‘Mingo Monday: Forward Madison returns from a week off with a two game swing

After a week off Forward Madison returned to action with not one but two games this past week. And as USL League One runs into the final month of their abbreviated 2020 season the battle for the USL League One Championship playoffs is really heating up. The Flamingos opened up the week on Wednesday night, closing out a series of road matches, with an away clash in Arizona against FC Tucson.

The match in Tucson however didn’t look amazing from the get go as Forward Madison allowed the opening goal in just the third minute. Azaad Liadi sent a backheel pass to Tommy Silva. Silva then took the pass on a quick run to the top of the box before sending a quick pass to his right to Elivelton Oliveira. Oliveira without hesitation sent the ball towards the net on a one-timer and slipped to to the right of Madison keeper Philipp Marceta to open the scoring on the night.

Madison is however not a team to go down and out after giving up a goal. While it took the ‘Mingos awhile to score they would even up the match. Josiah Trimmingham would take the pass from the top of the box and dribble through and around a few defenders on his way to the corner of the 18. Trimmingham sent a cross to the top of the six. Fan Favourite Paulo Jr. squeezed himself into a tight space and leaned over to send the ball into the goal with a header to draw the match even as the end of the half approached.

After a nice showing to end the first half it would however be the hosts night to shine. Azaad Liadi would be involved in his second goal of the night sending a quick short pass to Joshua Coan inside the 18. Coan would gather the pass and spin around, causing a Madison defender to slip, opening enough of a spot for him to fire a laser into the top corner of the net.

Unfortunately a 2-1 loss on the road is how it would end for Forward Madison on Wednesday night.

You can view the full highlights of Madison at Tucson below.

Thursday however was a more fun day for the Flock as they revealed their “Tropical” goalkeeper kit.

Will Jenkins, Forward Madison FC

“This alternate goalkeeper kit felt like a big opportunity to explore colorways outside of our normal palette,” Sepnieski said. “It was the most challenging in terms of getting it right on color. We delayed the launch three different times, so it’s exciting to finally see it in action.”

“We want fans to come to expect us to go out of the box when it comes to our merch,” Director of Merchandising Chase Eagan said. “We keep trying to explore new executions and different types of collections, and this kit fits really well into that. Personally, this is my favorite out of all the kits.”

The new goalkeeper kit would see it’s first action on Saturday afternoon at Hart Park in Wauwatosa, WI as Forward Madison returned home for the first time since August 23rd. And with The Flock backing the ‘Mingos, Madison made the kit debut and return to their “Home Away from Home” a success.

While only one goal was scored on Saturday afternoon, it was one by the ‘Mingos Michael Vang.The 20 year old St. Paul native would score the matches lone goal by taking advantage of a loose ball for a rebound goal.

The win over Chattanooga Red Wolves ended Forward Madison’s two match losing skid.

You can view the full highlights of Madison vs Chattanooga below.

A week off and then a loss followed by a win put Madison in 5th place in USL League One as we head towards the end of the 2020 season. At the top of the table sit Greenville Triumph and Richmond Kickers. Greenville seems to be a lock as they are 8 points up on second place Richmond and 10 points up on third place Chattanooga. Both the Triumph and Red Wolves have just 4 matches left.

For Forward Madison they are 14 points back from the top and 6 points back from the second playoff spot. However with 6 matches to play and 18 possible points the ‘Mingos are very much still in the hunt for 2nd place.

And while mathematically improbable, none of the 11 teams have been eliminated from playoff contention. Orlando City B with 6 points is the closest to elimination as an OCB loss coupled with a Richmond win will 100% knock them out of official contention. Outside of OCB the 9 teams in between all have semi to totally realistic chances of taking the second playoffs spot.

And one last bit of Forward Madison news this week. The road match in Florida against Fort Lauderdale CF has been changed to a 3PM CT start time.

Forward Madison FC will be back in action this Saturday night against against FC Tucson at Hart Park in Wauwatosa, WI. You can catch the match on TVW in the Madison, WI area and on ESPN+. Stay with E Pluribus Loonum all season long for ‘Mingo Monday each and every week.