Following a loss to FC Emmen that ruined their chances of winning the fifth period title, TOP Oss handyman Charles Kazlauskas knows how important the last period is to his team.

After Friday's match against Dordrecht, the southerners will have one period left to secure a birth to the Eredivisie promotion playoffs. After a few near misses, Kazlauskas says the club must stay stuck in until the end.

"I think our team has to keep believing in ourselves and try to stay consistent," Kazlauskas told American Soccer Daily.  "We have been very close this season in a few periods, now we have to play six games like they are all a final."

The Wisconsin native is back to playing in defense after recently switching to right midfield for several games, and says he enjoyed the upfield slide.

"The coach knows my strengths and gives me confidence in numerous positions," explained Kazlauskas. "The coach puts me anywhere on the right side to give us the best chance to win. Sometimes that is right half and the other time that is right back."

"My preference at the moment goes out to right half. I like to have the freedom to use my energy up and down the field."

Kazlauskas scored the opening goal against Emmen on Friday, but they disappointingly went on to lose the match 2-1 and the American rues an opportunity lost.

"The loss to FC Emmen last Friday was our own fault," he said. "We had many chances to expand our lead in the first half and failed to do so."

"One of the rules of soccer is, if you do not score, your opponent will. This was a great opportunity to win the fifth period."

On a personal note, Kazlauskas played his 100th game for TOP, which he considers a benchmark of pride.

"I am treated very well in Oss by the club and supporters," said the 25-year old, who often takes the home field under an adoring sign that reads 'Kazlauskas voor Oranje'.

"I have been playing in Oss for just less than three years now, and it was a nice milestone for me as an American playing in Europe."