September 11, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Forward Madison FC News Release
It was a beautiful night in Madison, Wisconsin for the first-ever knockout match hosted at Breese Stevens
Field. The ‘Mingos sported their new 2024 Alternate Kits for the semi-final match against Charlotte
Independence. To start the match, Charlotte had a few close opportunities on frame, but FMFC keeper
Bernd Schipmann made a couple of impressive diving saves to keep the game at zeros.
In the 20th minute, Forward had their own shot on goal as Devin Boyce made a run along the right side
of the field and played the ball into the box. Derek Gebhard made a storming run into the box but shot it
directly at the Charlotte goalkeeper. Five minutes later, Charlotte countered on the other end, catching
the ‘Mingos with low numbers on the defensive end. Gabriel Obertan dribbled into the box, but Timmy
Mehl made a sliding play to keep the ball out of harm’s way.
In the 35th minute, the home team was able to capitalize. Boyce played the ball into the box off of a
corner kick, and after bouncing around near the penalty box, captain Mitch Osmond volleyed it into the
back of the net to put his squad in the lead.
Before the end of the second half, Charlotte was able to equalize in stoppage time. Anton Sorenson
played a ball into the six-yard box, and after skipping by a few Charlotte players, Luis Alvarez found the
top left corner to level the game 1-1 heading into halftime.
The ‘Mingos started the second half with determination, and In just two minutes, Forward took the lead.
Stephen Payne played a square ball into the box, and Christian Chaney easily slotted it back post for the
go-ahead goal.
In the 67th minute, however, the game-winning goalscorer, Chaney, was given his second yellow and was
sent off the field, leaving the home squad to defend with 10 men. Both sides made a few strategic
substitutions to give their team the best opportunity to win. In the 75th minute, FMFC substitute Juan
Galindrez had a near chance to extend the lead for the ‘Mingos, but Charlotte keeper Austin Pack made a
diving save to keep his team within one.
In the 82nd minute, Charlotte also found themselves a man down when Bachir Ndiaye was shown a red
card after a tackle on Galindrez. The match would continue with both sides playing with 10 men on the
field.
As the game neared the end, Galindrez had another chance on goal, but Forward would end up holding
on to their 2-1 lead and advancing to the USL…