Forward Madison dug itself an early hole in its second preseason game, allowing every goal before the half-hour mark in a 4-0 defeat to Louisville City FC. The Flamingos, who have just over a month to prepare for their first regular season game on March 28, managed to stabilize the situation, but will have to take lessons from the defeat.

Louisville's first two goals came off deflections: A block following a corner kick in the 10th minute allowed Cameron Lancaster to push home the rebound; a saved shot in the 12th minute rebounded right to Lancaster's feet, allowing him a second goal.

Louisville's Paolo DelPiccolo and Abdou Thiam added the third and fourth efforts; DelPiccolo struck from distance, while Thiam finished a one-on-one chance.

From there, the Flamingos finally picked up the pace. A game break at the half-hour mark allowed the players to gather together on the field for an impromptu team meeting, and soon the match became a more balanced affair. 

Forward made a bevy of substitutions at both halftime and an hour in, mixing together trialists and giving a chance for most of the roster to stretch its legs.

The Flamingos will now depart for Missouri for its next preseason matchup, a game against Saint Louis FC on Saturday, Feb. 29.

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.