Forward Madison FC has signed defender Jaylen Shannon ahead of the club’s eighth season in USL League One.
Shannon, a 25-year-old center back from St. Joseph, Michigan, previously played at Western Michigan University, where he started 68 of 77 matches, logging 6,064 minutes with three goals and seven assists. In 2023, he was named Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year and earned United Soccer Coaches All-American Second Team honors.
After his college career, Shannon played in USL League Two with the South Bend Lions in 2022 and Flint City Bucks in 2023. He signed his first professional contract with MLS NEXT Pro side Chicago Fire FC II in 2024, making 24 starts and recording 2,095 minutes. He also started for the Chicago Fire first team in a July 2024 Leagues Cup match against Sporting Kansas City. Most recently, he competed with Kalamazoo FC in USL League Two in 2025.
Head coach and technical director Matt Glaeser said in a statement that Shannon brings professional experience and fits the club’s player profile. Sporting director Matt Cairns said Shannon’s competitiveness and attributes project well for USL League One.
Shannon said he is looking forward to joining the club and playing in front of Forward Madison supporters.
Forward Madison FC is scheduled to host its 2026 home opener on May 16 against Detroit City FC at Breese Stevens Field in a Prinx Tires USL Cup match. Season ticket and mini-plan options are available through the club.
