Match Preview: Forward Madison FC vs Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
September 7, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Forward Madison FC News Release
Forward Madison FC returns home to Breese Stevens Field for a USL League One match against the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on September 10th at 7:00 pm CT. The Flamingos take on the Red Wolves for the final time in the regular season on Saturday, following a couple of 1-1 draws. FMFC managed to force draws in both matches by scoring the equalizing goals in the 90+5th minute marks.
The ‘Mingos head back to Breese following a two-game road trip with matches in Nebraska and South Carolina. Forward Madison concluded the trip with a 2-2 draw against Greenville. Jeremiah Streng scored the equalizing goal in the 90+5th minute, while Nazeem Bartman tallied the first goal for the ‘Gos. Looking ahead on the schedule, FMFC will take on North Carolina FC on Saturday, September 17th at 5:00 pm CT.
Chattanooga travels to Madison after a close 2-1 loss against Union Omaha. Next up for the Red Wolves, after taking on FMFC, their squad will take on the Richmond Kickers on September 17th.
Coaches and USL League One 2022 Records:
Forward Madison FC (7-6-11)
Head Coach: Matt Glaeser
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (9-9-6)
Head Coach: Jimmy Weekley
Key Players to Watch:
Forward Madison
Jeremiah Streng: The 20-year-old Finnish striker has found his touch as of late, scoring three of Forward Madison’s last five goals. Streng currently leads the squad in goals (7) and shots (36). The attacker is coming off a clutch performance against the Triumph, scoring a 90+5th minute equalizer to grab a point. Expect the ‘Mingo to continue to see important minutes in this crucial match against Chattanooga.
Mikey Maldonado: Maldonado has created the most chances of all the Flamingos on the squad this season (36). He also helped the Flamingos leave Greenville with a key point, by providing an assist to Streng late in the match. Expect the 24-year-old to make some deep runs and help force chances against Chattanooga back in front of the Forward Faithful.
Mitch Osmond: The Forward Madison captain has been solid on the backline all season and will need to continue to be if the Flamingos hope to slow down the Red Wolves on Saturday. Osmond currently leads the leagues in passes (1,496), and leads his squad in tackles won (28). The Australian defender will need to make some key defensive plays against Chattanooga, who currently have the second most goals in the league (40).
Key Match Up:
Forward Madison FC Strikers vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Backline
The key match up for this contest is the Forward Madison strikers of Jeremiah Streng, Abdou Mbacke-Thiam, Rojay Smith, and Nazeem Bartman versus the Chattanooga Red Wolves’ backline of Daniel Navarro, Timmy Mehl, Aaron Lombardi, and Devin Bentoni. In the previous two matches this season, the clubs played each other very close. Both defenses proved to be strong in the first two matches, which is why Forward Madison will need to get its attack going in order to defeat the Red Wolves. Jeremiah Streng and Nazeem Bartman are two of the hottest ‘Mingo strikers at the moment, as they both scored against Greenville. Expect coach Matt Glaeser to have all of his attackers ready to create chances, take shots, and hopefully score plenty of goals against the Chattanooga backline.
The Chattanooga backline heads into Breese Stevens Field following a rough 2-1 loss to Union Omaha on September 3rd. The Red Wolves’ backline has been stellar for most of the season. Navarro and his fellow backline teammates haven’t allowed three or more goals since June 1st, and their squad has the third-least number of goals conceded in the league (30). The backline has also done a decent job of slowing down the ‘Mingos as they’ve held Forward Madison to two goals on the year. If the Flamingos strikers build off their late rally from last Saturday’s game and Chattanooga’s backline continues to play strong defense this matchup should be very close!
Keys to the Match:
Control Possession – Forward Madison managed to control possession for 59% of the first match against Chattanooga, but that number dropped in the second match as the ‘Mingos only controlled possession for 49% of the match. If Forward Madison can control possession and keep the ball on the offensive half of the field, the Flamingos should have no problem creating quality chances to score.
Counterattack frequently – The Flamingos found their groove in the middle of the season scoring off of counterattacks. If Forward Madison can find a way to force turnovers and counter quickly, they should have no problem getting shots past the Red Wolves’ keeper. Matheus Cassini and Mikey Maldonado will need to lead the squad on counters against Chattanooga.
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