PITTSBURGH — Excitement is building as Hartford Athletic prepares to play its first USL Championship playoff game since 2020.

The Hartford club is on the road at Highmark Stadium Saturday night to take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in the first round of the playoffs at 6:30 p.m.

It’s only the second playoff appearance ever for Hartford Athletic, which joined the league in 2019. Under head coach and general manager Brendan Burke, the club has enjoyed a revival in 2025.

RELATED: ‘Major culture shift’ helps Hartford Athletic climb standings and clinch playoff berth

Following the regular season, Hartford Athletic (13-5-12) finished fifth in the Eastern Conference. Pittsburgh (12-8-10) edged past Hartford to secure the four seed.

The top eight teams from Eastern Conference and top ei

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