MIDWAY, Ky - Not content to rely on the help of others, the Midway men's soccer team took control of its own fate Thursday, punching its ticket into the postseason for the first time in six years.

A dominant defense allowed just one shot on goal and a Conor O'Brien second-half header was the difference in a 1-0 win over Shawnee State, which clinched the Eagles a spot in the River States Tournament for the first time since 2017.

"I've been here the past three years and we've not accomplished anything like this," junior midfielder Jared Bastin said after the game. "It's good that we got our confidence through conference play. We keep on this route, we'll be in a good spot."

A defensive performance like the one the Eagles put forth Thursday will put them in many good spots, as the only shot that found its way to keeper Connor Vincent came in the 78th minute, which he promptly saved.

While the defense shined, the offense had its own moment of perfection in the 52nd minute. On a corner kick, Leo Elder placed a perfect pass to O'Brien, who used every inch of his 6-foot-4 frame to send in a header for the day's only score.

"First goal with my head all season, I think," O'Brien said. "It's about time I got one. But it's all down to (Leo). (The pass) was perfect. All I did was hit it on target."

Though preseason expectations were to get to this point, things looked grim after a demoralizing Sept. 30 loss to St. Mary of the Woods put the Eagles on the path to an 0-4 conference start. They've since responded by winning four of six and currently sit in sixth-place in the eight-team field.

With 12 points in conference play, Midway can climb as high as fifth in the final standings with a win over Indiana East and a loss or tie by Shawnee State (14 points) against Brescia Saturday, a scenario that would provide even more momentum going into the postseason.

"We just want to be able to build and see how far we can go with it," O'Brien said. 

Saturday's game, which will also be the Eagles' senior day, will kick off at 3:30 p.m.

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