Forward Madison’s four-game unbeaten streak came to an end Sunday as the Flamingos fell 2-0 on the road to league leaders Greenville Triumph SC. Forward conceded one goal early and another one late in what the team will hope is a temporary bump in the road

Greenville striker Lachlan McLean opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a goal from close range. McLean received the ball with his back to goal, spinning around to bounce a shot past Flamingos goalkeeper Philipp Marceta.

Forward’s J.C. Banks came close to equalizing before the break, but his rolling shot from the top of the penalty area was parried by Jaye in the 43rd minute.

The Flamingos pushed ahead in the second half, but struggled to create chances, ultimately coming up short against a defense that has now allowed only six goals in 10 games.

In the end, it was Greenville’s Jake Keegan who sealed the game by doubling the Triumph’s lead in the 81st minute. Keegan powered a low shot from the edge of the area to Marceta’s far post, all but confirming defeat for Forward Madison.

Midfielder Fito Ovalle made his first start for the Flamingos, while defender Connor Tobin didn’t make the trip due to personal reasons. With Tobin out of the starting lineup for the first time in club history, it was defender Christian Diaz who assumed the captain’s armband.

Defender Jalen Crisler also made his long-awaited return from injury, coming on as a substitute in the 87th minute.

Following Sunday’s loss, Forward Madison will head west for a visit with FC Tucson on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The Flamingos remain fifth in USL League One, still five points off a playoff spot.

Greenville Triumph SC: Dallas Jaye; Tyler Polak, Cesar Murillo, Evan Lee, Brandon Fricke (Andrew Booth 84’); Paul Clowes (Colin Stripling 66’), Aaron Walker, Noah Pilato; Alex Morrell, Omar Mohamed (Joshua Donnelly 65’), Lachlan McLean (Jake Keegan 74’)

Unused Substitutes: Paul Christensen, Trevor Swartz

Forward Madison FC: Philipp Marceta; Jiro Barriga Toyama (Eli Lockaby 61’), Gustavo Fernandes, Eric Leonard, Christian Diaz; Fito Ovalle (Jamael Cox 72’), Michael Vang (Noah Fuson 72’), J.C. Banks; Paulo Júnior, Don Smart (Jalen Crisler 88’), Wojciech Wójcik (Alex Monis 87’)

Unused Substitutes: Chris Brady, Allan Rodriguez

Goals
Greenville Triumph
Lachlan McLean 25’
Jake Keegan 81’

Discipline
Greenville Triumph
Omar Mohamed 35’ (yellow)
Evan Lee 45+2’ (yellow)

Forward Madison
Fito Ovalle 29’ (yellow)

Referees
Joshua Escobar
Dallas Rosier
Briana Marshall
Kevin Broadley

Venue
Legacy Early College Field - Greenville, SC