WEEK AHEAD PREVIEW
Week of Sat 5/25 - Fri 5/31 all times Central
Birmingham Legion
Saturday May 25 at Sacramento Republic 9:00
The Legion have a tough trip on the road against undefeated Sacramento Republic. The Republic had a Wed night Open Cup match against San Jose of the MLS. They came out on top, after 120 minutes of action. Legion comes into the game on ten days of rest. Birmingham also added Derek Dodson on loan from MLS Minnesota United. Dodson is a great pick-up, and should add some strength in attack, from a right wing back position.
Image credit: Huntsville City FC Facebook page
Sunday May 26 Huntsville City FC at Orlando City B 5:00
Huntsville is having a tough time this season, and looking to get on track. They've added some players to the roster, and showed some signs of improvement in a 2-3 loss mid-week vs ATL United 2. They're facing Orlando City B, a mid table club that has been inconsistent, but has shown some potential.
USL2
Legion 2
Tuesday May 28 vs Dothan United 7:00
The first meeting between these two new teams is shaping up to be a big showdown. These are natural rivals as the only two AL teams in League Two. They have one common opponent so far in East Atlanta. The Hammers drew at home 1-1 vs EA, while Dothan got three points on the road 3-2. Notably, Dothan will also be coming off of their home opener Saturday, which I expect to be a big event. Will Dothan play up for Legion, or have a let down?
Friday 5/31 vs Southern Soccer Academy 8:00
SSA comes in for a double header, with the ladies playing first, and the men's teams playing in the evening. Southern comes into the season as last year's bottom team. They earned a draw against Dothan in their first game, and then got pounded 0-5 by Asheville.
Dothan United Dragons
Saturday 5/25 vs Tennessee SC 7:00
The first home game for the Dragons, and they have huge plans. They have reportedly already sold 4000 tickets, and are making a big push for a league-record crowd. That number is being tracked down by the club, by I've seen reports of close to 8000 for a Des Moines Menace playoff game. Rip Hewes Stadium has a capacity of 10,000, and the club has been generating a ton of attention in the market.
GCPL
Saturday May 25 Alabama FC South vs Union 10 7:15
Another in-state showdown, and follows ALFCS beating Mobile last week 3-0, basically in just one half of play. This will be a key test for the season, as the Montgomery side has gotten points from each of their first two games. Union 10 so far looks to be a solid defensive side, and will be looking to hop over ALFCS in the table.
AFC Mobile
Saturday May 25 vs Sowegans 7:15
Both teams come into the game looking for first points of the season. Sowegans lost a close match against Union 10, while Mobile has struggled on defense, giving up eight goals this season in two games.
UPSL
FC Birmingham
Saturday 5/25 at North Georgia United 6:00
FCB has had mixed results for the Spring season, and is still looking for consistency. North GA has only managed one win this season, and is bottom of the table with a -20 GD.
Other news and tidbits
Birmingham Legion WFC has shown a lot of character and strength after playing three roads games in six days to start the season. They came away with two big wins on that trip. This week, they get some needed rest before facing Southern Soccer Academy in a home double-header. The Three Sparks play Friday May 31 at 4:00.
Fountain City FC (UPSL Columbus, GA) is a force to be reckoned with. They've scored 30 goals this Spring, while only conceding 5, and remain undefeated. They are on the road Sunday May 26 at GA Revolution Academy 3:00.
Columbus United FC (NPSL) hits the road for the third straight game to start the season. This week, they have their toughest test yet at Tallahassee SC. Saturday May 25 6:00.