Arguably, there hasn't been a more pivotal stretch in Pittsburgh Riverhounds FC history than the one the team is facing this weekend.

The Riverhounds (2-2-5) are in seventh place in the nine-team United Soccer League Second Division and will square off against Harrisburg (4-4-3) tonight and Cincinnati (4-3-3) tomorrow. Both games are at Washington's Falconi Field and are scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m.

Cincinnati is fourth in the division, while Harrisburg is in fifth place in the division.

The Riverhounds have played Cincinnati and Harrisburg twice each this season and have batted to a tie in all four meetings.

"We have a great opportunity to pick up points at home and move into playoff contention," said Gene Klein, the first-year coach of the Riverhounds.

"These are two very competitive teams. We're very close [in terms of talent] and these matches are expected to be very, very tight."

With two wins this weekend, the Riverhounds could find themselves embroiled in a battle for a playoff spot as the season churns into its second half.

Conversely, if the Riverhounds drop decisions to Harrisburg and Cincinnati, it will undoubtedly be an uphill climb to get back into the playoff race.