The foundation is being set. The players are ready.
Rain or shine, the Dragons are taking the field Saturday night at Rip Hewes Stadium under the new Ricky Davey era. After months of roster building and recruiting players from across the country, Dothan United has assembled its squad — 12 returners and 18 new faces ready to compete.
Saturday’s exhibition against Panama City Lax F.C. is the first real test for a group still finding its footing.
“We’re ready to go,” head coach Ricky Davey said. “It’s been a great week of practice. I think the emotions — just excitement. We’re ready to see what these guys can do, ready to see what the crowd can bring, and we’re ready to get out there.
” Davey said what has stood out most this week isn’t just the talent on the field — it’s how fast this group has bonded. Players have been trickling in one and two at a time, but the coach says you would never know it.
“Every time someone new comes into the group, it doesn’t feel like they’re new,” Davey said. “They’ve embraced everybody that’s come into it. ” Newcomer winger Dyson Clapier made the trip down from Utah after a teammate put in a good word. He wasn’t even sure he wanted to keep playing — but a few days of training in Dothan changed that.
“It feels so good,” Clapier said. “I haven’t played in a while, and just the last couple of trainings, it just felt like I’m kind of getting my groove back. ” Fans can expect an exciting style from the young attacker. Growing up watching soccer highlights shaped the player he is today.
For third-year returning goalkeeper Yago Darub, Saturday’s match carries a deeper meaning. Dothan United was the first team to welcome him when he arrived in the United States — and that bond hasn’t faded.
“I have a special feeling for this city, for this team,” Darub said. “Especially because it was the first team that opened its arms for me when I stepped into the United States. So being here for my third year — it’s very special. ”“I’m really happy that Ricky is here and doing a great job, and I really trust him,” he said.
On the field, fans can expect an aggressive, high-energy brand of soccer — though Davey admitted it’s still a work in progress.
“I think the biggest thing hopefully you’ll see is the energy, the pressure we put on the opponent, the physicality, and a little bit of good soccer,” Davey said. “We’ve got two weeks until that Montgomery game, so we’re excited to take it step by step. ” Off the field, General Manager Aaron McCreight said the experience at Rip Hewes Stadium is worth the trip — even for fans who don’t follow soccer.
“Inexpensive tickets, great show, smoke, fire, flames, music,” McCreight said. “And obviously, winning on the pitch helps. ” This season, start times move up to 7 p.m. — a half-hour earlier than last year — to make games more family-friendly. Gates open at 6 p.m. The foundation is being set.
The players are ready. In two weeks, the regular season opener against Montgomery will be the real measuring stick — but for now, the Dragons are building chemistry and letting the game do the talking. Soccer season is full steam ahead in Dothan. Download the WTVY News4 app to get alerts and stories the moment they are published.
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Dothan United Dragons Dothan United 2026 Season Start Aaron Mccreight Ricky Davey New Dothan United Head Coach Rip Hewes Stadium Dothan United 2026 First Game Yago Darub Dyson Clapier
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