Calling all soccer fans. Forward Madison has apacked schedule this season. Their home opener kicks off on Saturday, April 15 against Greenville Triumph SC, followed by a friendly (read: a non-competitive match) on Saturday, April 22 against UW-Madison. ⚽

Before you head to Breese Stevens Field, we caught up with New Zealand-born Forward Madison Defender Sam Brotherton to take a look at his return to Madison and what to expect from him on the field this season.

A look at some of Sam's career highlights:

2015: Sam is named to the New Zealand national under-20 football team for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
2015: He moves to the US to play with the University of Wisconsin, where he makes 17 appearances in 19 games in his freshman year.
2017-2019: Sam heads across the pond and joins Sunderland A.F.C., a part of the English Premier League.
2019-2020: Sam returns to the states and joins North Carolina FC.
2021-2022: Sam heads back to his native home to play for Auckland City FC.
2023: Madison welcomes Sam back and he joins Forward Madison.

8 questions with Sam

Q: What are you most excited about this season?
A: I am most excited about playing in front of the fans at Bresse Stevens Field.

Q: What is your goal for the season?
A: First thing first, my goal coming into a new team is you want to play so you push yourself to get into the starting lineup. I want to be a good teammate and enjoy the year representing the club on the pitch and in the community.

Q: How does it feel to be back in Madison playing soccer?
A: It’s awesome to be back in Madison and I can’t wait to represent the community on the field again.

Q: How has Madison changed since you've last been here?
A: I wouldn't say Madison has changed so much in terms of my perspective has kind of changed in terms of you're not being a college student anymore. As a college student, I was pretty confined to campus. Now that I’m back here as a non-student living out here on the east side, I get to see a little bit of a different part of town. It’s really cool to be back involved in Madison and the community.

Q: What is your most memorable moment on the field?
A: Making my international debit for New Zealand in Oman in 2015.

Q: How was it to go back and play in your home country of New Zealand?
A: Yeah, that was really awesome to go back and play for Auckland City. My family was able to come and watch, which was pretty cool and yeah, we managed to win almost everything there is to win in New Zealand and Oceania at the club level.

Q: When you’re not on the field, what’s your favorite thing to do in Madison?
A: My favourite thing to do in Madison is to walk around and explore the State Street area.

Q: What song gets you fired up before a game?
A: Trophies by Young Money ft. Drake

Grab tickets to the friendly against UW-Madison on Saturday, April 22 (and the rest of the season), and get ready to cheer on the Mingos this spring. Score tickets. 🦩 *

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