Post Match Recap

Rally Madison Triumphant Against Edgewater Castle FC

Madison extend win streak to three with another victory in the Windy City tonight

Lineup Notes

MAD: #3 Maurer (Werth 79’), #7 Fernau (Stanton 59’), #12 Murray, #13 Gordon (Hoelker 79’), #17 Arthur, #18 Walos, #20 Cox (Armstrong 73’), #22 Hevey, #25 Berg (Zillman 46’), #27 C. Arnold (I. Arnold 73’), #30 Shea 

ECF: #1 Vapensky, #3 Boudakh, #4 Lynch, #8 Egan, #12 Leigh, #15 McKibben, #16 Devona, #18 Scesniak, #25 Dominguez, #32 Deschryver (Brown 59’), #33 Hamm

Match Action

Tonight started in Rally’s favor with the team winning a set piece and taking a shot within the first minute of the match. Another set piece was awarded to Rally in the 3’ as they kept on the attack. Hevey fired another shot in the 3’ but it was collected easily by the Edgewater Castle keeper. Fernau had a look in the 4’ but a heavy touch lost her the chance to pull the trigger. Berg saw her first action of the game in the 6’ when she comfortably tucked away a floating shot. Play continued on fairly evenly with both teams finding themselves on the attack. Rally found themselves standing over top of another free kick in a dangerous area the 26’, but Fernau’s strike skipped into the waiting arms of the keeper after taking a few deflections. Hevey was hungry for a goal tonight, sending several attempts into the box but unable to connect with anyone for the finish. It was Murray who found the opening goal in the 35’, taking on the keeper one-v-one and slotting it home. Hevey nearly doubled the lead in the 37’ when she forced another save from the Edgewater Castle goalie. Rally was able to hold onto their one goal lead as they headed into the break.

Rally was the first to test the opposing keeper in the second half as Madison went right back on the attack. Walos sent a good ball into the box in the 52’ but wasn’t able to connect with her mark. Shea continued to put on an impressive showing, stepping up time and time again in the centerback position for Rally to keep danger at bay. Zillman was called into action for her first stop of the night in the 56’ after subbing on for Berg at the start of the second half. Walos steered away a chance from Edgewater Castle in the 60’ to hold the Rally lead. Zillman made another save in the 63’ and sent the ball back the other way. Murray collected the long ball from Zillman and found her second of the night for the brace. Just three minutes later, Gordon buried a header to put Rally up by three. This marked Gordon’s sixth goal of the season. Murray nearly found the hat trick in the 73’ but was stopped by Clark. Zillman came up with a huge save in 83’ and again in the 85’ to keep the sheet clean. Edgewater Castle had a flurry of chances through the final minutes of play, but Rally continued to fend them off. It was Rally on top with three goals to Edgewater Castle’s zero at the final whistle as Madison extended their win streak to three. 

Goal Summary

0-1 (35’) MAD — Murray

0-2 (63’) MAD — Murray

0-3 (66’) MAD — Gordon 

Disciplinary Summary

(50’) ECF  Boudakh— Yellow Card

(78’) ECF Dodge — Yellow Card

Next Match

Next up, Rally Madison FC will return home to face Rockford Raptors FC on Friday, June 19, at Breese Stevens Field. Fans can support the Club by purchasing single-game tickets, season tickets, or shopping at the Rally Merch Store!

About Rally Madison FC: Rally Madison will begin play in May of 2026, featuring the top pre-professional players in the country. More information on the Club and USL W League can be found at www.rallymadisonfc.com.

Rally Madison Complete The Comeback Tonight In Rockford

Madison rallied back in second half to secure all three points in late victory

Lineup Notes

MAD: #0 Zillman, #3 Maurer, #7 Fernau, #8 Christopher, #11 Bever, #13 Gordon, #18 Walos, #22 Hevey, #27 C. Arnold, #28 Mikkelson, #30 Shea

RRF: #2 Eitz, #3 Chaves, #8 Simas, #9 Kling, #12 Mahoney, #13 Novak, #15 White, #21 Schmidt, #23 Coyne, #24 Lepage, #99 Revolorio 

Match Action

Rally Madison FC controlled much of the early tempo, dominating possession in the opening minutes and quickly testing Rockford’s backline. Hevey ignited the attack in the 4’ with a dangerous ball from the left corner, and Gordon and Fernau both found opportunities minutes later as Rally consistently tested the Raptor’s goalkeeper. Despite Madison’s strong offensive presence, the hosts remained dangerous on the counter. Zillman was called into action multiple times, offering a pair of noteworthy one-on-one saves in the 16’ and 25’ to keep the match level. Rockford almost grabbed the lead in the 21’, but Zillman came up big once again with a crucial stop. Rally Madison continued to create chances throughout the half, including a strong effort by Fernau in the 22’ that required a miraculous diving save by the Rockford goalkeeper. Consistent service into the box and high pressure in the attacking third kept Madison in the game, but the finishing touch never came. The breakthrough finally came in the 33’ when Rockford’s Novak delivered a ball over Madison’s midfield and defensive lines to Lepage, who chipped it past Zillman to secure the opening goal and give the hosts a 1-0 lead. Madison attempted to find the equalizer before the break, but the Raptors held the 1-0 advantage into halftime.

Trailing, Rally Madison emerged from the break eager to level. They nearly found the equalizer in the 49’ when a dangerous opportunity prompted another strong save from the Rockford goalkeeper. Madison continued to generate chances, though many came from distance as the visitors searched for renewed offensive rhythm. The breakthrough arrived in the 54’. Rally Madison drew level when a perfectly delivered ball to the right side found Gordon, who buried the chance to tie the match at 1-1. Following Rally Madison’s goal, the match settled into back-and-forth play, with possession generally split equally between the two sides. Both clubs traded scoring opportunities, but the goalkeepers continued to deny quality chances and keep the match deadlocked. Madison nearly grabbed the lead in the 71’ when a powerful left-footed strike almost found the back of the net, but the Raptor’s keeper came up big with an outstanding one-handed save. The visitors continued to push forward and created another goal-scoring opportunity in the 81’ as momentum began to shift in their favor. Rally Madison’s chances culminated during the closing moments of the match. In the 90’, Hevey capitalized to give Rally Madison a 2-1 lead at the death. The hosts searched for a response, but Zillman produced one final clutch save in the 90’+1 to keep the advantage and secure all three points. 

Building on the momentum from the club’s first-ever win Friday night against Rochester FC, Rally Madison secured its second victory of the inaugural season with a hard-fought 2-1 result. 

Goal Summary

1-0 (33’) RRF — Lepage 

1-1 (54’) MAD — Gordon

1-2 MAD (90’) — Hevey

Disciplinary Summary

Next Match

Next up, Rally Madison FC will stay on the road to face Edgewater Castle FC on Thursday, June 16th, at Holmgren Athletic Complex. Fans can support the Club by purchasing single-game tickets, season tickets, or shopping at the Rally Merch Store!

About Rally Madison FC: Rally Madison will begin play in May of 2026, featuring the top pre-professional players in the country. More information on the Club and USL W League can be found at www.rallymadisonfc.com.

Rally Madison FC Wins Big At Home Tonight

Rally Madison controls match against Rochester FC, securing a 3-0 victory 

Lineup Notes

MAD: #0 Zillman (83’ #25 Berg), #3 Maurer, #7 Fernau (59’ #77 Armstrong), #8 Christopher, #11 Bever (59’ #16 Stanton), #13 Gordon (86’ #14 Carrillo), #18 Walos, #20 Cox (77’ #9 Wyttenbach), #22 Hevey (86’ #2 Werth), #27 C. Arnold (86’ #15 Hoelker), #28 Mikkelson

RFC: #1 Dodd, #2 Brito, #7 Markovic (65’ #6 Brienhol), #8 Jackson, #9 Huckaby, #11 Sazali (86’ #12 Schofield), #13 Kane (86’ #5 Ortiz), #16 Hall (65’ #18 Esbak), #21 Addink, #23 Maley (86’ #15 Perry), #24 Stone

Match Action

Rally Madison kicked off its second home match of the week under the bright Madison sun, eager to seize all three points after a winless run. The hosts opened the action in full force, immediately asserting control and dominating possession in the attacking third. The early pressure paid off with multiple chances in the opening minutes, including looks from Gordon and Fernau in the 4’. Rochester threatened briefly in the 5’, but Zillman came up big to hold the match level. Fresh into the first half, Rally Madison established its offensive rhythm with sharp passing, confident movement and strong communication across the pitch. 

The breakthrough came in the 11’ when Gordon found a perfectly placed through ball and sent it into the top right corner to give Rally Madison its well-deserved lead. Gordon remained a force throughout the half, creating space, finding chances and leading the attack with confidence. Rally stayed aggressive, nearly doubling their lead on multiple occasions. Walos and Gordon connected well in the final third, while Bever and Hevey each had dangerous opportunities, including a shot off the post in the 21’. Defensively, the hosts remained just as sharp, with key stops and blocks.

After a brief stoppage due to injury, Rally didn’t lose momentum. Instead, they finished the half strong, continuing to press and create quality chances. Their persistence paid off in stoppage time when Cat Arnold struck from distance, sending a long-range effort over the keeper to double the lead at 2-0.

In the second half, Rally Madison maintained control of possession, continuing to create chances while limiting Rochester’s opportunities. Bever and Hevey both came close to adding another, but the finish came in the 77’ when Gordon netted her second of the night to extend the lead to 3-0. Defensively, Rally stayed locked in, highlighted by a standout save from Zillman on a dangerous free kick in the 80’ to preserve the clean sheet. Rally Madison delivered a complete performance in tonight’s match, securing its first win of the inaugural campaign in front of a spirited home crowd.

Goal Summary

1-0 MAD, Gordon (11’) 

2-0 MAD, C. Arnold (45’+5)

3-0 MAD, Gordon (77’)

Disciplinary Summary

(62’) MAD Armstrong — Yellow Card

Next Match

Next up, Rally Madison FC will hit the road to face Rockford Raptors on Sunday, June 14 at Mercy Health Sportscore 2. Fans can support the Club by purchasing single-game, season tickets, or shopping the Rally Merch Store!

About Rally Madison FC: Rally Madison will begin play in May of 2026, featuring the top pre-professional players in the country. More information on the Club and USL W League can be found at www.rallymadisonfc.com.

Rally Madison Battled Back, but Sioux Falls Prevailed

Rally Madison FC fall 2-1 despite strong second-half response and late chances

Lineup Notes

MAD: #00 Zillman, #8 Christopher, #9 Wytennbach, #11 Bever, #13 Gordon, #16 Stanton, #17 Arthur, #18 Walos, #21 Oliviero, #22 Hevey, #30 Shea

SUBS: (67’) Hoelker, (69’) Hanson, (69’) Carillo, (76’) Rosenfeld, (76’ Armstrong)

SFC: #4 Korsching, #6 Speight, #7 Thomas, #9 Harmon, #11 Christensen, #13 Campbell, #14 Doumos, #15 Laney, #19 Brown, #21 Johann, #24 Donovaan 

SUBS: (90’+2) Murray, (45’) Polanco, (63’) Wilson, (45’) Rowell, (63’) Strait, Hernandez, Mullady, Moreno, (63’) Boateng 

Match Action

Rally Madison FC fell 2-1 on the road at Sioux Falls City FC in the hosts’ home opener, despite battling back after a difficult start. With everything to gain on the road, Rally Madison FC entered the match determined to secure a result, but Sioux Falls came out on the front foot. Sioux Falls set the tone early with high pressure and pace, striking first in the 8th minute before doubling their lead just minutes later. Zillman was busy from the opening whistle in a sweeper-keeper role, including a key stop in the 17th minute to keep it 1-0 before the second goal followed shortly after.

Rally gradually grew into the match, using the wind at their back and finding more control in possession. Gordon provided the breakthrough with a composed finish after beating two defenders and the goalkeeper for her first goal of the season, pulling Rally back into the game. Wyttenbach and Bever both came close to equalizing before halftime, while Zillman made a crucial stoppage-time save to keep it within reach.

After the half, Rally had shifted momentum, becoming the more aggressive side and shedding their early passivity. Rally showed an improved defensive organization, but Sioux Falls continued to generate chances. In the 76th minute, Zillman was forced off and Rosenfeld stepped in. Rosenfeld immediately made an impact, producing crucial saves to keep Rally alive.

Although Rally presented a strong second-half push and late chances, including a near equalizer from Shea in the final moments, they couldn’t find the finish. Despite the result, Rally Madison showed resilience after a difficult start, growing into the match and finishing with intensity. 

Goal Summary

1-0 (8’) SFC — Christensen 

2-0 (19’) SFC — Christensen 

2-1 (31’) RMFC — Gordon

Next Match

Next up, Rally Madison FC will continue its extended road trip to face Minnesota Aurora FC on Thursday, June 4th at TCO Stadium. Rally Madison will attempt to subdue last year’s Division Title-holders after falling to them 2-0 at home. Fans can support the Club by purchasing single-game, season tickets, or shopping the Rally Merch Store!

About Rally Madison FC: Rally Madison will begin play in May of 2026, featuring the top pre-professional players in the country. More information on the Club and USL W League can be found at www.rallymadisonfc.com.

Rally Madison FC Victorious In First-Ever Match Tonight

Rally Madison FC Defeat Chicago House AC In Pre-season Friendly At Breese Stevens

Lineup Notes: 

RM: #00 Zillman (Nelson) (Rosenfeld), #3 Maurer, #6 Sikorski (Arthur), #10 McGuire, #11 Bever (Wyttenbach), #12 Murray, #17 Arthur, #21 Oliviero, #22 Hevey, #24 Budish, #30 Shea

CH: Deardorff, Cisneros, Dray, Bodensteiner, Mahes, Fornelli, Luo, Suptela, O’Malley, Correa, Shields 

Match Action

Rally Madison FC took the pitch for their very first match night at Breese Stevens Field today. This historic moment kicked off at 6:30 against Chicago House AC in a pre-season friendly match. Budish had the first big chance of the game in the 5’ when she took a dangerous free kick just outside the box but it was handled easily by the Chicago House keeper. Budish ripped another shot in the 8’ but only found the side netting. Rally put another shot on goal in the 12’ with their attack remaining relentless, but couldn’t yet find the goal. Rally forced another save in the 15’ as they continued to control the majority of possession. Another House save was forced in the 16’ as Rally remained on the gas. Rally looked like they picked up the lead in the 24’ with a goal from Anna Sikorski, however the goal was called off as it was ruled an indirect free kick that no other Rally players touched and was ruled no goal. Megan Murray found the breakthrough with a beautiful goal in the 28’ to give Rally the lead. Play was interrupted shortly as a rabbit entered the pitch, possibly becoming the most organic introduction of a sports team mascot ever. Enter the Rally Rabbit. Rally continued to easily control pace and tempo of the match, consistently staying in the House final third. Anna Sikorski struck again in the 43’ and this time the goal stood. Rally took the 2-0 lead with them into the break. 

Nelson came up with a big save in the 48’ to keep their sheet clean. The second half carried out fairly evenly with both teams finding themselves in the other’s final third but unable to pick the lock. Rally came out victorious in their first test, holding their 2-0 lead to the final whistle. 

Goal Summary

1-0  RM, Murray (28’) 

2-0 RM, Sikorski (43’)

Disciplinary Summary

Yellow, RM – Budish (45’+7’)

Yellow, RM- C. Arnold (50’) 

Yellow, RM- Mauer (56’) 

Yellow, CH – #22 (82’) 

Next Match

Next up, Rally Madison FC host their very first USL W match in their League Home Opener against Minnesota Aurora FC at Breese Stevens Field on May 23rd. Fans can support the Club by purchasing single game, season tickets or shopping the Rally Merch Store!

About Rally Madison FC: Rally Madison will begin play in May of 2026, featuring the top pre-professional players in the country. More information on the Club and USL W League can be found at www.rallymadisonfc.com.