First Home Debut for Dothan United
On Saturday, May 25, Rip Hewes Stadium was the epicenter of excitement as Dothan United made their anticipated home debut against Tennessee SC. This historic event marked the first-ever home game for USL’s new Dothan United, and our community in Dothan showed up in full force. The evening was an extravagant celebration with over 5,000 fans in attendance, creating an electrifying atmosphere that was filled with tailgating, fireworks, smoke shows, music, light shows, photo booths, and dynamic merchandise.
The night was more than just a soccer game; it was a festival of unity and pride. The fans, especially the youth, were thrilled to have a home team to rally behind. Dothan United did not disappoint, delivering a stunning 4-1 victory over Tennessee SC, with all four goals scored in the first half. The event was a testament to the community’s support and enthusiasm for their new team.
The inaugural home game of Dothan United was a spectacular celebration that captivated the entire community. Rip Hewes Stadium was alive with vibrant colors and electrifying energy. festivities began with lively tailgating parties, complete with grills, games, and camaraderie. Music filled the air, photobooths captured joyous moments, and merchandise stalls bustled with our fans. As night fell, the event intensified with dazzling fireworks, smoke shows, and dynamic light displays that lit up the sky. The pageantry of the night not only celebrated the team’s debut but also united the community in an unforgettable display of pride and excitement.
Bringing the Community Together
Among the sea of supporters was Patrick Smith, a long-time soccer fan who used to travel hours to watch USL matches. Now, with Dothan United in his hometown, Patrick and other local USL enthusiasts have formed a strong support group. “To have an actual semi-pro, pre-professional team is massive; it brings this community together,” Patrick said. “Like the name says, it unites us.”
Patrick was awed by the quality of play, stating, “The team’s performance has blown us all away.” He emphasized the importance of having a local team, adding, “We now have something to bring our community together.”
The enthusiasm of the Dothan community even caught the attention of the officials. One referee, while visiting a tailgate party, remarked, “I’ve never seen tailgating like this or a stadium like this for a USL game,” highlighting the unique atmosphere created by Dothan United’s supporters.
The Match and Coaches’ Remarks
From the first whistle, Dothan United set the pace, with an explosive performance that saw them net four goals in the first half. Head Coach Carl Reynolds attributed the team’s impressive first-half performance to the electric support from the fans. Reynold’s described the first half as “really beautiful, fantastic, the way I envisioned it.” However, the game took a challenging turn when the team was reduced to ten players due to fouls, giving Tennessee SC that numerical advantage. “The second half we had to grind it out, more running, less of the ball,” he added, highlighting the team’s resilience and determination.
Reynolds emphasized the importance of consistency as the season progresses. He plans to keep the squad fresh by rotating players, ensuring that everyone remains motivated and energetic. “Our biggest aspiration is just to be consistent. Everyone is excited to play for our community, and the talent on this team is incredible,” he stated. The unwavering support from the community provides an extra boost for the players. To know that the team and staff has a community behind them not just for the sport, but for the community itself is all the motivation the team needs. “Just allows us to have that little bit of extra energy as the season goes on,” Reynolds noted, appreciating the fans’ role as an “energizer” for the team.
Assistant Coach Edu Zurita shared these sentiments, commending the team for their adaptability and responsiveness to in-game changes. He stressed the importance of community support in creating the momentum from this home success. “The support makes the other team shy because of how much our community stands out in the USL league,” Zurita said. He expressed his gratitude for the efforts of both the club and the city, believing that their contributions are making a significant difference to the future of Dothan.
Together, the coaches’ remarks paint a picture of a team boosted by a passionate community, ready to face the challenges of the season ahead with unity.
Team Captains’ Take
Aaron Williams Fernandez, a right back from the United Kingdom, brings his professional experience and leadership to Dothan United. Honored to captain is talented squad, Fernandez’s soccer background and initiative in building strong relationships with the team have made him a standout figure. He felt an immediate connection with. Head Coach Carl Reynolds, drawn by the club’s vision and community involvement. “What they’re doing here is amazing and something I really wanted to be a part of, especially with the community being involved,” Fernandez shared. The crowd’s energy was palpable from the start, fueling the team’s early momentum and their ability to stick to the game plan. Fernandez said that Saturday nights crowed allowed the team to “never get tired.” Looking ahead, Fernandez aims to lead the team in focusing more on defensive strategies to manage the high intensity of play and to manage opposing teams’ moments of dominance, which we saw on Saturday night. He also expressed a strong desire to engage with the fans post-game, emphasizing the importance of community interaction in maintaining the team’s spirit.
Cristobal Molina, a center defensive back from Spain has captained several teams throughout his career. However, playing in front of Dothan United’s passionate home crowd was a unique experience for him. Molina scored one of the four goals netted by Dothan United and said that the celebration and noise from the crowd was exhilarating. Molina noted that the overwhelming support from the community alleviated some of the pressure on the players, allowing them to perform at their best. He identified the team’s key strengths as their “togetherness,” “willingness to learn,” and “youthful spirit.” Molina’s experience and leadership are invaluable assets as Dothan United navigates their inaugural season, fostering a strong, cohesive unit ready to face any challenge.
A Community Celebration
The first home game of Dothan United was not just a sporting event but a celebration of our community. The overwhelming support from fans, the vibrant atmosphere, and the team’s impressive performance on the field made it a night to remember. As Dothan United’s season continues, the enthusiastic support from the community will be a driving force behind their success. Don’t forget to tune in as the team quickly turns around in Birmingham and in Tennessee this week!
Article by Liana Shapiro
Images by Evergreen Creative Co.