Forward Madison traveled to Toronto to face Toronto FC II on Friday, September 17. Kickoff was at 3pm CT. Forward Madison entered the match sitting in 6th in the table, occupying the final playoff spot in the league.
The fairly quiet start to the game did not last long as Forward Madison Striker Ryan Sierakowski launched a rocket into the back of the net in the 41st minute to put the Flamingos up 1-0. That is Sierakowski’s 3rd goal in 3 games for the Flamingos.
Toronto would threaten soon thereafter, receiving a penalty kick in the 44th minute. Forward goalkeeper Phil Breno dove to block the shot from Toronto player Garrett McLaughlin. The half would end with Forward leading 1-0.
The second half had a significant amount of back and forth action, with Forward Madison goalkeeper Phil Breno making several great saves to keep the Flamingos in the lead. Centerbacks Eric Leonard and Connor Tobin had plenty of action to defend, but they held firm through the pressure. Forward Madison subs Gustavo Fernandes and Michael Vang helped bring energy into the side, to gain possession in the final 10 minutes of match. In the 88’ minute, Toronto put pressure on the Flamingos box and netted an equalizing goal.
With the draw, Forward Madison remains in 6th position in the USL League One Table, tied on points with the 5th place squad, South Georgia. Up next for FMFC is a home date on September 25 against Greenville Triumph SC.
