MADISON, WI, December 6, 2018 — Forward Madison FC has signed Panamanian midfielder Josiel Núñez to its squad for its inaugural season. Núñez has played for the Panama men’s national team 14 times, with his most recent appearance coming in April 2018. He played against the United States men’s national team in the opening match of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which finished in a 1-1 draw.

The 25-year-old attacking midfielder joins the team on a loan deal from Panamanian club CD Universitario.

Forward Madison Head Coach Daryl Shore said Núñez’s signing is a coup for the club.

“For us to get a player who has been capped with his national team like Josiel has is a testament to what our entire organization is trying to achieve both on and off of the field,” Shore said. “Josiel’s experience playing for Panama will bring a tremendous amount of quality to our team.”

Núñez plays as an attacking midfielder who can create on his own, but specializes in linking up play with his teammates during the buildup to goals. He’s scored once for Panama, a curling drive against Nicaragua in the 2017 Copa Centroamericana.

“We are excited to add Josiel to our team,” Shore said. “I think our fans are going to love having a player of his pedigree representing Madison on the field.”

Núñez’s signing will be confirmed pending league and federation approval. Buy tickets to watch Josiel and Forward Madison FC's inaugural 2019 season at https://www.forwardmadisonfc.com/tickets.