Rob and Ethan preview Forward Madison's 2026 season with five new signings rounding out the roster to 17 players. Ethan recaps the revamped player meet-and-greet, where he chatted with players and won at trivia. Plus: USL Premier officially named with pro/rel starting 2028, League One regionalization plans, no UW preseason friendly this year, Protagonist Soccer's "Birds of a Feather" patch pack benefiting FMFC's charity of choice, and maybe (?) an academy goalkeeper signing in 17-year-old Kevin Flores. Matt Glaser says it's a reload, not a rebuild — the guys are young, big, and hungry.

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In another special offseason episode, we get to know Forward Madison Sporting Director Matt Cairns and learn about how he's approaching the 2026 roster. We discuss:

- The kind of player he's looking for

- Whether Derek Gebhard will be the only returning player

- Whether the CBA standoff is affecting recruitment and signing

- How he's pitching Madison to prospective players

- Aaron Molloy, because why not

Then, Rob and Ethan talk through the four new roster additions announced since the last time we dropped a pod.

Links:

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In a special off-season episode, Rob & Ethan share their thoughts on the Rally Madison brand as well as the Forward Madison schedule and Prinx Tire USL Cup. Plus, we get acquainted with Rally Madison head coach Giuliano Oliviero, who shared a bit about his 24-year playing career (!), his love for Wisconsin soccer, and what he's most excited about. And finally, we reveal: the most-said word on Talkin' Flock in 2025. It's not what you'd expect!

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PS Sorry if you got a different podcast earlier. The hazards of editing two podcasts on one laptop.

Rob and Ethan are back with a roundup of news on Forward Madison, Madison's W League team, and the US Open Cup. Then, they give their takes on what we learned at the annual Forward Madison Town Hall (and the fact that the club does town halls). We've got thoughts on:

- hints Matt Cairn dropped about what the roster might look like

- how we're going to differentiate the Matts

- the many ways new turf will benefit the club

- officiating (eye roll emoji)

- new teams, scheduling, travel

- lots more

Here's the full audio of the 2025 Forward Madison town hall, held December 3, 2025. COO Conor Caloia, head coach Matt Glaeser and sporting director Matt Cairns answered questions about the plans for 2026, the women's team, the fan experience, red cards for coaches, and lots more ... and announced another pretty impressive player signing. Ethan and Rob will drop a new episode tomorrow with their reactions to the town hall -- watch this feed!

On the pod this week, Rob and Ethan talk through that very rough 4-0 loss to Omaha and how it wasn't quite as bad as the final score would indicate. The weekend's results give Madison a very narrow path to the playoffs, and we go over the possibilities. And in Stoppage Time, some remembrances of Wisconsin's other pro soccer team and a reminder: the good old days are now.

Watch the 1997 A League Final here.

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🦩 Forward Madison are flying high after a dominant 2–1 win over Chattanooga, keeping their playoff hopes alive! This week Rob and Ethan break down the Mingo magic at Breese Stevens Field, celebrate milestone appearances, and analyze the squad’s most complete performance of the year. Plus, an awesome fan interview, league-wide updates, and a quick look at Wisconsin high school soccer rankings.

• Big win over Chattanooga: Purposeful possession, disciplined defending, and goals from Lucca Dourado and Derek Gebhard power the Mingos to victory.

• Injury and roster news: Chris Garcia’s heel injury, Nazeem Bartman’s farewell, and some surprise late-game substitutions.

• Player milestones:

  • Jacob Crull – 101st appearance for the club.

  • Derek Gebhard – 150th career appearance and 11 goals in 10 games.

• League news:

  • Treasure Coast, FL joins USL League One in 2027.

  • Corpus Christi Sharks name Eamon Zayed as head coach.

  • Fort Wayne to unveil new branding Oct. 23.

• Playoff picture: Madison must win out and hope Charlotte slips to grab the final spot.

• Upcoming match: Away at Union Omaha — a must-win clash to stay in contention.

Longtime Madison soccer supporter Todd Schmidt joins Ethan live from the Forward Club. He shares his soccer roots in Waunakee, recalls the time he played against frickin' Iron Maiden - a band Ethan is too young to know - and reflects on this season’s ups and downs.

And in Stoppage Time: the WIAA state tournament approaches! Rob runs through the latest Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association rankings.

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The Mingos and Brewers are both still alive! Forward Madison rides goals from Lucca Dourado and Derek Gebhard, along with dominant defending, to a 2-1 win over second-place Chattanooga. After the match, we caught up with head coach Matt Glaeser, defender Jacob Crull (who was celebrated by the club and supporters on the occasion of his 100th appearance) and goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley.