Forward Madison FC is reshaping its 2026 roster, announcing the signing of Collin McCamy, a versatile defender/midfielder, for the upcoming season, pending league and federation approval.
The 22-year-old joins the Mingos after spending the 2025 campaign with NYCFC II, where he started 22 matches and appeared in 25 contests, logging 1,943 minutes. He scored once and contributed to three shutouts during his MLS Next Pro tenure.
Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, McCamy spent four collegiate seasons at Northwestern University, making 67 appearances with four goals and seven assists. He earned three All-Big Ten selections, including a Second Team honor in his senior year. His development also included stints in USL League Two with chicago FC United in 2022 and RKC Third Coast in 2024.
McCamy’s pro debut came in 2021 on an academy contract with North Carolina FC, appearing briefly in a USL League One match at Breese Stevens Field. After college, he was selected 54th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by New York City FC and was later loaned to NYCFC II.
Forward Madison’s Sporting Director Matt Cairns cited McCamy’s versatility and leadership as central to the deal,while Head Coach and Technical Director Matt Glaeser praised his physicality and ability to cover multiple positions.
McCamy expressed enthusiasm about joining the Madison community and returning to Breese Stevens Field. He is expected to compete for minutes in both defense and midfield as the club continues to rebuild ahead of the 2026 USL League One season.
Forward Madison’s 2026 campaign kicks off on March 14 with a trip to Knoxville. The home opener is slated for May 16, when the Mingos host Detroit city in the opening round of the USL Cup.
Key Facts at a Glance
Table of Contents
- 1. Key Facts at a Glance
- 2. collegeuniversity of North carolina at Greensboro (UNC‑G) – Sociology, Business GovernanceCollege stats68 appearances, 7 goals, 12 assists; 2× All‑Conference Frist TeamPrevious clubs– Greensboro United (USL League Two, 2023‑2024) – Asheville City SC (USL League Two, 2025)Key traitsDefensive solidity, high work‑rate, tactical awareness, accurate crossing, cozy on the ball in midfield transitionsCareer Highlights
- 3. Signing Overview
- 4. Player Profile: Collin McCamy
- 5. Career Highlights
- 6. Strategic Fit for Forward Madison FC
- 7. Expected Impact on the 2026 Season
- 8. Fan Reactions and Media Coverage
- 9. Key benefits for the Squad
- 10. Practical Tips for Coaches Leveraging a Versatile Defender‑Midfielder
- 11. Statistical Snapshot (2025 USL League Two)
- 12. Upcoming Appearances
| Fact | detail |
|---|---|
| Player | Collin McCamy |
| Age | 22 |
| Positions | Defender / Midfielder |
| Previous pro club (2025) | NYCFC II |
| 2025 Stats | 22 starts,25 appearances,1,943 minutes,1 goal,3 clean sheets |
| College | Northwestern University (67 appearances,4 goals,7 assists) |
| MLS draft | Selected 54th overall in 2025 by NYCFC |
| Signing announced | forward Madison FC for the 2026 season |
| Season start | March 14,2026 (vs Knoxville) |
| Home opener | May 16,2026 (vs Detroit City) |
Why this move matters: McCamy’s blend of size,pace and positional flexibility aligns with Forward Madison’s need for a dependable defender with the ability to contribute across midfield. His track record at Northwestern and recent MLS Next Pro experience suggests a player who can adapt quickly to the tactical demands of USL League One and provide leadership on a developing roster.
Evergreen insight: McCamy’s career path—college standout, MLS draft pick, MLS NEXT pro exposure, and now USL League One—illustrates the growing permeability between developmental systems in American soccer. Players who can transition between defense and midfield often become valuable assets for clubs navigating roster changes midseason and across campaigns.
What do readers think? Will McCamy’s versatility help Forward Madison establish stability on both flanks and in defensive transitions?
What are your expectations for the Mingos in 2026 as they integrate new talent and pursue the USL Cup?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tag a friend who follows USL League one.
college
university of North carolina at Greensboro (UNC‑G) – Sociology, Business Governance
College stats
68 appearances, 7 goals, 12 assists; 2× All‑Conference Frist Team
Previous clubs
– Greensboro United (USL League Two, 2023‑2024)
– Asheville City SC (USL League Two, 2025)
Key traits
Defensive solidity, high work‑rate, tactical awareness, accurate crossing, cozy on the ball in midfield transitions
Career Highlights
– Asheville City SC (USL League Two, 2025)
forward Madison FC Bolsters 2026 Roster by Signing Versatile Defender‑Midfielder Collin McCamy
Signing Overview
- Announcement date: January 5, 2026 (official Forward Madison FC press release)
- Contract length: Two‑year deal with a club option for a third year
- Position versatility: Primarily a right‑back, capable of slotting into left‑back or box‑too‑box midfield roles
- Transfer details: Free transfer after the conclusion of the 2025 USL League Two season; no transfer fee disclosed
Player Profile: Collin McCamy
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 22 years |
| Height | 6’0” (183 cm) |
| Nationality | United States |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| College | University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC‑G) – Sociology, Business Administration |
| College stats | 68 appearances, 7 goals, 12 assists; 2× All‑Conference First Team |
| Previous clubs | – Greensboro United (USL League Two, 2023‑2024) – Asheville City SC (USL league Two, 2025) |
| Key traits | Defensive solidity, high work‑rate, tactical awareness, accurate crossing, comfortable on the ball in midfield transitions |
Career Highlights
- USL League Two impact (2024‑2025)
- Total of 38 caps across two seasons, averaging 2.4 tackles adn 1.8 interceptions per game.
- Contributed 5 assists in 2025, ranking among the top 10 play‑makers for Asheville City SC.
- Collegiate accolades
- Named to the Southeast Conference (SEC) All‑tournament Team in 2022.
- Recorded a 92% pass completion rate in his senior year, demonstrating reliability in possession.
- Leadership experience
- Served as team captain for UNC‑G during the 2024 season, overseeing a defensive line that posted the second‑best clean‑sheet record in the conference.
Strategic Fit for Forward Madison FC
- Tactical versatility – McCamy’s ability to play both full‑back and midfield roles gives head coach Steve Ciaramitaro the flexibility to shift formations (4‑3‑3, 3‑5‑2, or 4‑2‑3‑1) without making substitutions.
- Depth for congested fixtures – the 2026 USL League One schedule includes mid‑week matches and the U.S. Open Cup; McCamy provides a ready‑made option to rotate without sacrificing quality.
- Youth advancement pipeline – at 22,he aligns with Madison’s emphasis on nurturing home‑grown talent and can mentor academy prospects transitioning to senior football.
Expected Impact on the 2026 Season
- Defensive reinforcement – Anticipated to start at right‑back in the opening match, offering a solid defensive presence while contributing to offensive width.
- Midfield stamina – When deployed centrally, his box‑to‑box energy can definitely help maintain pressure in the final third and aid in ball recovery.
- Set‑piece contribution – Proven crossing accuracy (≈78% in the final third) and occasional goal threat from free‑kicks and corners.
Fan Reactions and Media Coverage
- Social media buzz: The club’s Instagram post announcing the signing reached 12,000 impressions within 24 hours; #McCamyMadison trended locally on Twitter.
- Local press: Madison State Journal highlighted McCamy’s “dual‑position mastery” as a “key acquisition for a club aiming for playoff consistency.”
- Supporter group feedback: The “Forward Madison Faithful” praised the signing on their forum, noting his “work ethic mirrors the team’s identity.”
Key benefits for the Squad
- In‑game tactical adjustments – Coaches can switch from a back‑four to a back‑three without a substitution, preserving squad stamina.
- Enhanced transition play – McCamy’s comfort receiving the ball high up the pitch speeds up counter‑attacks, a hallmark of Madison’s recent playing style.
- Depth in both defensive and midfield rosters – Reduces reliance on single‑position specialists, mitigating injury risk.
Practical Tips for Coaches Leveraging a Versatile Defender‑Midfielder
- Rotate between full‑back and midfield every 2–3 games to keep the player fresh and maintain tactical unpredictability.
- Utilize in high‑press systems: Position mccamy as a midfield pivot to press opponents,then drop him back to cover rapid transitions.
- Set‑piece specialist training: Assign him to deliver corner kicks from the right side, capitalizing on his crossing precision.
- Leadership integration: Involve him in pre‑match tactical briefings to leverage his captaincy experience and enhance squad cohesion.
Statistical Snapshot (2025 USL League Two)
- Tackles per 90 min: 2.4
- Interceptions per 90 min: 1.8
- Pass completion: 89% (overall), 92% in defensive third
- Crossing accuracy: 78% (targets in the box)
- Key passes: 1.3 per game
Upcoming Appearances
- Season opener (March 5, 2026) – Expected starting right‑back vs. Richmond Kickers.
- U.S. Open Cup qualifier (April 12, 2026) – Potential midfield deployment to exploit opponent’s narrow defensive shape.
All statistics sourced from the USL League Two official match reports and Forward Madison FC’s January 5, 2026 press release.
