Three of the slots in the USL Championship Playoffs’ Eastern Conference bracket are accounted for.

Unless something extremely dramatic happens, we think it’s safe to say the next three are going to be accounted for by Indy Eleven, Rhode Island FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

And then we get to the free-for-all that encompasses the five teams vying for the final two slots in the postseason, which appears poised to come down to the final game of the regular season.

There are four teams sitting on 42 points with two games remaining, while Hartford Athletic has a route to clinch ahead of all of them with three games to play and two points to make up.

With everyone on the line, each of these clubs is going to need someone to step to the fore. Here’s a guess at who those players might be ahead of a massive final two weeks.

7. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC – Robbie Mertz: The Pittsburgh native (pictured above) ranks third among its active roster in minutes played all-time, and he’s been rock solid since the Hounds staged their playoff push since the start of July. Mertz is coming into form as well with a goal and two assists in his last three appearances. If the Hounds are going to get over the line, they’re going to need his creativity and finishing from midfield as a catalyst.

8. North Carolina FC – Rodrigo Da Costa: The Brazilian has made a notable impact since arriving in North Carolina this season and has two goals and one assist in the past three games to try and keep the side’s playoff drive on track. His ability to create as well as finish – Da Costa averages two chances created per 90 minutes, the best mark on the team – makes him a potential difference-maker in two tricky games to close.

9. Birmingham Legion FC – Tyler Pasher: This has been a season of fits and starts for the 30-year-old, who has four goals and five assists as he’s started two-thirds of Legion’s contests. When Pasher is on his game, however, he can transform a team and deliver moments of individual magic that Birmingham is going to need to keep its postseason streak alive.

10. Loudoun United FC – Florian Valot: The French veteran has been everything he was advertised to be upon his arrival, not only contributing four goals and five assists but leading United in chances created (49), tackles won (40), interceptions (40), and recoveries (212). Valot knows what it takes to reach the postseason, and he’ll be key if Loudoun’s going to get there for the first time in its history.

11. Hartford Athletic – Michee Ngalina: If it’s possible to have a quiet season with eight goals and four assists, the 2022 USL Championship Young Player of the Year feels like he’s having one. Make no mistake, though, the 24-year-old has been through pressure like this before when he led Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC to a Western Conference Final two years ago. Hartford will be hoping he can deliver again.

• READ MORE: Want to know where everyone stands in the Race to the USL Championship Playoffs presented by Terminix? Here are your clinching scenarios and projected final standings.