MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Fives ruled the night Thursday as Michalis Jackson's five saves and Thiago Micki's fifth minute goal gave Faulkner its fifth win of the season in a 1-0 win over Middle Georgia at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium.

Micki sprinted onto an overpassed ball by Middle Georgia's midfielder who attempted to drop back but chipped it over the head of his teammate. The Brazilian struck with his left foot from the top of the box and beat the keeper for the only tally of the match.

Middle Georgia's biggest chance came just 30 seconds before halftime when a back post cross fell to James Skelton 4 yards from goal but Jackson reacted in time and preserved the lead into the break. 

Jackson made three more saves in the last 19 minutes of the match to preserve the clean sheet, his first of his Faulkner career. "He's been a great player for us this whole time," head coach Gabriel de Queiroz said of the keeper from Cyprus. "Our defense played with a lot of discipline and focus tonight. Communication was a lot better." 

With the victory, Faulkner assured itself no worse than 7th in the conference ahead of Talladega and Middle Georgia and the Eagles can climb as high as fifth. Faulkner is one point behind Blue Mountain who has matches with Life and Mobile left. The Eagles also sit four points ahead of Brewton-Parker who have matches with Faulkner, Life, Dalton State and Middle Georgia left. 

Saturday afternoon, the Eagles will take on Brewton-Parker at 4 p.m. in an important match up that, with some help from around the league, could help Faulkner wrap up a playoff spot and even jump to the five seed.  Read Full Article