Forward Madison wins first-ever knockout match at Breese Stevens Field

Mitch Osmond celebrates the opening goal. Sept. 11, 2024.Forward Madison FC hosted their first-ever knockout match at Breese Stevens Field on Wednesday, Sept. 11, defeating Charlotte Independence 2-1 as a part of the new United Soccer League Cup competition.

Forward Madison came into Wednesday night’s game having not lost in their last six matches. The flamingos last loss came in July against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, their opponents in the upcoming final.

Both teams started the match with high intensity, with Independence forcing a diving save out of Flamingo goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann within the first 90 seconds. Schipmann was called to action again only seven minutes later, saving a…