Goals and Good Deeds- Dothan United Wins 2-1 against SSA, While Supporting the Wiregrass Pets Adoption Center

By: Sophia Contin

Dothan, AL – May 31, 2025

Dothan United kicks off for a cause, to support a local animal shelter, Wiregrass Pets Rescue and Adoption. Fans gathered at the Rip Hewes Stadium on May 31 in support of not only the game, but the community. What started as an April Fools joke soon led to Dothan United’s alter identity, the Circle City Scratchers. And just for this one game have we seen the Dragons depicted as fuzzy felines. From red to royal blue, the Circle City Scratchers (Dothan United) had new custom jerseys made in honor of supporting the Wiregrass Pets Rescue and Adoption.

That Saturday night, fans were given the chance to cuddle up with pups at the entry of Rip Hewes Stadium. Adoptable dogs were given their own meet and greet with fans which will hopefully lead to their adoptions. From small to large, Wiregrass Pets brought a diverse group of pups to the stadium that still need to find their forever homes. Be sure to visit https://wiregrasspetrescue.org for more information.

These ferocious felines fought to the end which ultimately led them to a 2-1 victory against the Southern Soccer Academy Swarm. With a perfect cross into the box by Josh Hallenberger, he managed to give Santiago Hoyos the opportunity to chest the ball down on the turf and then rip a shot into the goal from the left side. Making it 1-0 in the 12th minute for the Gatos. That’s an assist for Hallenberger, a new and strategic right wing, and another goal for Hoyos, who has left his mark on Dothan United already as one of their top scorers.

The second goal was shot by Matt Everitt, a wing from Ireland, who managed to steal a pass from the SSA keeper and knock the ball into the corner of the goal. Making the score 2-0 in the 29th minute for the felines. His outstanding plays this game earned him the “Five-Star Man of the Match,” award, a title presented and given by Yellawood.

The lone goal for the Swarm was scored just before the halftime whistle, when after missing an opportunity to score from a blocked penalty kick, they managed to have a successful corner kick. This was their only goal the whole match thanks to Dothan keepers Schumacher and Fordah.

At halftime on the 31st, fans were given the opportunity to recieve their own custom coke cans at the Cooldown Station located just next to Kimberly Thomas’s concession stand. With over 3,000 names in the system, you could have your very own name printed on a full-sized coke can for free, with a complementary plastic reusable coke cup. The Coke Cooldown Station was a hit for the Gatos, as Dothan United continues to fulfill the promise of their games being a match to remember.

The second half of the match was not so friendly as the first. With two red cards handed out and both being given the buzzing and agitated bees, one to a player and one to their coach. The second half also came with many great offensive plays from both teams, but none resulting in goals. Which left the final score to be Scratchers- 2, and the Swarm- 1 (2-1).

This triumph puts Dothan United on a 4-1-0 winning streak, and 3-1-0 in the USL League 2 South Central Division play. And dropping Southern Soccer Academy down to 1-3-0 for the season for now.

Dothan United will play against SSA again on June 7th, at Marathon Park Main Field in Austell, Georgia. ¡Vamos Gatos!

Taken by JWPhotographics