Wikipedia

Forward Madison FC

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Forward Madison FC is an American professional soccer team based in Madison, Wisconsin. The team was founded in 2018, and played its inaugural season in 2019. The team competes in the third division of the US soccer league system, USL League One, and plays their home matches at Breese Stevens Field.

Forward Madison FC
Nickname(s)Flamingos, the 'Gos
FoundedMay 17, 2018; 6 years ago (2018-05-17)
StadiumHart Park
(temporary for 2020)
Capacity1,347[1]
OwnerBig Top Events
Chief Operating OfficerConor Caloia
CoachCarl Craig
LeagueUSL League One
20207th Place
Playoffs: DNQ
Websitehttps://www.forwardmadisonfc.com
Current season

History

In January 2018, it was announced that Big Top Events, which owns the Madison Mallards and has operated Breese Stevens Field since 2015, were planning to bring a soccer franchise to Madison which would begin in early 2019.[2] As part of the plan, Big Top Events looked to have $2 million invested into renovating the stadium, pending a contract renegotiation with the City of Madison.[3] Big Top Events wished to have a longer term lease, along with an increase in the number of concerts at the stadium, more employees at the venue, and $1.6 million from the city for facility upgrades.[4]

On May 15, 2018, the Madison City Council approved a new ten-year contract with Big Top Events. As part of the agreement, the city agreed to pay $1.3 million toward facility improvements.[5] This included an expansion of the stadium for a seating capacity of 5,000.[6] Following this, Madison were officially announced as the fourth founding member of USL League One on May 17, 2018.[7] The professional league, which is the third-division in the US soccer league system, began in March 2019.[8][9] Madison became the first team based in the Midwestern United States to join the league, and is the only current outdoor professional soccer team in Wisconsin.[10] Following the announcement, Peter Wilt was appointed as managing director of the team.[11] Wilt is well-known for founding new clubs; Madison was the sixth team Wilt helped launch, having previously been involved in the formation of teams such as Chicago Fire and Indy Eleven.[12][13]

 
Logo of Madison Pro Soccer prior to the club name being chosen

In June 2018, Madison Pro Soccer began a "Name Your Club" online voting contest to recommend a name for the team.[14][15] Names under consideration spanned from traditional football names like "Madison United FC" to such whimsical choices as "Holsteins", "Madison Curds", and "77 Square Miles SC". On July 16, it was announced that the final vote was between the names "Forward Madison FC/SC" and "AFC Madison".[16] Forward Madison FC was announced as the official name on November 18, 2018, along with the logo and team colors, at an event at the Wisconsin Historical Society.[17] "Forward" is the state motto of Wisconsin.[18]

On September 27, 2018, Daryl Shore was announced as the first head coach of Madison.[19][20] He will also serve as the technical director of the team.[21][22] Shore had previously worked in various roles at Chicago Fire with Peter Wilt, and served as the interim coach of Real Salt Lake in 2017.[23][24] In September 2018, Don Smart was the team's first player signing, which was announced on October 24.[25]

The club announced, on December 7, 2018, a one-year affiliation agreement with Minnesota United FC of Major League Soccer.[26]

Following the club's inaugural season, Peter Wilt left to take a position with the league, developing supporters groups and assisting teams with their fan engagement.[27]

On March 5, 2020, the Forward Madison FC announced a one-year affiliation agreement with the Chicago Fire FC of Major League Soccer.[28]

On December 1, 2020, Carl Craig was announced as the head coach and technical director. Craig had previously served as the head coach of NASL club Minnesota United.[29]

Social media presence

The team started receiving national attention in January 2019, during the polar vortex, when the social media intern tweeted a photo of a plastic flamingo stuck in the snow accumulating on the field.[30] Within a few days, the snow became deep enough to cover the entire flamingo.[31] This second tweet went viral, ending up with over 22 thousand likes, and 7.8 thousand retweets.[32] "Full mingo" has become a catchphrase for the team.[31][33]

Forward Madison has continued to have a strong digital media presence, which the club uses to promote itself to fans outside of the Madison area, billing itself as "the world's second favorite team".[33][34]

Mascot

On May 4, 2019, Forward Madison unveiled its dairy cow mascot, named "Lionela Bessi" following a fan vote.[35][36] Bessi was brought back for the club's second season.[37]

Stadium

 
Breese Stevens Field hosts the team's matches.
Further information: Breese Stevens Field

The team plays their matches at Breese Stevens Field in Madison, which was expanded from a grandstand capacity of 3,740 to 5,000.[38] The stadium, which was built in 1925, is the city's oldest sports park. It is owned by the City of Madison and has been operated since 2015 by Big Top Events.[6] The venue has been designated as a city landmark since 1995, and in 2015 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[39] The stadium hosts the East High School soccer and football teams, the Madison Radicals ultimate team, as well as other sport competitions, concerts, and community events.[4]

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the club moved its 2020 USL League One season games to Hart Park in Wauwatosa, seventy-five miles away.[1][40]

Attendance

Forward Madison FC's inaugural 2019 season saw an average home attendance of 4,292, the highest in USL League One.[41][42]

Uniforms

Badge and colors

The team's logo features a flamingo, as the city's official bird is the plastic flamingo lawn ornament.[43] It was designed by Madison-based graphic design firm Planet Propaganda.[44]

The color blue comes from the Madison flag, as does the white sash. At the bottom of the badge, Roman numerals spell out 608, the city's area code.[45]

Sponsorship

Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor Sleeve sponsor
2019   Hummel Dairyland Insurance None
2020–present Just Coffee Co-op

Uniform History

Forward Madison's home jerseys feature a sky blue field with white sash, a reference to the city's flag (which itself references the geography of the city on an isthmus). A sublimated flamingo design appears on the home shirt, and sublimated pink flamingos dot the club's inaugural white away jersey.[43]

On March 14, 2020, Forward Madison unveiled its second-ever change shirt. The design features diagonal pink stripes, with names of 900 season ticket holders in the white space between.[46] The shirt was designed by members of the supporters group The Flock, in what is believed to be a first for professional sports.[47]

The club's original pink-patterned third jersey, worn in U.S. Open Cup appearances, was selected as the best world soccer jersey in satellite radio channel SiriusXM FC's 2019 "Kit of the Year" competition. It defeated the Chicago Red Stars home kit with over 200,000 votes.[48][49] A new third kit, featuring a swirling pattern of navy blue, sky blue, and pink, was unveiled on May 23, 2020.[50][51] Called the "Drip Kit", it was inspired by team designer Cassidy Sepnieski's experiments with hydro dipping.[52]

Home

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019–present

Away

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020–present

Alternate

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020–present

Supporters

The club recognizes five independent supporters groups, each with a different focus.[53] The Flock is the first and largest group, and the Independent Supporters' Association for the club.[54] The other groups are La Barra 608, by and for Latinx fans, Forward Union with a focus on community service, Featherstone Flamingos, an inclusive group that celebrates Black culture (named for Don Featherstone, creator of the plastic lawn flamingo), and Mingo Ladies for supporters who identify as women. A portion of members of the Flock also run a group centered around civic engagement called "Pink Tape".[55]

The club also has an international membership program called Mingos Worldwide, which comes with a scarf bearing their promotional slogan "The World's Second Favorite Team".[34][18]

Players and staff

Current roster

As of October 25, 2020[56]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK   AUT Philipp Marceta
3 MF   USA Eric Leonard
4 DF   USA Gustavo Fernandes
6 MF   USA Brandon Eaton
8 MF   USA Michael Vang
9 FW   POL Wojciech Wojcik
10 MF   USA J. C. Banks
11 FW   BRA Paulo Jr.
13 DF   USA Connor Tobin (captain)
14 FW   USA Jamael Cox
No. Pos. Nation Player
15 DF   USA Jalen Crisler
17 DF   USA Eli Lockaby
19 MF   TAN Vital Nizigiyimana
21 MF   USA Louis Bennett II
23 DF   USA Carl Schneider
27 DF   MEX Christian Díaz
31 FW   USA Noah Fuson
33 GK   USA Brandon Barnes
44 DF   TRI Josiah Trimmingham
77 FW   JPN Jiro Barriga Toyama

Coaches and management

Coaching staff
  Carl Craig Head coach and technical director
  Neil Hlavaty Assistant coach
  Jim Launder Assistant coach
Sport management and organization
  Conor Caloia Chief operating officer
  Vern Stenman President

Record

Year-by-year

Year Division League Regular Season Playoffs US Open Cup
2019 3 USL1 4th National Semifinals 3R
2020 3 USL1 7th Did not qualify Cancelled

Head coaches record

As of October 24, 2020
  • Includes Regular Season, Playoffs, U.S. Open Cup. Excludes friendlies.
Name Nationality From To P W D L GF GA Win%
Daryl Shore   United States September 27, 2018 October 27, 2020 48 19 13 16 59 45 039.58
Carl Craig   England December 1, 2020 Present 0 0 0 0 0 0 !—

References

  1. ^ a b Nuoffer, Justin (July 9, 2020). "Forward Madison FC has new home field in Wauwatosa for 2020 season". Madison.com. Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  2. ^ Becker, Abigail (January 19, 2018). "Breese Stevens Field operators take steps to draw minor league soccer franchise to Madison". The Capital Times. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  3. ^ Arthur, Keely (January 24, 2018). "Events company looking to bring minor league soccer to Breese Stevens Field". Channel3000.com. WISC-TV. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  4. ^ a b Mosiman, Dean; Wroge, Logan (January 25, 2018). "Madison weighs big changes for Breese Stevens Field". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  5. ^ Becker, Abigail (May 8, 2018). "Finance Committee approves 10-year Big Top contract, upgrades at Breese Stevens Field". The Capital Times. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  6. ^ a b Milewski, Todd D. (May 16, 2018). "In move toward pro soccer launch, City Council approves new contract with Big Top Events". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  7. ^ "Madison Unveiled as Fourth USL Division III Founding Member". USLD3.com. USL League One. May 17, 2018. Archived from the original on September 25, 2018. Retrieved September 23, 2018.
  8. ^ Milewski, Todd D. (May 18, 2018). "It's official: Madison pro soccer team will join USL Division III league as founding member in 2019". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  9. ^ Becker, Abigail (May 17, 2018). "Breese Stevens Field will be home to Madison pro soccer team in 2019". The Capital Times. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  10. ^ Williams, Marylee (May 18, 2018). "Madison Getting First-Ever Professional Men's Soccer Team". WPR.org. Wisconsin Public Radio. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  11. ^ Milewski, Todd D. (May 17, 2018). "Big Top hires Peter Wilt to launch pro soccer team at Breese Stevens Field in 2019". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  12. ^ Mahoney, Ridge (May 30, 2018). "Peter Wilt talks about starting up another soccer team in Madison, independent landscape and his days in Chicago and Indianapolis". socceramerica.com. Soccer America. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  13. ^ Milewski, Todd D. (May 17, 2018). "Big Top hires Peter Wilt to launch pro soccer team at Breese Stevens Field in 2019". wiscnews.com. WiscNews. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  14. ^ Michael, Popke (May 31, 2018). "Big time soccer". Isthmus. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  15. ^ Chappell, Robert (June 1, 2018). "Voting Underway to Name Madison's Pro Soccer Team". madison365.com. Madison365. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  16. ^ "Name Your Club Finals". madisonprosoccer.com. Madison Pro Soccer. July 16, 2018. Archived from the original on September 24, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  17. ^ Joyce, Jason (November 18, 2018). "'Embrace the pink!' Forward Madison F.C. soccer team reveals name, logo, colors". madison.com. The Capital Times. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  18. ^ a b Rueter, Jeff (August 12, 2019). "How USL's Forward Madison built a cult-like following in its inaugural year". theathletic.com. The Athletic. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  19. ^ "Head Coach Reveal Party". madisonprosoccer.com. Madison Pro Soccer. September 25, 2018. Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  20. ^ Lueneburg, Chris (September 27, 2018). "Madison Pro Soccer announces head coach". Channel3000.com. WISC-TV. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  21. ^ Milewski, Todd D. (September 27, 2018). "Daryl Shore named first head coach for Madison Pro Soccer team". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  22. ^ "Daryl Shore Named First Madison Pro Soccer Head Coach". USLD3.com. USL League One. September 27, 2018. Archived from the original on September 28, 2018. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  23. ^ Kennedy, Paul (September 27, 2018). "USL League One Moves: Shore reunited with Wilt in Madison". socceramerica.com. Soccer America. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  24. ^ "Madison Pro Soccer names first head coach". NBC15.com. WMTV. September 27, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
  25. ^ "Special Message from Managing Director Peter Wilt". madisonprosoccer.com. Madison Pro Soccer. September 25, 2018. Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved September 25, 2018.
  26. ^ Milewski, Todd D. (December 7, 2018). "Forward Madison FC unveils affiliation with MLS' Minnesota United". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  27. ^ Milewski, Todd D. (October 24, 2019). "Peter Wilt leaves Forward Madison FC managing director role for job with USL". madison.com. The Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  28. ^ Journal, Todd D. Milewski | Wisconsin State. "Forward Madison FC unveils affiliation with MLS' Chicago Fire FC for 2020 season". madison.com. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  29. ^ "Forward Madison names Carl Craig as new Head Coach". forwardmadisonfc.com. Forward Madison FC. December 1, 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
  30. ^ @forwardmsnfc (January 25, 2019). "Current level of snow in Madison: 1/2 a pink flamingo" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  31. ^ a b @forwardmsnfc (January 28, 2019). "FULL MINGO!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  32. ^ Savir, Merav (May 20, 2019). "Born Into the Digital Age, Forward Madison FC is Already Making Great Content Strides". Medium.
  33. ^ a b Murray, Nicholas (February 9, 2019). "Going Full-Mingo – Forward Madison FC Wants to Be Your Second-Favorite Club". uslleagueone.com. United Soccer League. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  34. ^ a b "Mingos Worldwide". forwardmadisonfc.com. Forward Madison FC. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  35. ^ Eanet, Lindsay (November 18, 2019). "Gathering the Flock: Building a Club, a Culture and a Brand in Madison". whatahowler.com. Howler Magazine. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  36. ^ @ForwardMSNFC. "Before we kick off, we've got a big announcement to make: Please welcome the newest member of Forward Madison - as voted for by the fans, it's Lionela Bessi! [Cow emoji]" (Tweet) – via Twitter. {{Cite tweet}}: Invalid |number= (help)
  37. ^ "Forward Madison brings back Lionela Bessi FOR 2020 Season". forwardmadisonfc.com. Forward Madison FC. October 28, 2019. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
  38. ^ "Breese Stevens Field". cityofmadison.com. City of Madison Parks Division. Archived from the original on September 24, 2018. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  39. ^ Johnson, Allie (December 5, 2014). "Breese Stevens Field gets recognized as a national landmark". Isthmus. Retrieved September 24, 2018.
  40. ^ "Forward Madison set for home games at Hart Park in Wauwatosa". ForwardMadisonFC.com. Retrieved July 9, 2020.
  41. ^ Li, Caroline. "Forward Madison finishes at home with impressive win over league regular season champion". The Badger Herald. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  42. ^ Chappell, Robert. "Best of 2019: "There's Nothing Better." Forward Madison Reflects on First Season, Looks Ahead to 2020". Madison365. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  43. ^ a b Joyce, Jason (March 9, 2019). "Forward Madison soccer team debuts 'unexpected' uniforms". Madison.com. The Capital Times. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  44. ^ Joyce, Jason (November 26, 2018). "A fierce flamingo: The making of Forward Madison F.C.'s team identity". madison.com. The Capital Times. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  45. ^ Behling, Andrea (December 19, 2019). "8 things you might not have noticed about the Forward Madison logo". channel3000.com. Madison Magazine. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  46. ^ Thomas, Ian (March 16, 2020). "As Sports World Pauses, Forward Madison Goes Digital With Jersey Event". Front Office Sports. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  47. ^ Maurer, Pablo (March 12, 2020). "With fan-designed away kit, Forward Madison continues to challenge norms". The Athletic. Retrieved April 6, 2020.
  48. ^ "Forward Madison named team with best jersey in the world". wkow.com. WKOW 27. December 20, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  49. ^ "Forward Madison Wins Award for Best Jersey in World Soccer". forwardmadisonfc.com. Forward Madison FC. December 20, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  50. ^ @Pigsonthewing (May 23, 2020). "An alternate jersey for the ages: Introducing the Drip Kit. (Droplet emoji) Get yours: https://squ.re/2Zv1zfC" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  51. ^ Yoesting, Travis (May 23, 2020). "Holy Shit They Did It Again — Third-Tier USL Side Drops Season's Best Kit". the18.com. The18. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  52. ^ Klein, Jason (May 23, 2020). "Flamingos' designer Cassidy Sepnieski created original artwork for new jersey". www.forwardmadisonfc.com/. Forward Madison FC. Retrieved May 28, 2020.
  53. ^ "Supporters". forwardmadisonfc.com. Forward Madison FC. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  54. ^ Li, Caroline (October 22, 2019). "Flocking to the field: Forward Madison FC, fans take Madison by storm". badgerherald.com. The Badger Herald. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  55. ^ Jones, Sam (February 24, 2020). "Pink Tape Looks to "Flock the Vote"". Madison Commons. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
  56. ^ "Forward Madison FC 2020 Roster". Forward Madison FC. Retrieved February 17, 2020.
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