All those shots that once went wide right and wide left, clanked off the posts or sailed over the crossbar have been finding the back of the net as of late.

That's a simple explanation for the resurgence of the Riverhounds, the team that once couldn't shoot straight and now is harboring faint hopes of reaching the playoffs in the United Soccer League's Second Division. The Riverhounds (3-9-4) have won two in a row and three of four heading into their match against Harrisburg (5-1-9) at 7 p.m. today at Chartiers Valley High School.

"We've always been very close. Maybe it's just the percentages are on our side," coach Gene Klein said. "Some of the shots that didn't go in before are going in now. We've always spent a lot of time in practice on finishing. We've always been playing good soccer."

The Riverhounds, who have been outshot in just four games, might also be the victims of some hot guys in goal. Four times this season the opposing goalie has been named player of the week after facing the Riverhounds.

The Riverhounds are in ninth place in the standings with 13 points and four games remaining. The top six qualify for the playoffs and the current sixth-place team has 21 points. A win is worth three points and a tie one point.

Klein made a personnel move that has been the catalyst for the recent success of the Riverhounds. Klein switched Thabiso Khumalo from midfield to forward and he responded with both goals in a 2-0 win against the Bermuda Hodges and the deciding goal in a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace Baltimore.

Khumalo was named USL-2 player of the week.

"We needed to shake things up," Klein said. "He's really taken to the position and is a threat to score. He's very quick and very skillful and has terrific stamina. He's taken us to a different level."

Khumalo's scoring has elevated the play of all the Riverhounds.

"That happens a lot in soccer. Everyone plays to their potential when you score goals," Klein said. "A goal is really huge in soccer."

Khumalo leads the team with five goals, followed by several players each with two.

The job of goalie has been handled by a three-man committee of Zach Varga (2-4-2, 1.5 goals against per game), Andrew Keszler (1-2, 1.67) and Phil Marfuggi (0-3-2, 2.6).

"You have to give all our players credit for maintaining belief we can win," Klein said. "We're still shooting for the playoffs and building some momentum for next season."