickly for the Flamingos. A flurry of quick chances led to a Derek Gebhard goal for FMFC in the 12th minute of the match. Much of the first half was then back and forth, with Greenville controlling possession and the ‘Mingos launching counter attacks. Right before the halftime whistle went, Mauro Cichero found an opening and slotted it home for the 2nd goal of the night for FMFC. The teams went into the break with the Flamingos up 2-0.
Greenville started off the second half strong with a goal of their own from Noah Pilato. Not even two minutes later, Stephen Payne made a strong run into the box and played a cross that was deflected into the net for a FMFC goal, putting the hosts in front 3-1. Greenville was awarded a penalty five minutes later in the 55th minute, but Forward goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann made an impressive penalty save, leading to a FMFC counterattack. With most of the team forward, Chaney shot on the edge of the box and beat the Greenville keeper. Up 4-1, Jayden Onen received a red card and put the ‘Mingos down a man with 20 minutes to play. FMFC saw out the match and won in front of a boisterous Breese Stevens Field crowd.
Next up, Forward Madison hosts the UW-Madison Men’s Soccer team in a friendly on Saturday, April 22nd at 6pm CT. Tickets for the match can be purchased here. Following the friendly, FMFC will round out the month of April with a Family Night match against Charlotte Independence on Saturday, April 29th at 5pm CT. This is the club’s Star Wars Night, with a special lightsaber ticket package available for purchase.
“I looked at [Assistant Coach] John Pascarella and he motioned to me and I gave him the thumbs up,” Goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann said. “I played some mind games and ended up reading the penalty and guessing right. What happened next was awesome, it felt great to save it.”
“The conversion rate of our shots was much higher tonight and it was a good effort” Head Coach Matt Glaeser said. “Our guys responded to what needed to be done tonight and while we did pick up a red card, we…