Forward Madison Take Home One Point In First Match of 2024
The ‘Mingos finish with their season opener in a draw, 1-1, against South Georgia Tormenta FC.
Lineup Notes
MAD: GK Schipmann, DF Sousa, DF Osmond, DF Mehl, DF Chilaka, DF Payne, MF Boyce, MF Murphy Jr (Dávila, 86’), MF Villalobos (Cichero, 80’), FW Gebhard (Bartman, 67’), FW Galindrez (Chaney, 67’)
Subs not used: Sanchez, Fuderer, Prentice
TRM: GK Parker, DF Akoto, DF Dengler, DF Yee, DF Lombardi (Stretch, 77’), MF Steedman (Doyle, 59’), MF Tunbridge (Rodriguez, 70’), MF Ferreira, FW Khoury (Campos, 77’), FW Vivas (Watson, 78’), FW Spengler
Subs not used: Ramos, Romig
Match Action
The ‘Mingos started with their foot on the gas. Less than a minute into the game, defender Stephen Payne crossed the ball into the middle of the box where it found an open forward, Juan Galindrez. Attempting a one-touch shot, Galindrez hit the ball over the post to keep the game at zeros.
In the 18th minute, defender Ferrety Sousa ran up the left side of the field, passing the ball to Galindrez, who did a give-and-go with midfielder Jimmie Villalobos. Gallindrez took a near post shot but was blocked by Tormenta’s goalkeeper and the rebound was missed by both Payne and Sousa. The ‘Mingos continued to put the pressure on, but the half ended 0-0.
In the second half, Tormenta started with speed, having an early chance on goal in the 47th minute. However, Forward regained its footing and continued to build possession between its new midfield trifecta with John Murphy Jr., Devin Boyce, and Villalobos. Christian Chaney and Nazeem Bartman subbed on for Forward to give some added momentum in the 67th minute. Two minutes later, Bartman passed the ball into the middle of the box where Boyce buried it into the back of the net to put the ‘Mingos up one. It was the first goal of the 2024 season for Forward, and the first goal for Boyce in a pink and blue jersey.
Both Forward and Tormenta made a few more subs late in the half to keep fresh legs on. In the 78th minute, Chaney and Bartman both had chances on goal to extend the visiting team’s lead. The game carried on with Forward switching to a defensive state as the clock dwindled.
Eight minutes of extra time were added to the end of the second half. Six minutes in, late Tormenta substitute, Niall Watson, scored just inside the six-yard box to level the game, 1-1. The game would end a few minutes later with both sides taking home a point.
Goal Summary
1-0 MAD – Boyce, assisted by Bartman (69’)
1-1 TRM – Watson, assisted by Okoto (90+6’)
Disciplinary Summary
Yellow, MAD – Galindrez (39’)
Yellow, TRM – Fonseca (90+2’)
Yellow, MAD – Boyce (90+8’)
Yellow, TRM – Spengler (90+10’)
Post Match Reaction
“We are obviously frustrated conceding so late after such a solid defensive performance by the whole team, but we have a lot of positives to build on,” said captain Mitch Osmond. “The foundation that we worked hard to build in preseason showed throughout the game tonight, and now we need to make sure we take all three points from games like this.”
“I am thrilled to get my first goal with the club,” said midfielder Devin Boyce. “I think it was evident that this team has a lot of quality and I’m excited to see us keep growing throughout the season.”
“I thought we were the better team on the night and deserved all three points,” said Head Coach Matt Glaeser. “We have to do a better job of finishing chances and finishing off games. It’s still early and we have lots to improve, but, overall, I’m really pleased with the performance and effort.”
Mingo of the Match
#8 Devin Boyce
Next Match
Catch Forward Madison FC play in the first round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup at historic Breese Stevens field on March 19th. The ‘Mingos will face border rivals, Duluth FC of the National Premier Soccer League at 6pm CT. Secure your seats to the game by purchasing your tickets here.
