story by Carter Moles

MOBILE, Ala.- Sixth-seeded Faulkner (9-6) secured the program's first-ever postseason victory tonight with a 1-0 decision over Mobile (11-7) here in the quarterfinals of the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament.

After Dave Chesterman's deflected shot in the 65th minute bounced free, senior defender Ian Sagstetter collected the loose ball and delivered a brilliant left-footed strike into the right side netting, securing the game's lone goal.

"It obviously feels great to score the winning goal, but the collective effort was what really won the game tonight," Sagstetter said after the game. "We need to enjoy this win, but focus on our semifinal match coming up Wednesday."

The Rams kept the pressure on throughout regulation, but the defense, backed by Diego da Silva in net, kept Mobile at bay. The senior goalkeeper booked three saves while earning his third consecutive clean sheet.

The Eagles shot 18 times in the contest, but placed only four on target as most were blocked by defenders. The Rams produced 10 shots on the evening.

"It a relief to see all this hard work coming to fruition," head coach Kyle Beard said. "I'm really happy for these guys and their hard work. We went on the road and beat one of the most talented teams in the country tonight. Mobile was a quarterfinalist in the national tournament two years ago. They are a team we've been trying to get ahead of for a while now."

Mobile blanked Faulkner 3-0 at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium in late September.

Faulkner will advance to the SSAC semifinals at the Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex in Montgomery on Nov. 9. The Eagles should inherit the winner of the Dalton State/Middle Georgia State game slated to be played tomorrow evening. Faulkner defeated Middle Georgia 3-0 on Saturday, but fell 2-1 to Dalton State in double overtime in mid October.