Forward Madison Wins off of Derek Gebhard's First-Half Goal
July 8, 2023 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
Forward Madison FC News Release
The Flamingos continue hot streak at home with win against Central Valley Fuego FC
Forward Madison FC finally returned home after a long two-game trip on the road to face Central Valley Fuego FC at historic Breese Stevens Field. The Flamingos entered the match sitting in third place in USL League One, while Fuego came in at the bottom of the table. The match kicked off just after 7pm CT.
At the sound of the first whistle, both sides came out hungry. In just the 4th minute of the match, Forward Madison defender Timmy Mehl made a goal-stopping save on the line after Central Valley Fuego FC attempted to chip FMFC goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann. FMFC's defense quickly adjusted, and as a result, the offense went into full gear. In the 16th minute, the Flamingos created a dangerous attacking build. Striker Christian Chaney flicked on a pass to Jayden Onen, laid it off to Derek Gebhard, who buried the shot with his left foot to put FMFC on top 1-0. For the rest of the half, Forward Madison kept the ball in the attacking end, creating plenty of chances to increase the lead. However, Central Valley Fuego's defense remained intact, and the half ended with FMFC up 1-0.
Central Valley Fuego made three substitutions to start the half and came out looking to equalize. Forward Madison's defense was tested in the 58th minute when Schipmann closed the gap and body-saved a shot from the right side of the goal. In the 69th minute, FMFC striker Nazeem Bartman had a breakaway in the box, but his shot skyrocketed over the net. The rest of the second half slowed, with each team committing fouls and receiving yellow cards. After five minutes of additional time, the score ended 1-0, with the Flamingos holding on to the lead and regaining the number one spot in the USL League One standings.
"Another great team win," FMFC Head Coach Matt Glaeser said. "We defended like dogs for ninety plus minutes and limited their chances. We'll take a hard-nosed win."
"I'm really happy for this group and the way they did it tonight," Glaeser said. "We're finding ways to win and do the little things that matter most."
"Tonight definitely felt good," FMFC attacker and goalscorer Derek Gebhard said. "I'm proud that the boys had my back tonight and held it down in the back."
Next up, Forward Madison will hit the road to Cary, North Carolina, to battle North Carolina FC on Saturday, July 15th at 6pm CT. Join us in the Forward Club for a watch party to cheer on our 'Mingos. Doors open at 5pm. The next home match for FMFC is an international friendly against Atlante FC on Thursday, July 20th at 7pm.
United Soccer League One Stories from July 8, 2023
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- North Carolina FC Take a 2-2 Draw with One Knoxville SC - North Carolina FC
- Forward Madison Wins off of Derek Gebhard's First-Half Goal - Forward Madison FC
- Kickers Fall on the Road at Union Omaha - Richmond Kickers
- Forward Madison Wins off of Derek Gebhard's First-Half Goal - Forward Madison FC
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