Early Own Goal Dooms Forward Madison to First Defeat of 2021

June 6, 2021 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Forward Madison FC News Release

Forward Madison FC fell for the first time in 2021 on Sunday, dropping a 2-1 contest against Union Omaha at Breese Stevens Field. Jake Keegan scored his team-leading fourth goal of the season in the first half, but it wasn't enough to deny the Owls, who are now first place in USL League One.

Union Omaha opened the scoring in the 7th minute when an own goal was deflected in by Audi Jepson. A cross from Nicolas Firmino on the left wing and a challenge by Emir Alihodzic in the box saw the 'Mingos deflect in their second own goal in two matches.

Jake Keegan equalized in the 35th minute for FMFC's only first half goal so far of the 2021 season, putting the score at 1-1. After the visiting side had won multiple contests for the ball in the half, Justin Sukow took advantage of a turnover and the ball made its way to Keegan, who still had work to do before scoring with a hard strike from the edge of the box.

The second half began with better play from Forward Madison, but Omaha's Alihodzic re-routed a header past a diving Phil Breno in the 51st minute. Devin Boyce provided a cross the right wing and Breno got a hand on the ball, but wasn't able to push the ball around the post on a full-length stretch.

With the tight loss, Forward Madison falls to fourth place on 11 points while Union Omaha goes top on 14 points. That leaves the Flamingos one point above the Richmond Kickers heading into FMFC's next match, a June 12 contest at Breese Stevens Field.

Forward Madison FC vs. Union Omaha (Justin Nuoffer, Forward Madison FC)	Forward Madison FC forward Jiro Barriga Toyama vs. Union Omaha (Justin Nuoffer, Forward Madison FC)	Forward Madison FC midfielder Audi Jepson vs. Union Omaha (Justin Nuoffer, Forward Madison FC)
Forward Madison FC midfielder Audi Jepson vs. Union Omaha (Justin Nuoffer, Forward Madison FC)	Forward Madison FC forward Jiro Barriga Toyama vs. Union Omaha (Justin Nuoffer, Forward Madison FC)

United Soccer League One Stories from June 6, 2021

• Early Own Goal Dooms Forward Madison to First Defeat of 2021 - Forward Madison FC
• Second Half Tormenta goal hands Red Wolves First Loss of 2021 Campaign - Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
• FC Tucson Erases Deficit with Toronto II - FC Tucson

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