Forward Madison FC 2 - 1 Charlotte Independence

MADISON, Wis. - Forward Madison FC defeated the Charlotte Independence, 2-1, at Breese Stevens Field to advance to the inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup Final. The 'Mingos will make their first final appearance in club history, and in turn, compete for the club's first trophy on September 28.

In the 34th minute, Madison captain Mitch Osmond got onto the end of a wildly deflected shot to put the home side ahead, 1-0. The lead did not last long, though, as Luis Álvarez equalized for Charlotte right before halftime to go into the break, 1-1. Directly after the break, Madison moved in front once again courtesy of a goal from its all-time leading scorer, forward Christian Chaney. The final score would hold at 2-1 in favor of the hosts, but not before each side would have a player sent off in the second half, with the aforementioned Christan Chaney of Madison and Bachir Ndiaye of Charlotte each seeing red.

USLLEAGUEONE.COM PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Mitch Osmond (MAD) – Osmond led his side to victory on both ends of the pitch, having scored a crucial opener while also maintaining a dominant defensive presence. The Australian posted a 98% pass accuracy (49/50), while also winning four tackles and five duels.

SCORING SUMMARY

MAD – Osmond 34' - WATCH
CLT – Álvarez (Johnson) 45+2' - WATCH
MAD – Chaney 47' - WATCH

Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC 2 - 0 Union Omaha

WINDSOR, Colo. - Capping off a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions, Northern Colorado topped Union Omaha by a scoreline of 2-0 at 4Rivers Equipment Stadium to set up a date with Forward Madison FC in the inaugural edition of the USL Jägermeister Cup Final on September 28th. 

An early red card to Omaha's Mechack Jérôme opened the match up in favor of the hosts, but it was not until the 56th minute that the Hailstorm would jump in front thanks to a goal from first-year professional Ethan Hoard. In the 72nd minute, it was the leading scorer in the group stage, Bruno Rendón, scoring to double the Hailstorm advantage, with Omaha's Max Schneider then seeing red in the 76th minute.

USLLEAGUEONE.COM PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Bruno Rendón (NCO) – After leading all players with seven goals in the group stage, Bruno Rendón bagged his 13th goal of the season across all competitions to seal the Hailstorm victory. The Cuban registered six duels won, five recoveries, two shots on target and two fouls won.

SCORING SUMMARY

NCO – Hoard (Opara) 56' - WATCH
NCO – Rendón (King) 72' - WATCH