Forward Madison FC Signs Defender Jaylen Shannon for 2026 Season
USL1 Forward Madison FC

Forward Madison FC Signs Defender Jaylen Shannon for 2026 Season

Published on February 3, 2026 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
Forward Madison FC News Release


MADISON, WI: Forward Madison FC has signed steady backline Defender, Jaylen Shannon, ahead of their eighth USL League One season. With experience at both the MLS Next Pro level and within the USL framework, Shannon will make a smooth transition to Forward Madison.

"We're very pleased to add Jaylen to our roster for 2026," said Forward Madison FC Head Coach & Technical Director, Matt Glaeser. " He's a quality defender with professional experience who embodies many of the qualities we look for in Forward Madison players. Jaylen is keen to come in and prove himself in our environment and is hungry to contribute."

Originally from St. Joseph, Michigan, the 25-year-old center-back found early success in his soccer career playing for Western Michigan University. During his time as a Bronco, Shannon started in 68 of 77 appearances, racking up 6,064 minutes of play, three goals and seven assists. In 2023, Shannon was named the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year and picked up a United Soccer Coaches All-American Second Team selection.

"We're thrilled to add Jaylen to the roster for the 2026 season," Matt Cairns, Forward Madison FC Sporting Director, said. "He's a fantastic competitor who will set great standards and lead by example each day. He's got the attributes needed to be a commanding center back in USL League One and we're confident he'll hit the ground running in a Forward Madison jersey."

Complementing his college career, Shannon got experience in the USL landscape playing for USL League Two clubs, the South Bend Lions in 2022 and the Flint City Bucks in 2023. Following college, Shannon signed his first professional contract with MLS Next Pro club, Chicago Fire FC II, in 2024. He logged 2,095 minutes with Fire II that season, starting in all of his 24 appearances including their 2-0 win against Forward Madison FC in the U.S. Open Cup.

"I'm very excited to be joining the club and can't wait to get started," Shannon said. "Looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans and giving everything for the team!"

Shannon made his MLS debut in July of 2024 starting for Chicago Fire FC in the Leagues Cup against Sporting Kansas City. Most recently, he made another move to USL League Two in 2025 playing for Kalamazoo FC.

Forward Madison FC will host their 2026 Home Opener on May 16th against Detroit City FC in the club's first Prinx Tires USL Cup match at Breese Stevens Field. Fans can support the club and explore season ticket options as well as mini plan ticket offerings for the 2026 season.

About Forward Madison FC: Forward Madison FC is a charter member of USL League One, launched in the Spring of 2019. The Flamingos were a USL League One playoff team in 2019, 2023, 2024, and have made an international name for themselves with a fun-loving, flamboyant brand. More information and registration for the team's weekly newsletter is available at www.forwardmadisonfc.com. Follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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