MADISON, Wis. - Forward Madison FC announced today the club’s 2023 international friendly will be against Atlante FC of Mexico’s Liga de Expansión MX on Thursday, July 20 at 8 p.m. ET. The summer contest will be the two organizations' first-ever match against one another and the fourth time it has faced a second-division Mexican opponent.

"We are excited to face a historic Mexican side who will provide a great test for our squad," Madison COO and Owner Conor Caloia said. "Atlante has won three top-flight titles and has a passionate supporter base. We look forward to a lively atmosphere inside Breese Stevens Field on July 20.”

Atlante FC was founded in 1916 in Mexico City and has three top-flight titles, three Copa MX crowns and two Concacaf Champions League titles. The Iron Colts were relegated from Liga MX following the 2013-14 season and have remained in the Liga de Expansión MX since. Atlante legend Juan Carreño scored Mexico’s first-ever goal in a World Cup match at the Olympic Games in Amsterdam’s 1928 edition.

The 2023 friendly between Madison and Atlante continues Forward Madison FC’s commitment to playing an international friendly every season in Madison. Most recently, FMFC hosted Mexican side Pumas Tabasco at Breese Stevens Field in 2022. Prior to that, FMFC hosted Mexican clubs Leones Negros UdeG and Club Atlético Morelia in Madison.

Tickets are on sale now for this international friendly and can be purchased by calling 608-204-0855 or visiting www.forwardmadisonfc.com.