The Allen County-Scottsville Lady Patriot soccer team comes into the 2025 season following a record-breaking 2024 campaign. AC-S earned a school-record 11 wins, posted the program’s first winning season (11-9), and had two, four-match winning streaks on the pitch last season. The historic season followed a 9-10 campaign in 2022---a year in which the team won their first-ever District 15 matches. The fifth season of girls varsity soccer is expected to continue the upward trend under third-year coach Clay Dobbs.
“These girls play with heart, grit, and determination,” Dobbs said. “We consist of 18 players, and 12 of the 18 are either a freshman or sophomore. Although we are young, I have no doubt that our veterans and new additions will step up and rise to the challenge so we don't worry about things that others may see as a weakness. We focus on the positives and what we can control.”
The Lady Patriot will be led by five seniors----Chloe Sweeney, Gabby Garcia, Kacey Killen, Mollie Bolton, and Payton Law.
“These girls have played a tremendous role in our success over the last two seasons and I expect the same for this year as well,” Dobbs explained. “These girls will be missed next year, but I know they'll make an impact in life no matter where their journey takes them.”
Dobbs’ adds that several players will be key on the field including Sweeney, Garcia, Dani Miller, Lily Sanchez, Killen, and Hailey Pigue.
“Chloe and Dani are major threats on both sides of the ball, defensively and offensively,” Dobbs said. “These two can play any position on the pitch and will do whatever it takes for us to be successful. Gabby, Lily, and Kacey are offensive threats that opposing teams had better be on their A game when trying to defend. I expect a lot out of them up front this fall. Hailey is another player that has the potential to be a beast playing opposite of Autumn Rimington. She brings defensive experience from last year and is willing to take the challenge of a new position for the betterment of the team.
The mix will include new faces and new freshmen.
“I'm excited about all of our incoming freshmen and three new additions to the program,” Dobbs added. “Freshmen Makayla Shelton and Lily Vick will run our backline. These two have worked hard together and I believe they are up to the challenge. New additions Autumn Keith, Adriana Rowe, and Rimington will make an immediate impact with unlimited potential once they settle in. Autumn (Keith) is our new goalie and I'm excited to see her in action. Autumn has a heart of gold and a positive winning attitude. Although she has only played GK (goal keeper) for a few months, I wouldn't trade her for any veteran GK in the state. Adriana Rowe is a transfer from Harlan County and is a scoring threat as well as someone that can rack up the assists. Adriana brings experience, a great attitude, and is a key piece to the puzzle that we were in need of. Autumn (Remington) has the potential to be a beast playing alongside Makayla and Lily.”
AC-S is expected to look to solid fundamental play as the foundation to find success.
“The keys to our success are very simple---fundamental play with the emphasis on both first touch, control, and triangle ball where we have the awareness to use our drops in needed situations,” Dobbs said. “If we out hustle our opponent, have more heart than our opponent, and be more mentally prepared than our opponent; we have a chance and the opportunity to come out on top. I'm relying heavily on Chloe, Gabby, Kacey, and Dani to lead this team to be successful both on and off the pitch.”
The Lady Patriots play in a very tough and competitive District. Warren East, Barren County, and Glasgow have solid foundations in place. East (17-5 in 2024) is the defending District champion and a Region 4 semifinalist. Barren County (10-8-1) was runner-up in the District while Glasgow (6-11) looks to improve this year.
“The district is going to be exciting this year,” Dobbs said. “I have high expectations for this team and expect to be more competitive against our district foes than we have been in the past. I’m looking forward to each of these matches.”
AC-S opens the season on Tuesday, August 12 with a home match against Russellville. The slate includes home and away contests against Monroe County, Butler County, Breckinridge County, Edmonson County, Clinton County as well as each District 15 opponent.
Dobbs adds that one home match will carry extra significance.
“Our ‘Kick Out Cancer’ match and Senior Day will be on Saturday, September 20,” Dobbs stated. “We have teamed up with Edmonson County and both teams will be wearing custom cancer jerseys. We will be selling shirts to the public and all proceeds of the sales will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please see a player or myself to purchase a shirt and support a great cause. I lost both my parents this year, with Dad passing away from cancer so this is something near and dear to me. I wanted to do something in his memory, and in the memory of all those who have fought it along with those who are battling it today.”
Dobbs firmly believes that AC-S’s girls soccer program is building a tradition and hopes to see the stands filled this season.
“I encourage everyone in the community to come out and support these girls at our matches because they deserve a huge crowd,” Dobbs noted. “They've worked so hard this year and I'm excited to see the fruits of their labor on the pitch this season. I'm thankful and blessed to be their coach and I love this team.”
Home matches on weekdays typically start at 5:30 at the soccer field behind the Allen County Primary Center. The team’s schedule can be found here. The schedule can also be seen at the Riherds scoreboard link at the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) website.