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Forward Madison FC began their 2021 USL League One campaign on Saturday night in Tucson, AZ against FC Tucson. However before the match they made a few signings to shore up their roster ahead of the season.
On Wednesday, May 5th the Flamingos signed right back Ronaldo Lomeli to a contract. Lomeli has starred for the ‘Mingos during the club’s preseason. Head Coach and former Minnesota United manager Carl Craig said about Lomeli.
“He’s comfortable on the ball and he can read the game pretty well. I want him to keep pushing to get out of his comfort zone. If he continues to do that, I think he’ll have a bright future.”
Ronaldo Lomeli would say about the opportunity.
“I’m going to give it everything I have every single day. I’m very, very thankful for the opportunity to start my career here, and hopefully I can return the favor by showing some results for the fans and for the team.”
Just a day later Forward Madison would sign goalkeeper and Wisconsin native Aidan Hogan to a contract with the club.
“I remember first seeing this team getting started and I thought that would be really cool if one day I was playing for them,” Hogan said. “Now that I have that chance, I’m going to try and make the most out of it.”
Carl Craig would say about Hogan.
“Aidan is gaining experience and he’s here to grow and improve as a footballer. Having another player from Wisconsin helps solidify the identity of the club. There are people here from all over the place, but at the end of the day, it’s essential that we are represented by people from the state as well.”
After all the signings were set the ‘Mingos would take to the pitch at KINO North Stadium in Tucson, AZ to face off with the hosting FC Tucson to open the USL League One season.
Tucson would score the first goal of the match in the 51st minute as Deri Corfe would grab a loose ball from a Madison defender before sending a shot past ‘Mingos keeper Phil Breno.
#FuerzaTucson | @dericorfe pic.twitter.com/4h3kcuQOQP
— FC Tucson (@FCTucson) May 9, 2021
Forward Madison would knot up the match in the 67th minute with this goal from Jake Keegan.
THAT'S WHY HE'S HERE!
— Forward Madison FC (@ForwardMSNFC) May 9, 2021
A textbook strike from @jake__keegan to open his Forward Madison account! https://t.co/O9jUG3GRBH pic.twitter.com/3wnyJ0YmmA
After a tough 1-1 draw the Flamingos would gain points in their season opener and this would secure manager Carl Craig his first points since leading MNUFC in the 2016 North American Soccer League season.
You can view the full highlights of Tucson vs Madison below.
Forward Madison FC will be back in action this Saturday night against against North Carolina FC at Breese Stevens Field in Madison, WI. You can catch the match on ESPN+ and stay with E Pluribus Loonum all season long for ‘Mingo Monday each and every week.