Conway, SC – The Atlantic Collegiate Academy girls' soccer team may have been a little overshadowed by another big game on Tuesday, but the Armada didn't let that distract them from taking a 3-2 season-opening victory on their home pitch against Philip Simmons High.
 
Junior Micah Davis, fresh off a state tournament run with the ACA girls' basketball team, scored the Armada's first goal of the year in the 36^th minute of the first half and then came back in the 13^th minute of the second half, with the game tied at 2-2, to notch the game-winning goal.
 
"I'm incredibly proud of the way our team competed tonight," ACA coach Jordin Anderson said. "We faced a strong opponent, but our girls worked together, showed resilience, and fought until the final whistle.
 
"Micah stepped up in a big way with two crucial goals, showing her composure and skill in front of the net."
 
Freshman Brianna Dixon scored her first goal for the Armada in the 28^th minute of the first half to give ACA a 2-0 lead. Phillip Simmons battled back when sophomore Emily Skipper found the back of the net in the 22^nd minute of the first half.
 
The Armada took that 2-1 lead into halftime, but the Iron Horses struck first in the 32^nd minute of the second half on a goal by sophomore Haley Franko, setting the stage for Davis to score the game-winner.
 
Senior keeper Makenzie Teixeira and a strong ACA defense led by junior AJ St. Clair and freshman Skylar Stoogenke limited the Philip Simmons attack throughout. St. Clair recorded 15 steals in the game while Stoogenke had 10 while Teixeira recorded seven saves while facing a total of 13 shots on goal.
 
"They anchored the defense with discipline and composure, keeping the back line strong against a tough opponent," Anderson said. "Junior Eden Maxwell also played a vital role all over the field, creating opportunities for assists and contributing on both ends of the field."
 
The Armada will venture onto the road for their next contest, this Saturday evening t 6 p.m. in Simpsonville against Green Upstate High. The Owls dropped their opener 1-0 on Monday against Mountain View Prep.
 
"This will be a great opportunity for us to showcase everything we've worked on so far this season," Anderson said. "The girls are focused, determined, and ready to give their all on the field. We are ready for the challenges ahead and I am confident this team will give it their all."
 
About Atlantic Collegiate Academy: Atlantic Collegiate Academy (ACA), located in Conway, S.C., serves high school students in a safe, small and family-centered setting. Our students seek the opportunity and challenge of rigorous curriculum, high academic standards and elite athletics while also earning up to two years of college credit. ACA serves students in grades 9-12 using an honors curriculum in 9th and 10 grades with a dual enrollment curriculum in 11th and 12th grades. Learn more about ACA by visiting our website at AtlanticCollegiate.Academy and by following us on social media on Facebook, Instagram and X.