Forward Madison has officially opened their eight season in the Wisconsin capital, although on a massive season opening road trip. Due to the renovations at Breese Stevens Field, mainly turf replacement, the 'Mingos will be away from home until mid-May. That long road trip started well in the league but was not so positive in the Open Cup, seeing Madison bounced out in the opening round. With that elimination, Madison's full focus will be on getting back into the USL League One playoffs and a better finish in the 2026 USL Cup.
@ One Knoxville - 14 March
To open the season Forward Madison headed down to Tennessee for the first match of USL1 season for a showdown with One Knoxville. Coming into the meeting the Flamingos had only defeated Knoxville twice in 10 matches, six of those ending in a draw. An early goal from Knoxville's John Murphy was the first of three goals in the opening half. Madison responded back with goals from defender Turner Humphrey (24') and forward Stephen Annor Gyamfi (39'), with the second proving to be the match winning goal. But the day really belonged to former MNUFC2 player and SuperDraft pick Roman Torres, who had an outstanding match in his first appearance with Madison.
@ Flint City Bucks (USOC) - 19 March
Five days after their season opening win, the Mingos were back on the road, but this time for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Facing USL League Two side Flint City Bucks in Michigan, the away side were the favourites entering the evening. Being in USL2, Flint City is mainly reliant on players in university and their regular season will not begin until May. That means that Flint City had to put a somewhat ragtag group of players together who may or may not end up playing for them during the regular season.
But that group of players ended up defeating Madison by a score of 2–0 in front of over 3,000 fans in Grand Blanc, MI. Annor Gyamfi put in an own goal less than 15 minutes into the contest, handing the Bucks an early lead. Jordy Lopez scored a 67h minute goal to seal the deal and send Madison out of the tournament in just one match.
@ FC Naples - 28 March
After a much needed break following two matches in five days, Madison headed down to Florida for a showdown with FC Naples. In two previous meetings, both in 2025, between the sides Naples won one and the clubs drew the other match. From the outset it was Naples who dominated the match in every facet, but it only takes one play to change the fortunes of the match. That happened in the 20th minute when Stephen Annor Gyamfi secured his second goal of the season, with a header coming off a corner from Roman Torres. Naples defence created issues for Madison the remainder of the evening and prevented another goal. But their attack was unable to put a goal in themselves, sending Madison home with a second win.
Next Up: @ Union Omaha on 11 April
Forward Madison will be off for another week before their next match. This one will be a much shorter trip for the 'Mingos as they head to Omaha, NE for a clash of birds. This will be the Flamingos first trip to Omaha proper since 2023 when the Owls hosted their season opener at University of Nebraska-Omaha's Caniglia Field. This year will be at Creighton University's Morrison Stadium where Union Omaha is making their nest for the 2026 campaign. Previously Union had played at Werner Park, a baseball stadium in the Omaha suburb of Papillion.
