In front a 4,462 – a sellout crowd – Forward Madison FC was unable to build upon their momentum from last week’s victory and only managed a 0-0 draw against visiting Greenville Triumph SC at Breese Stevens Field in the club’s home-opener. The 30-minute delayed start to allow for the pitch to be cleared of snow seemed to affect the play of both teams as they traded possession and struggled to create quality scoring chances.

Lineups

Gates are now open at Breese Stevens Field! Come on in, Madison! Here's how the Flamingos line up for our inaugural home opener:#MADvGVL | #FullMingo pic.twitter.com/zFd8Hc0QGj

— Forward Madison FC (@ForwardMSNFC) April 27, 2019

Mason Toye started once again as the target forward of a three-pronged attack, flanked by Paulo Júnior on the left and Jiro Barriga Toyama, making his first start of the season, on the right, in place of the suspended Don Smart. Carter Manley started in his usual position on the right of a four-man backline, alongside captain Connor Tobin, last week’s goal scoring hero Shaun Russell, and Christian Díaz. Midfielder Ally Hamis Ng’anzi was named to the gameday 18, but remained an unused substitute.

Forward Madison was also without regular starter J.C. Banks, whose father – former United States Men’s National Team player Jimmy Banks, passed away earlier in the week, whom the team commemorated by wearing black armbands.

First half

From the opening whistle, Greenville took control of the game, which the visitors maintained throughout the first half. The Triumph started brightly with a first minute corner. The visitors continued their pressure and Paul Clowes’ right-footed ninth minute effort was the game’s first shot on goal. The ensuing minutes saw continued pressure, with a series of fouls and attempts, none of which, however, seriously troubled Ryan Coutler in the Forward Madison goal.

The Flamingos finally gained a foothold in the match with Paulo Júnior sending a 26’ shot wide of the Greenville goal. Shortly thereafter, the visitors regained control and dominated position as the halftime whistle neared. The visitors were unable to produce quality chances with all their possession, however, and they entered the half with hopes to capitalize on their possession in the second half.

Second half

The second half opened much as the first ended, with Greenville in control. This control was short lived, as the hosts turned the tables on their guests and exerted themselves on the match after this early spell of Triumph SC possession. As the half progressed, the Flamingos had a series of half chances and shots off target. Like their opponents, Forward Madison could not capitalize on the amount of possession they held. In a game short of chances, neither team seriously troubled the other’s defense. Despite dominant spells of possession from both sides, chances were at a premium: Greenville managed just 4 shots on target during the entire game, while the Flamingos did not register a single shot on goal. As a result, both teams settled for a point in cold, snowy conditions in Madison.

While the offensive struggles resurfaced after their two goals against Orlando City B last week, the Flamingos can take pride in keeping their first clean sheet of the season.

The Flamingos’ (1-2-1, 4 points) next match is another home fixture against Toronto FC II on Saturday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Loons loanees

Carter Manley: Once again, Manley was an attacking option down the right flank for the Flamingos all game, with an especially fine attacking run in the 25^th minute. He provided a number of crosses in both halves, but the quality was somewhat wanting on many of his crosses. On others, his teammates’ finishing was lacking. All this attacking meant that Manley spent a lot of time near the halfway line and in the opponent’s half. He relied on strong rotational play by his center backs to cover for his attacking forays.

Mason Toye: Toye had a quiet game and struggled to make his mark. In the first half, his most notable contribution was committing a foul, receiving a talking-to from referee Joshua Encarnacion, and avoiding a yellow card. Toye was a bit more active in the second half as the Flamingos enjoyed much more of the ball. However, his clearest chance was a weak header in the 88^th minute. This certainly was not the best of Toye’s early season games for Forward Madison.

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