Forward Madison has become THE flag-bearing professional soccer club in Wisconsin. Talkin' Flock provides insightful and entertaining look at the 'Mingos and what they're doing both on and off the field.
Matt Glaeser joins us in the Forward Club after a third consecutive loss, more passionate than I think we've ever seen.
We'll have a big fat double ep later in the week breaking down both the Spokane and Westchester matches. In the meantime, Rob talked to artist Brooklyn Doby, the designer of the Juneteenth prematch top the boys will wear during warmups tomorrow. Plus, Union Omaha mashed the panic button!Follow the show on BlueSky & Instagram @talkinflockFollow Rob on BlueSky & Instagram @robchappell365Follow Ethan on Twitter @scarfboiiFollow Brooklyn Doby on Instagram @b.denae_artistry, on Facebook at B.Denae Artistry, and her website www.bdenaeartistry.com.Subscribe to the newsletter at talkinflock.substack.com for game-day updates, breaking news and more.
One thing you can say about the loss to Union Omaha: at least it wasn't a draw. Rob and Ethan break down the lineup changes, the bright spots (there were more than you'd expect, actually) and shortcomings and wonder what was in Matt Glaeser's head when he said Omaha is one of the better teams in the league. Then, Spokane Soccer Show host and producer Benji Wade joins Rob to preview this weekend's match and nerd out over Superleague, pro/rel and what USL has to do to ensure the new premier division succeeds.Follow the show on BlueSky & Instagram @talkinflockFollow Rob on BlueSky & Instagram @robchappell365Follow Ethan on Twitter @scarfboiiSubscribe to the newsletter at talkinflock.substack.com for game-day updates, breaking news and more.
Matt Glaeser, Lucca Dourado & Jacob Crull join Rob & Ethan in the Forward Club after a disappointing loss to Union Omaha, and seem frustratingly okay with it. Full breakdown coming later this week.
This week on Talkin' Flock, Rob Chappell and Ethan Maurice break down another frustrating Forward Madison performance and do that podcaster thing where we describe each of the 28 things the Mingos could have done to prevent conceding that goal. Plus, we have big youth soccer news and recaps of a few wild upsets in the second round of the Jagermeister Cup.ALSO! Rob talks with midfielder Jackson Dietrich on growing up in the German academy system, what went down in NoCo and what he hopes to accomplish here.Follow the show on BlueSky & Instagram @talkinflockFollow Rob on BlueSky & Instagram @robchappell365Follow Ethan on Twitter @scarfboiiSubscribe to the newsletter at talkinflock.substack.com for game-day updates, breaking news and more.
Good news: the Mingos haven't conceded more than one goal in a game since week one. Bad news: they also haven't scored more than one since week two. On the pod today, Rob and Ethan talk through the .... moderately entertaining draw with Portland and look ahead to Chattanooga and Omaha. Then we get to know new Mingo loanee Lucca Dourado. And in stoppage time, more soccer at Breese on Sunday and baseball all week long.Follow the show @talkinflock on BlueSky and InstagramFollow Rob @RobChappell365 on BlueSky and InstagramFollow Ethan @scarfboii on TwitterSubscribe to the newsletter at talkinflock.substack.com.
There are good draws and bad draws and this one was pretty good. Mingos still should have taken all three points, but at least this one was more fun to watch than the last.On the podcast this week, Rob and Ethan talk through that match, along with some news from the club regarding a new player and a new development program for girls, as well as expansion news from the league. New Forward Madison FC Academy U17 and U19 head coach Patrick Nyarko then joins to introduce himself and his coaching philosophy to Madison. And in stoppage time, a big win for Journalism and a big competition coming to the US next month.Follow the show @talkinflock on BlueSky and InstagramFollow Rob @RobChappell365 on BlueSky and InstagramFollow Ethan @scarfboii on TwitterSubscribe to the newsletter at talkinflock.substack.com.
Hosts: Rob Chappell and Ethan MauriceGuest: Angel G, founding member of Westchester SC supporters group "914 Infantry"This week on Talkin' Flock, Rob is joined by guest cohost, longtime Flock member and Mingo superfan Ethan Maurice to break down a frustratingly slow-burn draw against One Knoxville — with one glorious rocket from Jake Crull providing the lone highlight. They discuss:The launch of Forward Madison's Academy and the impressive coaching staff already assembledNew AAPI Heritage goalkeeper kits and the cultural impact of representationTactical takeaways from a match defined by defensive discipline and missed opportunitiesWhat's working — and what's still missing — from Forward Madison's midfield and attackLater in the episode, Rob chats with Angel G, co-founder of Westchester SC's 914 Infantry supporters group, about building supporter culture from scratch, the club's connection to the community, and what to expect in this weekend's matchup in New York.And in stoppage time, two recommendations: one sporty and one nerdy.Follow the show @talkinflock on BlueSky and InstagramFollow Rob @RobChappell365 on BlueSky and InstagramFollow Ethan @scarfboii on Twitter Subscribe to the newsletter at TalkinFlock.Substack.com
A gritty performance on both sides leads to a 0-0 draw. We hear from head coach Matt Glaeser, captain and center back Mitch Osmond and midfielder Jose Carrera-Garcia.
Big Top Sports COO Conor Caloia joins Rob in the Forward Club to discuss:What the league owners actually voted on re: pro/relWhat getting promoted could do for Forward MadisonRob's new favorite burgerAny news on Milwaukee?Goals for the seasonPlus, we briefly go over the Indy game & get a quick look around the group.
Matt Glaeser joins us in the Forward Club to talk resilience, grit, and turning the page. Plus, the greatest PR failure in football history.
Jose Carrera-Garcia joins the show this week to talk about how he landed in Madison, his role on the pitch, and the deal with all those blonde guys on the team suddenly. Plus, we tell the tale as old as time -- Madison dominated a game they didn't win -- and look at what the Mingos can do to pull an upset in the Cup this weekend. And in Stoppage Time, what's a Gainbridge?Click here to listen to Rob's Trivial Triumph on New Dogma Live!
Derek Gebhard's stoppage time goal salvaged a point for Forward Madison in tonight's 2025 home opener. From the Forward Club immediately following the match, we hear from Head Coach for the Night Niel Hlavaty, captain Mitch Osmond and Derek himself. Next up, Indy Eleven at home next Saturday!
You must be new here.If you've clicked on this special episode of Talkin' Flock, Your Full Mingo Podcast, you probably recently attended your first Mingo match, or you're about to, or you just want to get into soccer because who wouldn't?In the next half hour or so, we'll talk through where Forward Madison sits in the American soccer landscape, how our league works, a little bit of team history, and who you'll expect to see on the field in 2025. And just in case you already know some of those things, here are the timestamps so you can jump around and just get what you need:01:30 – Why Lower-Division Soccer is Great:04:20 – Understanding the League and the Pyramid15:00 – Other Competitions:20:10 – Forward Madison FC History:26:20 – Fan Culture and The Flock:30:30 – Meet the Players (2025 Roster Overview):34:40 – Final Thoughts for New FansFollow:
Following the announcement of the Forward Madison Academy and partnerships with four local youth clubs, academy director Aaron Hohlbein joins Rob in the Forward Club to talk all things youth: Why MLSNext and not USL Academy? How has the youth soccer scene in Dane County evolved since Aaron was a kid? How can players get involved? And lots more.Plus: Theme night news, all the weekend plans, and a couple cupsets. And in stoppage time: another podcasting passion project. Click here if you're into post apocalyptic video games adapted into TV shows.
Chris Garcia has known Matt Glaeser since he was 16. The winger joins the show today to talk about the coach's growth, the environment FMFC provides for a hungry young player, the gameday playllist and more. Plus, decent news on the injury front.Follow the show @TalkinFlock on BlueSky and InstagramFollow Rob @RobChappell365 on BlueSky and Instagram
This week, we briefly break down the Henny Derby win and Open Cup loss and hear from head coach Matt Glaeser. Then former sports journalist and current Milwaukee soccer enthusiast Jack Goods, host of the brand new 414 Footy podcast, joins us to talk about what fans are hoping for from the new USL team, what the deal is with the delay, and lots more. And in stoppage time: what we love about cups, and another podcast rec. Follow the show @TalkinFlock on Instagram & BlueSky!Follow Rob @robchappell365 on Instagram & BlueSky!Subscribe to the newsletter here!
Grant Pieters of New Dogma Zine joins Rob to talk about a few news items including what we know about this whole promotion/relegation business and recap the big 5-1 win in the US Open Cup. Then Ferrety "PAPO" Sousa joins to talk about his history with the USOC, his role with Madison and lots more. And in Stoppage Time, Grant & Rob commiserate over their shared love for Fulham Football Club, which plays in the quarterfinal of the FA Cup this weekend. Follow the show @talkinflock on BlueSky & Instagram!
A historic win for your Mingos! We hit the Forward Club afterthe match to talk to head coach Matt Glaeser, first-time-scorer-as-a-Mingo Ferrety Sousa, and Assister in Chief Devin Boyce.
TODAY: We (briefly) talk through whatever the hell that was on Saturday, look ahead to Duluth on Thursday, and go over what we know so far about promotion and relegation coming to the USL in 2028. Bottom line? IT'S HAPPENING!Today's episode is brought to you by ... no one, we don't have a sponsor yet. If you have a business that would benefit from reaching my very intelligent and good-looking audience, please email talkinflock@gmail.com.FOLLOW THE SHOW on BlueSky and Instagram @TalkinFlock
IT'S HAPPENING! The 2025 season gets underway this weekend! And to get you ready and pass these long, soccerless hours until kickoff, we have a nice big preview episode!A few news items as well as Rob's thoughts on the final preseason friendlyWalkin' 90 cohost, Featherstone Flamingos cofounder Kyle CarrThe original FlorMingo, David MagnessForza Naples cohost Ian AndersonA roundup of Week One scoresStoppage TimeFOLLOW US @TalkinFlock on BlueSky & Instagram!SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter at talkinflock.substack.com!
The gaffer joins Rob to talk about the core group of returning players, the new guys coming in, the woes of lower-division soccer travel, preparation to play against teams that didn't exist a year ago, cats, and lots more!
Chris Rumbelow is director of the midwest's largest adult indoor soccer tournament, the President's Cup, which will hold its 30th edition February 15 and 16. Chris joins Rob for a special offseason edition of Talkin' Flock to introduce the tournament's history and format, what teams to keep an eye on, and lots more. Plus, Rob talks through the five roster additions that have been announced since we last talked. If you're a woman who's also a really good soccer player, there might be a spot for you in the President's Cup! Email optimisticchris@gmail.com. Notes from Rob: When I talk through Nico Brown's timeline with USL1, I was a year off. He played for Greenivlle in 2022 and Lexington in 2023 and 2024. Also, when I mention that Spotify counts the downloads and listens, that doesn't mean you have to listen on Spotify. I use Spotify as the host of the podcast, and Spotify counts every download on every platform.
On this very special episode of Talkin' Flock, two mystery guests -- both longtime Mingo fans -- join Rob to talk about the 12 announced returning Forward Madison players, what the club still needs on the field, that time a sixth-grader totally zinged her teacher, and lots of other things. Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky!
Coach Alex Alvarado joins Rob to talk up the XTT Classic, where top soccer talent from Madison and across Wisconsin will showcase their skills next weekend. Then, we talk through what we know so far about the 2025 Forward Madison roster, league schedule, and Jägermeister Cup format. Got any thoughts? Leave a comment here or email talkinflock@gmail.com! CORRECTION: I stated on the pod that Stephen Payne is going to Portland; he's actually signed with Westchester.
Matt Glaeser & Mitch Osmond join us from the Forward Club after the heartbreaking penalty shootout loss in the league playoff semifinal. We're also joined by Julien Payen from the Badger Herald. It's gonna be okay guys.
It's a Flock Forum! Dave, Chris, Landry & Ethan join Rob to talk favorite moments from the season, MVPs, semifinal predictions and lots more. Then Rob talks through the quarterfinal matches. Put it in your ear holes!
Following the final home game of the regular season, we hear from head coach Matt Glaeser, goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann and defender Jacob Crull. PLUS: A special deal for $20 tickets to the playoffs! Listen for the details!
It wasn't a real pretty game, but the Mingos came away with three points. This week, we talk through that match, along with bad news out of Fresno and Windsor and some good news from Texoma. Then, we pop down to the Forward Club where we meet up with NAZEEM BARTMAN to talk about his recovery from injury, his role from the sidelines, and -- most important -- the Faisel Bartman Legacy Foundation tournament, an initiative to support at-risk youth in his hometown of Bonteheuwel, Cape Town, South Africa. We also go through playoff scenarios and, in Stoppage Time, chuckle ruefully on one of the greatest branding fails in soccer history. SUPPORT THE FBL TOURNAMENT
Happy Sunday!! In today's postgame, we hear from Matt Glaeser, Mitch Osmond and Aiden Mesias after the big win over the Red Wolves. Plus, a statement from the front office regarding the incident in the Flock End, where fans got into it with Red Wolves players.
Grant Pieters of New Dogma Zine joins host Rob Chappell to recap the toughest week of the Forward Madison schedule, which culminated in one of the best full 90 minute performances we've seen from this club ... maybe ever? We talk through the Jagermeister Cup final (Grant was there!), a gritty draw in Knoxville and a dominant win in Charlotte. Then, we talk to Charlotte Easterling, the artist who designd the special scarf available for this weekend's Indigenous Peoples Day match. Plus! the League One Rivalry Census and what Ronaldinho means to the league.
THE JAGERMEISTER CUP FINAL IS SATURDAY and it is arguably the biggest game in club history (until the league playoffs at least). It's Madison's first chance at a trophy (well, besides the Henny). Today Nick & Rico from Linners & Wosers join us from Northern Colorado to preview the matchup. Plus, a Madison fan in Hailstorm territory hops on to tell us what to do in Windsor before and after the match. Then, we'll have a few thoughts on the 2-0 win over Spokane and some thoughts on how the rest of the league season is shaping up. Click here for the Reddit thread on things to do in Windsor Click here to get tickets to the Final Click here for more info on travel and whatnot
From the Forward Club, which was much quieter than usual, we are joined by Matt Glaeser, John Murphy Jr and Derek Gebhard to talk about the big win over Spokane and the upcoming gauntlet.
Today we have a few observations on the Jagermeister Cup semifinal win, a chat with club COO Conor Caloia about USL1 expansion, the status of USL Milwaukee and lots more, and a look ahead at the most important matches in the stretch run.
All of our talk trying to decide what's been the Biggest Game in Club History is put to rest, as it is now clear, that title belongs to our September 28 match at Northern Colorado, the FINAL of the Jagermeister Cup! Tonight we heard from the Head Coach Matt Glaeser, midfielder Jimmie Villalobos and center back and goal scorer Mitch Osmond.
Today, we have some concerning news out of Colorado, two great results, and a look ahead at The Biggest Match in Club History(tm), our second-ever semifinal!
Rob attended his first English Premier League match yesterday as the Whites of Fulham hosted Leicester City at Craven Cottage. He then stayed up late to watch Forward Madison take on Lexington. Here are a few reflections on both — including a take on Cichero and his red card — recorded on his phone in a small flat in Southwark, London.
Rob is flying solo today, Dan Carlin style, with some news out of Lexington and some more news out of Knoxville. Then, some thoughts on the win that was, the goal that wasn't, and where we sit in the league and the Cup. Speaking of the Cup, we finally have clarity on how the semifinal matchups and locations will be determined. Plus, the final match weekend presents a simply wild possibility. Mark your calendar for the Greenville vs Charlotte match on August 30 & listen to this podcast to find out why that game might be entirely bonkers. Follow the show: @talkinflock Follow Rob: @robchappel365
Tonight, the Mingos won 1-0 but the referees called it 0-0. Join us as we hear from Matt Glaeser, Jacob Crull and Bernd Schipmann in the Forward Club after the match.
Big win for the Mingos! Joining us in the Forward Club after the match were gaffer Matt Glaeser and tonight's two goal scorers, Garrett McLaughlin and Devin Boyce.
Dr David Magness, better known as FlorMingos, joins the show today to (briefly) touch on the loss to NoCo and then dig into the fantastic finish in the 2-2 draw at Omaha, where he was among a handful of away fans. Then, Tom Franklin (Soccer Zombie on YouTube) joins to talk about his tour of USL matches, the two Madison matches he's attended this year, how he ranks the experiences, soccer in St. Loius, MLS vs USL and lots more. Here's his review of the June 15 match in Madison and here's his review of the August 3 match in Omaha Follow David: @FlorMingos Follow Tom: @TomFranklinSTL, @RiverCity_Show Follow Rob: @robchappell365 Follow Alex: @xtt_608 Follow the show: @TalkinFlock
After the 1-0 loss to NoCo, we hear from head coach Matt Glaeser and captain Mitch Osmond.
Rob & Coach Alex break down the Mingos' 1-0 Cup win over Lexington and 2-1 league victory over Central Valley Fuego. Plus, a preview of upcoming XTT events and a recommended binge to get you Olympic-ready. Follow Alex: @XTT_608 Follow Rob: @robchappell365 Follow the show: @TalkinFlock
Matt Glaeser, Christian Chaney and Devin Boyce join us in the Forward Club for another happy postgame chat following Forward Madison's 2-1 win over Central Valley Fuego.
Forward Madison is back on top of the Central Group in the Jagermeister Cup thanks to a clean sheet from Bernd Schipmann and a game-winning goal from Wolfgang Prentice. We talked to both of them after the match, along with head coach Matt Glaeser.
Saturday's match got postponed, but we're still on! USL headquarters held a midseason media call, and we have a few updates on the new TV deals, expansion, future editions of the Jagermeister Cup and USL in Milwaukee. Then, we sit down with Coach of the Year -- er, Month -- Matt Glaeser for a midseason check-in. NOTE: After I recorded the bit about the USL press call, I heard from the FMFC front office that Milwaukee is still on track for 2026, and there actually is no issue with the state funding. Follow the show: @TalkinFlock on X and Insta Follow Rob: @RobChappell365 on X and Insta ALSO do us a favor and leave us a rating and review, and tell some Mingo nerd friends! I go to all the games, so I KNOW there are more people in the Flock End alone than listen to this podcast every week. Let's welcome them all into the family of podcast-listening weirds!
Alex is away with coaching duties this week, so Rob welcomes Henny Derby cofounder and Walking 90 cohost Kyle Carr to talk through a tough week for the Mingos: a 2-0 loss to Knoxville in the Jagermeister Cup and a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Richmond Kickers. Then, Forward Madison assistant coach & youth program director Aaron Hohlbein joins to talk about Forward Futures as well as his soccer journey from Middleton to Kansas City to Florida and back. Follow Kyle: @KyleCoche on X Follow Rob: @RobChappell365 on X and Instagram Follow the show: @TalkinFlock on X and Instagram
It's a quick one today, as Rob jumps in to give his initial reaction to the loss in Knoxville, get you up to date on the other Cup matches over the weekend (and Cup standings), and briefly preview the Henny Derby. LINKS: Madison's Kyle Carr on Golazo Network Richmond's Eliot Barr on Golazo Network --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rob-chappell-sconnie-spor/message
The news that USL League One's second all-time leading scorer has joined Forward Madison broke just before we hit the record button, so Rob and Alex give their first reactions to that massive news. Then, we talk through last week's two matches, and we chat with Tim Howerton of Ranting Blue Penguin Media as the leage reaches the halfway point of the season. == Follow the show: @TalkinFlock on X and Insta Follow Rob: @robchappell365 on X and Insta Follow Alex: @XTT_608 on X and Insta Give us your thoughts: talkinflock@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rob-chappell-sconnie-spor/message
Following that gritty, thrilling 2-0 win over Union Omaha, we get a quick instant reaction from Rob and hear from head coach Matt Glaeser and captain Mitch Osmond. Full episode coming next week! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rob-chappell-sconnie-spor/message
Rob talked to Matt Glaeser, Bernd Schipmann and Devin Boyce after the 0-0 draw Saturday, and also gives his own instant reaction. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rob-chappell-sconnie-spor/message