Forward Madison FC has finally begun to build a defense, signing former Philadelphia Union and LA Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre.
The 26-year-old went straight from Hollywood Hills High School in Hollywood, Florida to the MLS’s Vancouver Whitecaps Residency program. He played with the club for two years on its reserve and development sides, and went on to make his senior debut with the USL’s Harrisburg City Islanders in 2014 in a US Open Cup match against the Philadelphia Union of MLS — and performed so well that the Union signed him. He started 12 matches for the Philadelphia in 2015 before returning to lower divisions with the Carolina RailHawks. He spent the 2018 season as an LA Galaxy backup.
“Getting a goalkeeper who’s played a lot of minutes as a starter in both MLS and the lower leagues, we feel like Brian’s going to be a huge asset for us in goal,” Shore said in a statement. “He’s a very good shot-stopper, he commands his box very well and even though he’s only 26 years old he brings a veteran, calming presence to the field.”
Sylvestre met Shore during his youth career in Florida, and the two have kept in contact over the years. Now, the pair will team up for Forward Madison’s inaugural season.
“I’m not afraid of anything, I’m very competitive and I always put myself at the highest standard,” Sylvestre said. “I’m going to show my best every single game and hopefully we’re going to bring something special to Madison.”
Sylvestre is the first defensive signing on a roster replete with speedy attackers and forward-minded midfielders.
