MADISON, Wis. — Forward Madison FC came within inches of reaching its first-ever USL League One Final, as 2024 will not be the year the title will reside in Madison.
After a scoreless 90 minutes, followed by an equally scoreless overtime, the Mingos fell to Spokane Velocity FC 5-4 in penalties Saturday at Breese Stevens Field.
It was the third time in three matches in the 2024 season Forward Madison fell in a shootout.
Spokane advanced in its first season of existence.
The 2024 regular season was Forward Madison’s best since launching in 2019. The Mingos’ third-place finish was their highest ever. Their three losses were the least in club history, and their average of 1.77 points per game in the standings were a club best. The goal differential of 17 was also a club record.
Forward Madison also showed out in the inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup. The team advanced to the final, the first cup final in club history, but lost to Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC.
The Mingos also advanced past the first round in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the third time in club history and first time since 2022 after beating Duluth FC 2-0, however they lost in the second round to Chicago Fire FC II.