Forward Madison FC became the second team to solidify its place in the 2024 USL League One Playoffs, presented by Terminix after a 1-1 draw with One Knoxville SC on Oct. 1. It's the first time the 'Mingos have locked up back-to-back postseason berths in club history.

After a loss in the 2024 USL Jägermeister Cup Fiinal in September, Madison will get another shot at winning the club's first-ever trophy if it can go the distance in the postseason. Here are three reasons why they'll be the last team standing, and one reason why they won't.

1. Team and Tempo

While second in total goals, Madison have had 32 of their total 46 goals come from assists in league and cup play, suggesting that Madison's results come from a high reliance on team cohesion. The 'Mingos' team-first mentality has already given them a recognizable identity, and very well may push them to postseason glory.

FMFC sits second in average possession in League One at 53.67%, which is just 0.07% less than stat-leader Greenville Triumph SC. As head coach Matt Glaeser said in a previous interview, "We try to be super organized defensively and we don't like the field to open up too much because we base more around trying to control the game."

It is worth noting that FMFC also leads League One in both total successful passes and passing accuracy rate. Madison's combination of team unity and a playstyle based on ball dominance make them one of the most dangerous title contenders in the league.

2. Defensive discipline

The Mingos currently lead the USL League One in clean sheets with eight and have an additional three from their USL Jägermeister Cup campaign. Further, goalkeeper Bernd Schipmann has posted save percentages of 71% and 77% in either competition, which are recognizably high when compared with 'keepers who have played a similar amount of total matches. While the team's goalkeeping has been outstanding, it is not solely an instance of position-specific heroism.

Madison has only conceded 13 goals within their 18-yard box in League One, which comes from a season total of just 16 goals conceded. Courtesy of its crunching defensive backline, Madison has only allowed 177 shots all season, which is tied for the fewest in the league. FMFC also leads League One in ball recoveries within their own defensive third, as well as conceding the fewest amount of fouls as a team. This elite all-around defensive play and mental fortitude will certainly make it a hassle for any team unfortunate enough to face Madison in the postseason.

3. Chasing History

This season's postseason berth is coming during FMFC's seemingly best-ever regular season finish. The club currently sits in second place in the USL League One standings and would have to lose its final two matches alongside some favorable results for their opposition in order to fall into fourth place, which would still be the team's joint-highest finish.

This comes just weeks after Madison's appearance in the inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup Final, where they fell to Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, 5-4 on penalties. While the club's potential first taste of silverware slipped away moments before being fully realized, the 'Mingos did not linger on their shortcoming long as they continued their historically fine form to qualify for the League One Playoffs. There simply has not been a better shot at lifting a cup for this team, and they are hungry as ever.

Why Madison Won’t Win it All

The 'Mingos look a bit green instead of pink when it comes to silverware. The club has yet to claim a title since it kicked off in 2019, and while several players on the current roster and even the coaching staff have found various levels of success elsewhere, sometimes a club's history can be overbearing when it comes time to compete.

Precedent is important, and is often a defining factor of a team for those looking in from the outside. Forward Madison FC has yet to establish itself as a championship-caliber club, and even though this is their best opportunity yet, overthinking that possibility could allow the nerves to overwhelm the performance on the pitch.