Two points out of playoff position with two matches remaining, the Ventura County Fusion has reached the crunch portion of the Premier Development League season.

But Thursday night's make-or-break showdown with San Fernando Valley Quakes comes complete with that special brand of contempt that is only bred by familiarity.

"I don't think either San Fernando or ourselves need winding up for the game," said Fusion coach Graham Smith. "It's got all the ingredients."

Not only are both clubs knotted in third place with 24 points, but Ventura County's regional rival is also coming off a 4-1 over powerhouse Fresno that featured four goals by former Fusion players.

Former Fusion trialist Fernando Agwa scored twice and former Fusion starters Diego Barrera, a Thousand Oaks High product, and Brad Rusin also found the net in Fresno. Former Thousand Oaks High and Fusion star Jason Leopoldo, who changed teams in midseason, played all 90 minutes for San Fernando Valley.

"There's certainly no love lost and you'll probably see that affect on the field," said Fusion general manager Ranbir Shergill. "It's a big rivalry. It's a big derby game and there's a lot of stake, including pride.

"The game couldn't be any bigger."

Shergill was quick to point out the Quakes had yet to beat the Fusion in three meetings over the past two seasons. Although the Quakes gained the ultimate revenge last year by pipping the Fusion to the Southwest Division's second and final playoff berth.

With two games to play, both at home, last season, the Fusion needed a win and a tie to clinch the division title. Instead, consecutive draws against the Southern California Seahorses and Los Angeles Legends ended a promising campaign.

The task may be tougher this year, as first-place San Francisco and second-place Fresno to drop points on top of two positive results.

"As always, its come down to crunch time again," said Shergill. "You've got to give it your best shot."

Comings and goings: Recent Oxnard High graduate Emigdio Ramirez, a big reason why the Fusion Super-20 team qualified for the USL Under-20 North American finals in Virginia Beach, Va., later this month, was called up to train with the PDL Tuesday night, ahead of perhaps a reserve role with the big team this weekend.

Ramirez was needed after a serious of injuries and departures.

Fullback Greg Folk has flown to England for a trial with Brighton Hove and Albion FC, who play in League 1, the third tier of English soccer.

Santa Barbara City's Joe Buppert, another key figure at fullback, will be unavailable until he undergoes surgery to repair a broken nose suffered when he was headbutted by an opponent in Lancaster last Friday.

Irish winger Brian Byrne, who missed both matches last weekend on his honeymoon, will return in time for Sunday's visit to the Legends at Citrus College.

Midfield maestro Rodrigo Lopez served his one-game yellow card suspension on trial with a Mexican team near San Miguel. Lopez missed Tuesday's training, but is expected to return in time to figure in Thursday's key match.

Fullback Armando Guerrero and Super-20 midfielder Danny Rodriguez are also playing on a Mexican trip.

Cellar matchup: The Fusion women (1-9-1) wrap up their inaugural W-League season Sunday against the only team its beaten, the winless Los Angeles Legends (0-8-2).

The Fusion need to avoid losing to stay out of the basement in the seven-team Western Conference.