Forward Madison Re-Signs Dynamic Defender Christian Diaz for 2021
February 5, 2021 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Forward Madison FC News Release
Forward Madison FC defender Christian Diaz
(Forward Madison FC, Credit: Justin Nuoffer, Forward Madison FC)
Forward Madison has re-signed a star player from its first two seasons. confirming the return of fullback Christian "Pato" DÃÂaz for 2021. DÃÂaz, 29, is the only Flamingo to have ever been named in the All-USL League One First Team, earning the distinction in 2019.
"Ever since the first year, I knew I wanted to be here," DÃÂaz said. "I love the city, I love the club and I love the fans. When I spoke to the coaches about coming back, it didn't take long. I knew what I wanted and I'm excited to be back."
DÃÂaz played in all but one of Forward Madison's games in 2020, starting primarily as a right back. Perhaps his most memorable moment came on October 14, when he scored an 85th minute equalizer to complete a 2-2 comeback draw against Fort Lauderdale CF.
According to Head Coach Carl Craig, DÃÂaz will serve as an important veteran presence for a relatively young team.
"Christian has experience at the top level, he's a very accomplished footballer and by all accounts he's a first-class guy in the locker room," Craig said. "At his full potential, he can be one of the outstanding players in this league, both as an attacker and as a defender."
DÃÂaz, who was born in Guadalajara but grew up in California, played at the highest level of Mexican soccer for both Atlas FC - where he made his Liga MX debut at age 17 - and Leones Negros. After signing with Forward Madison in 2019, DÃÂaz established himself as one of the top players in League One, training with Major League Soccer's LAFC and Chicago Fire before the pandemic.
As he heads into his third season with the Flamingos, though, DÃÂaz said he still has unfinished business to accomplish in Madison.
"For me, it's always been the same: We want to win a championship," DÃÂaz said. "I'm at the age where I need to start taking care of myself more, so I'm trying to do my best to help out. With the young players coming in, I want to be the type of teammate that can help others. I like to go step by step, but the end goal is to get the trophy."
Images from this story
 Forward Madison FC defender Christian Diaz (Justin Nuoffer, Forward Madison FC) |
 Forward Madison FC defender Christian Diaz (Justin Nuoffer, Forward Madison FC) |
 Forward Madison FC defender Christian Diaz (Justin Nuoffer, Forward Madison FC) |
 Forward Madison FC defender Christian Diaz (Justin Nuoffer, Forward Madison FC) |
 Forward Madison FC defender Christian Diaz (Justin Nuoffer, Forward Madison FC) |
United Soccer League One Stories from February 5, 2021
- Secure Your Spot: 2021 Season Ticket Deposits - FC Tucson
- Dubose Returns to the Kickers for 2021 - Richmond Kickers
- Forward Madison Re-Signs Dynamic Defender Christian Diaz for 2021 - Forward Madison FC
- Former USL Championship and 2019 Loanee Daniel Navarro Signs with Chattanooga - Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Forward Madison FC Stories
- Forward Madison FC Draw against Chattanooga Red Wolves Sc
- SC Wave Madison Moves to Forward Madison FC and Its Strategic Partners
- Match Preview: Chattanooga Red Wolves SC vs FMFC
- Forward Madison FC Draw 1-1 in First Match Against Portland Hearts of Pine
- Forward Madison FC Draw 1-1 Against Portland Hearts of Pine
