Corpus Christi looks to regroup with eight matches remaining in its playoff push
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (September 5, 2026) — In the midst of a late playoff push, Corpus Christi suffered a 2-0 defeat to visiting Forward Madison FC Saturday night at Cabaniss Athletic Complex.
With head coach Eamon Zayed serving a one-game suspension, assistant coach Manny Iwabuchi stepped in to lead the Sharks from the sideline.
Forward Madison controlled much of the attack in the opening stages, but goalkeeper James Talbot kept the visitors off the board. Talbot punched away a dangerous effort in the 13th minute before coming off his line to clear the ensuing corner from the six-yard box.
Corpus Christi was presented with its best opportunity of the half in the 22nd minute when Nacho Abeal drew a foul inside the penalty area.
Blake Bowen stepped to the spot, but his penalty was denied by Flamingos goalkeeper JT Harms. Both Bowen and Abeal quickly recovered the rebounds and fired again, only to be denied. Jake Keegan eventually found the back of the net amid the ensuing scramble, but the goal was called back for a handball to keep the match scoreless.
Talbot delivered another crucial stop just before halftime, extending to deny a Madison effort from the left side of the penalty area before Jack Keaney cleared away the danger to send the sides into the break level at 0-0.
Madison eventually broke through in the 61st minute when Claudel N’Goubou found the opening goal to put the visitors ahead.
Four minutes later, Madison was awarded a penalty after Keaney was whistled for a foul inside the box. The visitors converted from the spot in the 67th minute to double their advantage and put Corpus Christi in a 2-0 hole.
The Sharks searched for a response in the closing stages but were unable to find a breakthrough as Madison maintained its two-goal advantage.
“I think we can definitely do way better,” said Abeal. “We have a really good team and really good players. We just need to get back in the right mindset and work as a family. Today’s game I think we didn’t step up to the occasion.”
With eight matches remaining in the regular season, Shannon Gómez, one of the leaders of the backline all season, emphasized the urgency surrounding the Sharks’ playoff push.
“We’ve got to go back to the drawing board and get it right,” said Gómez. “We’ve got to learn from our mistakes and come back stronger. We’ve got eight finals left, and we’ve got to put our best foot forward.”
Following the loss, Iwabuchi offered a direct assessment of the Sharks’ recent form while maintaining confidence in the group’s ability to respond.
“There’s no hiding it, we’re in a rut,” said Iwabuchi. “We haven’t put forth the performances we’re capable of and it’s even more frustrating not being able to do so at home in front of our fans. I’ve said it a few times this season and I’ll stick by it, we’re a resilient group. That’s been our best trait.”
Written by Corpus Christi FC Communications Contributor Nate Martinez
About Corpus Christi FC
CCFC was established in 2017 by Dr. Kingsley Okonkwo. The club previously played in USL League Two, the nation’s leading pre-professional league, and won their first Lone Star Division title in 2024. That same year, Corpus Christi was awarded a USL League One franchise and will kick off its first professional season in 2026. CCFC is building a new home at the Corpus Christi Multi-Sport Complex currently being constructed at 5102 Old Brownsville Road. Phase One of the $28.3 million complex was completed in summer 2025 and a 5,000-seat stadium, which will serve as home for all of the Sharks’ USL League One home games, is currently under construction.
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