Forward Madison earned its first road point of the season on Wednesday, taking a 1-1 draw at Union Omaha. Eric Leonard scored his first professional goal, and the Flamingos held on to earn a point despite a late red card.

Leonard opened the scoring for the Flamingos in the 8th minute, finding the mark for his first professional goal. Midfielder Michael Vang served a free kick from far out, and Leonard, who is one of the smaller players on Forward’s roster, out-leaped everyone to head home.

FMFC’s lead wouldn’t last long, though. Defender Connor Tobin went to ground in the 26th minute, trying to win a loose ball in front of the goalkeeper. The referee called a penalty, and Omaha captain Sebastian Contreras made the most of his opportunity, equalizing from the spot in the 28th minute.

New Forward Madison signing Noah Fuson made his professional debut in the second half, coming on to replace Wojciech Wojcik in the 71st minute. Fuson looked lively in his short time on the ball, nearly earning a penalty in the 89th minute after a mazy run through the 18-yard box. 

The Flamingos had to hold on to their point late in the game after defender Josiah Trimmingham was sent off for a second yellow card in the 82nd minute. Trimmingham was penalized for a tug at the shirt of Union Omaha’s Elvir Ibisevic.

Following Wednesday’s draw, Forward Madison will return to Hart Park to face Orlando City B on Sunday, Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. The Flamingos now sit sixth in USL League One, still three points off a playoff place.

Union Omaha: Rashid Nuhu; Damia Viader, Jake Crull, Illal Osumanu, Lucas Hauswirth; Devin Boyce, Tyler David, Evan Conway (Ferrety Sousa 59’), Sebastian Contreras (Juan Mare 90’); Elma N’For (Elvir Ibisevic 60’), Ethan Vanacore-Decker

Unused Substitutes: Sam Howard, Nathan Aune, John Scearce, Austin Panchot

Forward Madison FC: Philipp Marceta; Jiro Barriga Toyama, Josiah Trimmingham, Connor Tobin, Christian Diaz; Eric Leonard, Brandon Eaton (Gustavo Fernandes 71’), Michael Vang (Jamael Cox 58’); Paulo Júnior (Eli Lockaby 85’), Don Smart, Wojciech Wójcik (Noah Fuson 71’)

Unused Substitutes: Chris Brady, Allan Rodriguez, Alex Monis

Goals
Union Omaha
28’ - Sebastian Contreras (pen.)

Forward Madison
8’ - Eric Leonard

Discipline
Union Omaha
45+3’ - Elma N’For

Forward Madison FC
31’ - Josiah Trimmingham (yellow)
83’ - Josiah Trimmingham (second yellow; red)

Referees
Karen Abt
Justin Mack
Matthew Seem
Esad Omanovic

Venue
Werner Park - Papillion, NE