A Tale of Two Storms (Dothan vs Montgomery Recap)

Weather played a factor in both legs of the 231 Derby, with both Dothan and Montgomery netting a win each.

The USL League Two season kicked off with a bang, debuting what proved to be a heated rivalry between Dothan United SC and Montgomery United FC. The season was supposed to start with two matches in the 231 Derby, first at Montgomery’s home turf, then going to Dothan the following week. However, Montgomery also known as the Storm, may have shown a bit of foreshadowing with their moniker, as both matches were significantly affected by harsh weather.

The first match of the 231 Derby began slightly after 7:00 at the Emory Folmar Soccer Complex in Montgomery. The field was significantly affected by heavy rain, which led to difficulties with players staying upright and being able to pass the ball. Nevertheless, the match proved to be chippy, with players from both teams going after each other aggressively. Within the first three minutes, Dothan’s forward Santiago Hoyos, got tangled up with a Montgomery defender, which resulted in Hoyos’ jersey being ripped off and thrown on the ground. The intensity would continue throughout a scoreless first half until, in the 77th minute, Montgomery’s Renan Diaz scored off of a rebound from Dothan’s goalkeeper Yago Darub. Montgomery would ultimately win 1-0.

A week later, Montgomery would travel down to Dothan with the expectation of a nice and dry match, however once again, Mother Nature had other plans. Shortly before the match was set to begin, a surprise thunderstorm would roll through the Circle City, resulting in wet conditions and an hour and a half weather delay. However, the Dragons were prepared this time, and judging by the physicality shown, it was clear that there was no love lost between the teams. Dothan would quickly score three goals in the first half, the first coming in the 15th minute off of a header from Dothan United captain Will Noecker. The second would come in the 29th minute from Dothan’s Santiago Hoyos. The last would come soon after, with a goal from Devonte Richards to make it 3-0. Montgomery would net one in the 61st minute from Glenn Waters, but it wouldn’t be enough as Dothan beat Montgomery 3-1.

However, the score was only one part of the story. In both matches, the officiating was harshly criticized by both teams, with multiple incidents throughout the matches.

In Dothan’s win over Montgomery, it culminated in two incidents. The first incident was when the Dothan PA announcer received a warning for making the comment “there’s a difference between handing someone the ball and throwing it at them.”

The second incident happened when Dothan goalkeeper Yago Darub was sent off for a second yellow when he touched the ball outside of the box. When Yago was sent off, Dothan had to scramble, as Montgomery was waiting to attempt a corner kick and Dothan’s second goalkeeper, Jermaine Fordah, was in the locker room receiving treatment. Dothan players that were warming up had to rush into the locker room to retrieve him and he was quickly put into a tough spot. This would result in Montgomery’s only goal.

Dothan and Montgomery come out of this with a record of 1-0-1, and sit at third and fourth in the South Central Division respectively. Dothan will travel to play another newcomer in Columbus United on May 31st in the inaugural matchup of the Peanuts and Cola Derby. Montgomery will have to wait until May 28th, where they will host their rival from up I-65, Birmingham Legion FC II.

*Photos courtesy of Craig Smith Photography and JWPhotographics