The ‘Mingos stay in playoff contention with a 2-2 draw against Lexington SC
Forward Madison FC played their second-to-last regular season home match at Breese Stevens Field on Saturday, September 30th. The ‘Mingos faced 9th-place Lexington SC for the third time this season as they looked to take a major step in securing a playoff spot. The club celebrated Latino Heritage Month, with Mexican soccer legend, Carlos Salcido, taking photos with fans before the kickoff at 5pm. The stadium filled up with 5,000 fans, an attendance record for Forward Madison.
It was a hot night and a hot start for the ‘Mingos. In the first twenty minutes, Forward’s attack had their foot on the gas. With close chances from strikers Christian Chaney and Jayden Onen, FMFC looked to break the deadlock. In the 19th minute, FMFC defender Stephen Payne sprinted down the right side and crossed a ball to the 6-yard box. Chaney beat his defender and whipped a header to the back post, just skimming over the crossbar. Forward Madison continued to create opportunities in the final third, and in the 40th minute, they almost capitalized again. Midfielder Isidro Martinez played a ball to the center of the box, finding Onen wide-open. Onen volleyed the ball and Lexington’s goalkeeper Austin Causey made a diving save to keep the game 0-0, heading into halftime.
The second half started with the same intensity, as the ‘Mingos dominated the attack. It wasn’t until the 65th minute that the home squad finally hit the back of the net. Midfielder Derek Gebhard pressured Lexington’s keeper, who bobbled the ball and gave up an easy tap in to Gebhard, putting Forward up 1-0. Ten minutes later, Lexington rallied back in the 74th minute, with a shot from their leading goal-scorer, Ates Diouf, to make the score 1-1. Forward Madison wouldn’t go down easy and quickly stormed down the field, led by Payne, who chipped an ariel ball over Lexington’s goalkeeper to striker Mauro Cichero in the box. Cichero headed the ball into a wide open net to put the ‘Mingos up, once again, 2-1. However, at the end of the match, Lexington was able to equalize once again, with a tap in off of a corner kick from Kimball Jackson. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Forward Madison still pushing for a playoff spot.
Next up, Forward Madison FC travels to play Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC for their last regular season away match. The match can be watched on ESPN+ or in the Forward Club for the FMFC Watch Party, presented by Lake Louie Badger Club. Doors open at 7pm CT, with food and beverages available to purchase. RSVP here.
