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Forward Madison Signs Sylvestre as First Goalkeeper

By USLLeagueOne.com Staff, 01/15/19, 10:37AM EST

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26-year-old brings MLS experience from stint with Philadelphia Union

MADISON, Wisc. – Forward Madison FC added its first goalkeeper on Monday as the club announced the signing of 26-year-old Florida native Brian Sylvestre, pending league and federation approval.

Sylvestre, who started 12 matches in 2015 for Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union, brings top-level quality and experience to Madison. Head Coach Daryl Shore believes Sylvestre has the ability to be a standout between the posts for the club.

“Getting a goalkeeper who has played a lot of minutes as a starter in both MLS and the lower leagues, we feel like Brian’s going to be a huge asset for us in goal,” Shore said. “He’s a very good shot-stopper, he commands his box very well and even though he’s only 26 years old he brings a veteran, calming presence to the field.”

Sylvestre grew up in Florida but moved to Canada after high school to join the Vancouver Whitecaps residency program. After persevering through several injuries, he got his big break in 2014 as a member of Penn FC when he put on a spectacular performance against the Philadelphia Union in the U.S. Open Cup. The following season, Sylvestre signed for North Carolina FC but joined the Union on loan after an injury to starter Andre Blake and recorded five shutouts in his 12 starts with the MLS side.

“When their ‘keepers went down, they called me in and gave me my shot,” Sylvestre said. “I had a great little run in MLS for a bit. Played really well, went back to North Carolina and I just kept getting my games.”

Sylvestre met Shore during his youth career in Florida and the two have kept in contact over the years. Now, the pair will team up for Forward Madison’s inaugural season.

“I’m not afraid of anything, I’m very competitive and I always put myself at the highest standard,” Sylvestre said. “I’m going to show my best every single game and hopefully we’re going to bring something special to Madison.”