Every year, the USL Cup Playoffs throws forward a new hero, or heroes, as the drama of the postseason plays out. Sometimes it’s a player that further burnishes their reputation as one of the top players in the league. Other times, it’s a chance for someone to take center stage for the first time. It could even be that one shining moment that sees a player capture center stage, only for that moment to flicker away.

Here are five performances that changed the direction of a game, and proved critical to their team’s victory on the night. With three weekends remaining in this year’s playoffs, there may be another potential name to add to this list by the time the USL Cup is awarded on Nov. 13.