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Forward Madison FC

Forward Madison Finish with a Point in 2024 Home Opener

April 13, 2024 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Forward Madison FC News Release


The match started under the beautiful sun in Madison, Wisconsin. Forward had an early chance on goal off of a corner kick with defender Timmy Mehl heading the ball over the crossbar in the 12th minute. Shortly after, Richmond came back with a shot just wide of the frame and FMFC keeper, Bernd Schipmann.

It was a back and forth start to the first half, but Forward was the first side to break through. In the 28th minute, Devin Boyce flicked a throw-in to forward Derek Gebhard running across the pitch. Gebhard dribbled past a few Richmond defenders, making it to the endline. Despite a tough angle, Gebhard was able to angle his shot into the far corner to give the 'Mingos the 1-0 lead in the Henny Derby.

Up a goal early in the game, the home team played with possession and momentum, putting pressure on Richmond's backline. In the 42nd minute, FMFC almost found the back once during another corner kick opportunity. Midfielder Jimmie Villalobos vollied the ball towards the backpost where a wide-open Mehl almost got a touch on the ball for an easy tap-in.

As the first half was coming to a close, Richmond player, Maxi Schenfeld dribbled past a few Forward defenders and executed a perfect bicycle kick beyond the hands of Schipmann and into the back of the net. The first half ended in a 1-1 tie.

The second half was filled with excitement. Forward Madison made a lineup change, with Aiden Mesias coming in for Gebhard. The home team looked to come back from a late-conceded goal heading into halftime as they pressed the Richmond backline.

In the 64th minute, Richmond caught Forward on their heels, with Adrian Billhardt scoring their second goal on the night with a strike from beyond the 18-yard box. The 'Mingos brought in some reinforcement, making three subs in hopes of creating added momentum.

Just as hoped, late substitutes Wolfgang Prentice and Agustin Davila created some magic for Forward. In the 72nd minute, Wolfgang dribbled down the sideline to made a cross to the center of the box where Agustin flicked a back-post header in to the back of the net. It was Davila's first goal as a 'Mingo, and the score was level 2-2.

As the game progressed, the game became physical. Cards were given to both sides, and Forward Madison's Timmy Mehl was handed his second yellow and sent off in the 86th minute. Despite being a man down, Forward was able to hang on with the final ending 2-2 and each side taking home a point from the first Henny Derby matchup.

Goal Summary

1-0 MAD - 28' Gebhard

1-1 RIC - 45+6' Schenfeld

1-2 RIC - 64' Billhardt

2-2 MAD - 72' Davila

Disciplinary Summary

Yellow, MAD - Boyce (46')

Yellow, MAD - Mehl (54')

Yellow, MAD - Murphy Jr. (73')

Yellow, RIC - Schenfeld (73')

Second Yellow, MAD - Mehl (86')

Yellow, RIC - Simmonds (88')

Yellow, RIC - Fitch (90+8')

Post Match Reaction

"I'm very happy that we were able to at least get a point out of it," said Assistant Coach Neil Hlavaty. "The reaction from the guys at halftime was very good, we were who we wanted to be in the second half. Really happy for Agustin to get his first goal for the club, great contribution from Wolfgang. So on a night that we weren't at our best, I think there's still a lot to take from it."

"There's a lot of frustration in the locker room," said captain Mitch Osmond. "We don't accept that at all. That result is just not good enough and it's not who we want to be. We have to learn from it really quick, and when we come back to league play, we have to fix it."

"We're just disappointed," said goal-scorer Derek Gebhard. "We think we could have come out with a little bit more. I think there was too many moments in the game where we were flat. Overall, we're a little bit frustrated because especially at home, you want to be the aggressor and play our game."

Mingo of the Match

#17 Derek Gebhard

Next Match

The Flamingos will play in the Battle for Madison against UW-Madison on Saturday, April 20th at historic Breese Stevens Field. Kickoff is at 5pm CT, and tickets are still available.

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United Soccer League One Stories from April 13, 2024


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