Forward Madison FC is headed back to the USL League One playoffs after defeating AV Alta 3-0 Saturday at Breese Stevens Field. The victory came with five regular-season matches remaining and extended Madison’s home unbeaten streak to 13 games. The Flamingos are one of only two teams in the league that have not lost at home this season. Striker Ryan Carmichael scored his 12th league goal, while fullback Eddie Munjoma also found the net in the playoff-clinching win. “We’ve had three opportunities this week to go and clinch playoffs, and it’s nice to do it at home,” Carmichael said. Munjoma, who returned after missing most of last season with an ACL injury, said the team was pleased with the result but focused on what comes next. “On to the next,” he said. “We’re definitely very happy.” Madison entered the match in third place. The top eight teams qualify for the playoffs, while the top four earn the right to host a postseason match. Forward Madison’s leadership identified a home playoff game as a primary goal before the season, a significant turnaround after the club finished ninth in 2025 and missed the postseason for the first time in three years. Sporting director Matt Cairns rebuilt much of the roster during the offseason, retaining only two players: Munjoma and Derek Gebhard, who has been sidelined since June with a hip injury. Coach Matt Glaeser credited the players and staff for integrating a largely new group in time to make the playoffs with room to spare. “The offseason that we had to turn around as many guys as we turned around, and to clinch with five games left, is a testament to everybody involved,” Glaeser said. “It’s not been easy, but I’m really proud of the players and the staff, the new staff and new players.” Munjoma, 28, said the retooled squad is also considerably younger than last year’s team. He credited the group’s willingness to learn and work together for its strong season. With five matches remaining, Madison trails first-place Union Omaha by seven points and second-place Charlotte Independence by four. The Flamingos lead fourth-place One Knoxville by four points and fifth-place AC Boise by five. That positioning leaves Madison within reach of a top-four finish and a home playoff match, though the team would need to continue collecting points to hold its place. A run at the regular-season Players’ Shield, awarded to the league’s first-place team, remains possible but more difficult. Munjoma called securing a home playoff match a crucial objective, pointing to Madison’s strong record and the energy at Breese Stevens Field. “I have no reason to think that any team that we play here we can’t beat,” he said. Carmichael added that the team’s intensity and quality in Saturday’s performance gave it confidence against any potential opponent. Glaeser said the support of the home crowd has been a major advantage for the players. Forward Madison’s remaining home schedule includes matches against Spokane on Saturday, Portland, Maine’s Hearts of Pine on Oct. 17, and Union Omaha on Oct. 24. The club’s first playoff match is scheduled for Oct. 31. Madison last reached the playoffs in 2024, finishing third in the regular-season table before defeating Charlotte Independence in the opening round. The Flamingos then lost to Spokane Velocity in a semifinal penalty shootout.