Forward Madison FC recorded its biggest win of the season Saturday night, a 4-1 victory over Hartford Athletic at Breese Stevens Field.
The Flamingos improved to 3-3-3 and moved up to sixth place in the USL League One standings with the victory. Forward Madison is unbeaten in its last four matches (2-0-2) and has outscored opponents 10-3 in that stretch.
Hartford fell to 0-7-2 and is winless since winning the season opener on March 13. The loss was Hartford’s fifth straight and the team has been outscored 20-6 during that span.
Forward Madison grabbed an early lead when a long throw-in from Derek Gebhard found the head of Brett Halsey in the 18th minute. Halsey’s header beat Hartford goalkeeper Tomas Romero to give the Flamingos a 1-0 lead.
The Flamingos doubled their lead just before halftime when Justin Sukow’s cross from the left wing found the head of Jake Keegan at the far post. Keegan’s header gave Forward Madison a 2-0 lead in the 42nd minute.
Hartford got back into the game in the 50th minute when substitute Mamadee Nyepon’s cross found the head of substitute Donald Benamna. Benamna’s header cut the deficit to 2-1.
But Forward Madison regained its two-goal lead in the 63rd minute when Kieran Ryan’s cross from the right wing found the head of David Goldsmith in the six-yard box. Goldsmith’s header gave the Flamingos a 3-1 lead.
Forward Madison put the game away in the 89th minute when Keegan scored his second goal of the night. Keegan’s goal came off a rebound after his initial shot was saved by Romero.
Forward Madison will return to action Wednesday night when it hosts North Texas SC at Breese Stevens Field. Hartford will return to action Saturday night when it hosts FC Tucson at Dillon Stadium.
Here are some additional notes from the match:
* Forward Madison outshot Hartford 16-10, including 7-4 in shots on goal.
* Forward Madison won the corner kick battle 5-1.
* Forward Madison goalkeeper Josh Cohen made three saves, while Hartford goalkeeper Tomas Romero made four saves.
* Forward Madison is now 2-0-1 against Hartford all-time.
* The attendance for the match was 4,623.
* Forward Madison’s next match is Wednesday night at home against North Texas SC. Hartford’s next match is Saturday night at home against FC Tucson..
