FORWARD MADISON FC FALLS 1-0 TO NORTHERN COLORADO HAILSTORM FC IN REGULAR SEASON FINALE
Despite Setback, Forward Madison Prepares to Ignite in Upcoming Playoff Match
Lineup Notes
MAD: #1 Schipmann, #4 Osmond, #5 Mehl (45′ Chilaka), #6 Murphy (82’ Dávila), #9 Chaney, #16 Crull, #17 Gebhard (77′ Dieye), #19 Galindrez (65′ Prentice), #21 Villalobos, #22 Payne (66’ McLaughlin), #25 Sousa
Subs not used: #14 Cichero, #99 Sanchez
NCO: #1 Delgado, #2 Evans, #4 Garcia, #6 Dietrich (61′ Hernández), #13 Opara, #15 Langlois, #19 King (73′ Keegan), #20 Hoard, #27 Rendón, #30 Martinez (88′ Kwakwa), #66 Powder (73′ Keegan)
Subs not used: #10 Parra, #12 Shealy, #55 Gozdieski, #57 Parks
Match Action
Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Forward Madison, courtesy of a late goal in the 82nd minute. The match opened with both teams displaying solid defense and minimal scoring opportunities, as neither side was able to gain a clear advantage in the early stages. Northern Colorado’s Isidro Martinez and Forward Madison’s Christian Chaney each had attempts on goal, but both goalkeepers were alert, keeping the score level heading into halftime. Forward Madison’s goalkeeper, Bernd Schipmann, made three paramount saves in the first half, stopping Northern Colorado from scoring and preventing them from establishing an early lead.
The second half saw an uptick in intensity, with Forward Madison pushing aggressively for a breakthrough. Madison’s Jimmie Villalobos had a promising attempt from outside the box in the 76th minute that narrowly missed the target, keeping fans on edge. However, Northern Colorado remained composed, responding with counter-attacks that tested Forward Madison’s defensive line.
In a decisive turning point, Northern Colorado broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute. A well-timed assist from Real Gill found Bruno Rendón in space in the center of the box, and he slotted a right-footed shot past Schipmann into the top right corner. The goal sent the home crowd into celebration as Hailstorm took a critical 1-0 lead. Madison immediately made an attacking substitution, bringing on Agustín Dávila to spark a comeback, but Northern Colorado’s defense held firm under pressure.
The closing minutes saw Madison pushing aggressively, with Cherif Dieye creating one of their best chances of the match in the 88th minute, heading a cross from Jacob Crull just over the bar. Madison continued to test the Hailstorm defense, winning a corner kick in stoppage time, but Delgado made a crucial save to preserve the lead. Fouls from both teams in the final moments demonstrated the physical intensity of the matchup as each side battled for control.
The match concluded with Northern Colorado clinching an impactful 1-0 victory. The win highlights Northern Colorado’s ability to capitalize on key moments, while Forward Madison, now bumped into the 3rd seed position, will look to bounce back and convert their chances against Charlotte Independence in next weekend’s home playoff match. Tickets are now on sale for Forward Madison’s home playoff match on Saturday, November 2nd at 6pm CT at Breese Stevens Field. Don’t wait– purchase a ticket today and be a part of history!
Goal Summary
HT NCO 0-0 MAD
1-0 NCO – Rendón (82’)
FT NCO 1-0 MAD
Disciplinary Summary
Yellow, NCO – Martinez (19’)
Yellow, MAD – Murphy (24’)
Yellow, NCO – Hoard (36’)
Yellow, NCO – Powder (85’)
Yellow, MAD – Chilaka (89’)
Next Match
Forward Madison FC’s next match marks an exciting milestone as they host their first-ever home playoff match! They’ll kick off their playoff journey at Breese Stevens Field on November 2nd against Charlotte Independence. Kickoff is at 6PM CT, gates open at 5PM. Tickets are ON SALE NOW! $4 mystery beers will be available throughout the night. Come join us as we rally behind our boys in pink and blue!
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 and 2023, 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.
