April 13, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Forward Madison FC News Release
The match started under the beautiful sun in Madison, Wisconsin. Forward had an early chance on goal
off of a corner kick with defender Timmy Mehl heading the ball over the crossbar in the 12th minute.
Shortly after, Richmond came back with a shot just wide of the frame and FMFC keeper, Bernd
Schipmann.
It was a back-and-forth start to the first half, but Forward was the first side to break through. In the 28th
minute, Devin Boyce flicked a throw-in to forward Derek Gebhard running across the pitch. Gebhard
dribbled past a few Richmond defenders, making it to the endline. Despite a tough angle, Gebhard was
able to angle his shot into the far corner to give the ‘Mingos the 1-0 lead in the Henny Derby.
Up a goal early in the game, the home team played with possession and momentum, putting pressure on
Richmond’s backline. In the 42nd minute, FMFC almost found the back once during another corner kick
opportunity. Midfielder Jimmie Villalobos vollied the ball towards the backpost where a wide-open Mehl
almost got a touch on the ball for an easy tap-in.
As the first half was coming to a close, Richmond player, Maxi Schenfeld dribbled past a few Forward
defenders and executed a perfect bicycle kick beyond the hands of Schipmann and into the back of the
net. The first half ended in a 1-1 tie.
The second half was filled with excitement. Forward Madison made a lineup change, with Aiden Mesias
coming in for Gebhard. The home team looked to come back from a late-conceded goal heading into
halftime as they pressed the Richmond backline.
In the 64th minute, Richmond caught Forward on their heels, with Adrian Billhardt scoring their second
goal on the night with a strike from beyond the 18-yard box. The ‘Mingos brought in some
reinforcement, making three subs in hopes of creating added momentum.
Just as hoped, late substitutes Wolfgang Prentice and Agustin Davila created some magic for Forward. In
the 72nd minute, Wolfgang dribbled down the sideline to made a cross to the center of the box where
Agustin flicked a back-post header in to the back of the net. It was Davila’s first goal as a ‘Mingo, and the
score was level 2-2.
As the game progressed, the game became physical. Cards were given to both sides, and Forward
Madison’s Timmy Mehl was handed his second yellow and sent off in the 86th minute. Despite being a
man down, Forward was able to hang on with the final ending 2-2 and each side taking…