skip navigation

2023 Season Preview: Forward Madison FC

By ETHAN TRIEBSCH - ethan.triebsch@uslsoccer.com, 03/06/23, 3:45PM EST

Share

Key offseason additions, departures highlight Madison's push for the playoffs in 2023


Key offseason additions, departures highlight Madison's push for the playoffs in 2023 | Image Credit: Forward Madison FC

MADISON, Wis. - Following a special debut season that saw the ‘Mingos finish fourth in the table in 2019, League One original Forward Madison FC has failed to make the playoffs since and is tied with NCFC for the longest active postseason drought in the league. Second-year head coach Matt Glaeser will rely on a retooled and reinvigorated squad as he aims to bounce back from a disappointing debut campaign at the helm.  

A rocky beginning to the season saw Madison record just one win in its first eight league matches, dropping FMFC to the bottom of the table. A midseason surge positioned the ‘Mingos in a playoff position in the season’s penultimate month, but a crushing nine-match winless run to end the season confirmed Madison’s postseason omission. While Madison operated one of the league’s most efficient passing units – dishing out the second-most total passes with the league’s highest passing accuracy – FMFC had a difficult time converting those chances into goals as the ‘Mingos were tied with Omaha with a league-low 34 goals.

FMFC has seen some key offseason departures as five of its six players who recorded more than one goal in 2022 have left Madison ahead of the 2023 campaign. Leading scorer Jeremiah Streng has returned to Finnish side SJK Seinäjoki following the completion of his loan, while 2022 All-League selection Mikey Maldonado and sneakily productive midfielder Matheus Cassini have moved elsewhere in the league. However, Madison has reloaded in a big way by signing Central Valley’s leading scorer Christian Chaney, 2022 OFC Champions League winner Sam Brotherton and 2022 All-League defender Timmy Mehl. 

PlayerS to Watch


Christian Chaney | Image Credit: Central Valley Fuego FC

FWD - Christian Chaney

Madison was able to coax Central Valley’s leading scorer, Christian Chaney, away from his native Fresno in the offseason. The Week 28 Player of the Week was one of just nine players to record double-digit goals in 2022 and led the league in goals added from receiving according to American Soccer Analysis. Chaney brings experience from the Armenian and Maltese Premier Leagues along with USL Championship sides Sacramento Republic FC, Fresno FC and the Charlotte Independence. Averaging over 11 goals per season since 2021, Chaney has a real shot of topping Madison’s single-season scoring record of eight goals. 


Image Credit: Forward Madison FC

DEF - Timmy Mehl

After a pair of League One loan stints amid a career in the USL Championship, Timmy Mehl is now on a permanent contract with a League One side for the first time in his career. The former North Carolina FC, Loudoun United FC and Tampa Bay Rowdies defender earned All-League Second Team honors with the Red Wolves in 2022 after joining Chattanooga on loan from Tampa Bay in June. Mehl hit the ground running with the Red Wolves and proved to be a welcome addition to the Chattanooga backline. The USL Championship loanee scored twice and won nearly 80 percent of his tackles in Chattanooga. 


Follow USL League One

Most Recent USL League One News

Most Read USL League One News

USL League One News