Forward Madison Clinched USL League One Playoff Spot
The club secured a postseason berth following a decisive 3-0 victory at home.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Soccer
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Forward Madison clinched a playoff spot in USL League One after defeating AV Alta 3-0 at Breese Stevens Field. The team currently holds third place in the league table as it seeks to host postseason matches.
Why it matters
Securing a top-four finish is vital for the club, as these positions guarantee the right to host playoff games at Breese Stevens Field. The team is currently building momentum as it aims to compete for the Players' Shield trophy.
Ryan Carmichael recorded his 12th league goal of the season, helping the team maintain its 13-game home unbeaten streak. Forward Madison currently sits in 3rd place, with the top eight teams qualifying for the playoffs.
The players
Forward Madison
This professional soccer club competes in USL League One and plays its home matches at Breese Stevens Field in Madison, Wisconsin.
Ryan Carmichael
He is a key offensive player for Forward Madison who has scored 12 goals during the current league season.
Union Omaha
This professional soccer organization is currently leading the league table seven points ahead of Forward Madison.
The details
Following a ninth-place finish in 2025, management overhauled the roster, retaining only two players from the previous year. This younger squad has successfully translated their efforts into a playoff qualification during the current season.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: Forward Madison clinched a playoff spot.
October 17, 2026: Forward Madison hosts Portland Hearts of Pine.
October 24, 2026: Forward Madison hosts Union Omaha.
October 31, 2026: Forward Madison plays first playoff match.
Season Trajectory
By moving from ninth place last year to a current third-place standing, Forward Madison has fundamentally shifted its role from a rebuilding project to a primary contender. This transformation significantly impacts the playoff picture, putting the club in a strong position to secure home-field advantage.
The club must maintain its current position in the top four to ensure they host games at Breese Stevens Field during the postseason. A failure to hold this spot would require the team to play on the road, altering the difficulty of their playoff path.
The takeaway
Forward Madison has successfully revitalized its program with a younger roster after a disappointing previous season. The team now enters the final stretch of the schedule with a clear objective to secure home-field advantage for the upcoming playoffs.
What happens next
Forward Madison is scheduled to host Portland Hearts of Pine on October 17, 2026, followed by a match against Union Omaha on October 24, 2026. The team will compete in its first playoff match on October 31, 2026.
Further reading
Stay updated on the team's push for the postseason by visiting the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Madison365.
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