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After a year of playing home matches in Wauwatosa because of the pandemic, Forward Madison FC will return to Wisconsin’s capital city in 2021. The USL League One side, which is known for producing bold, interesting jerseys year after year, has nailed it again with this season’s home shirt.
“It’s an homage to Madison,” said kit designer Cassidy Sepnieski. “Last year we didn’t get to play at home, so this is part of the way we’re welcoming fans back home.”
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The kit was unveiled to ‘Mingos supporters Wednesday night at an event at Madison’s Breese Stevens Field. It brings back a white sash across a light blue front, representing the isthmus that separates Madison’s Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.
“It was really important to bring the sky blue and white sash back to this year’s kit,” Sepnieski said. “Supporters voiced their love for that design because of the connection to Madison. This is our tradition. We wanted to bring something fresh while remaining true to who we are.”
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Forward Madison kicks off the 2021 season on the road this Saturday against FC Tucson. The Mingos host North Carolina FC a week later (Saturday, May 15, 7 p.m.) in the club’s 2021 home opener. Forward is beginning the club’s second season of an affiliation with the Chicago Fire, and Fire head coach Raphael Wicky said Wednesday there should be news soon on the first Chicago player heading north on loan.
“We are in talks,” Wicky told reporters. “It’s possible that we will send someone, but it’s not finalized yet. We are talking (about) what is best for the player, what makes sense for the individual player. So we are in talks (about) that. We will update you when we have news there.”
Forward’s new head coach, Carl Craig, spent part of preseason at the Fire’s training camp in Orlando, as did Madison star Michael Vang. Last season the Fire sent homegrowns Alex Monis, Allan Rodriguez, and Chris Brady on loan to the ‘Mingos. Wicky has said he’d like to get more Fire players games with Madison this season.