Part 2 in our team-by-team preview where we try to answer these questions: how could they succeed, and how could they stumble?
Forward Madison FC
It was soon after another disappointing finish for the Flamingos that management casually let slip that only a few would be returning for 2023. Most would agree that a re-tool was in order. And re-tool they did. The current roster as of the time of this writing only includes four returnees. The club made a splash on league one day one as well, bringing on some high-profile talent up front and in the backfield.
How Forward Madison FC could succeed in 2023
The newcomers change everything for the better
Goal scoring in particular was abysmal in 2022. The top scorer was Jeremiah Streng, a loanee from Finland who topped out at seven. The club tied for dead last in goals scored.
On league one day one, the club announced three returnees: defender and captain Mitch Osmond, and forwards Derek Gebhard and Nazeem Bartman. Then they made waves around the league by announcing the free-agent signing of Christian Chaney, who scored ten goals with Fuego FC in 2022. They also brought on three standout defenders, Stephen Payne, Timmy Mehl and Jacon Crull.
Along the way, they added some offensive signings: Mauro Cichero, who had 3 goals and 2 assists with USLC side Charleston Battery; Jayden Onen, who comes to USL1 with plenty of U18 and U21 experience (and goals) in England; and Francis Jno-Baptiste, a young striker looking to find his place after time in England and Latvia. These are low-risk, potentially high-reward signings who, if they do find their place in Madison, could propel the club’s scoring to a new level.
Could this be the year where Forward Madison flips that dreadful goal differential and finally returns to the playoffs?
How Forward Madison could stumble in 2023
The rebuild simply doesn’t work
What if Chaney loses a step or goes out with an injury? What if the new players simply fail to find their place in Madison? While the defense is still solid with a glut of talented backs, USL League One is a place where goals matter.
The club’s success appears to be centered around Chaney. While there are no signs that he won’t be able to match or exceed his production with Fuego FC last year, there are a lot of expectations here, with a lot of unknowns surrounding the support crew.
But then again, USL League One is where wayward goal scorers find their way.
Jno-Baptiste, Jayden Onen, and Mauro Cichero are all looking to prove something in Madison. That could end up being a dangerous thing for opposing defenses, regardless of Chaney’s output.