North Texas SC was awarded a controversial penalty kick in the final seconds that helped them beat Forward Madison FC, 1-0, in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
The first half began and ended with high pressure from North Texas, but a burst of rain in the middle made the Hart Park pitch slippery and resulted in more chances for the Flamingos, who logged shots through Wojcik Wojciech and Don Smart. On the other end, Arturo Rodriguez had a big chance from a free kick, but it was caught by Chris Brady in the 42nd minute.
Brady again came up big for FMFC in the second half, stopping a hard shot from North Texas in the 76th minute.
Jiro Barriga Toyama fouled North Texas’ Rodriguez on the edge of the penalty area in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Although the referee initially awarded a free kick, the decision was changed to a penalty several minutes later.
Rodriguez scored on the penalty kick, winning the game in the 99th minute.
The Flamingos are already eliminated from contention for the USL League One Final and remain in ninth place in the league standings. They will host the New England Revolution II at Hart Park on Saturday, Oct. 24 in the season finale.
