Forward Madison put up a solid fight but ultimately succumbed to defeat in its first preseason game of 2020. The Flamingos held Memphis 901 FC of the USL Championship to a scoreless first half, but ended up falling 3-1 at Birmingham-Southern College.

According to Head Coach & Technical Director Daryl Shore, his team showed necessary signs of progress.

“It was a good effort,” Shore said. “We’re still putting names to faces, but at the end of the day, our principle is that we’re starting to lay the foundation.”

Forward started the game well, holding a tight defensive line against a bevy of Memphis half-chances. Winger Don Smart, the Flamingos’ leading goalscorer in 2019, registered the team’s first shot with an effort that went just wide of the far post in the 19th minute.

The Flamingos changed their lineup at halftime, putting a number of preseason trialists into the game. Memphis, which in contrast has nearly completed its preseason schedule, took advantage, scoring in the 53rd (Brandon Allen), 69th (Dan Metzger) and 84th (Dan Metzger) minutes.

“Overall, I was pleased with the first half,” Shore said. “Second half, obviously we had a bunch of trialists on. I’m happy with their determination, their fight - they kept playing.”

Forward finally pulled one back just before the final whistle courtesy of Milwaukee native J.C. Banks, one of the team’s key players from 2019. Memphis fouled Banks in the 18-yard box on a cross, which led to a penalty kick that the 30-year-old calmly slotted home.

Forward Madison will continue its preseason schedule on Tuesday, Feb. 25 when the team travels up to Kentucky to take on USL Championship runner-up Louisville City FC.

Season tickets for Forward Madison FC’s 2020 season are now available! Get yours by calling 608-204-0855 or visit https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/season-tickets.