Louisville City spoils Hartford’s attempt to win 2nd straight USL Cup

written by Collinsville Press | October 4, 2026

A sellout crowd of more than 6,000 was in Hartford for Sunday’s USL Cup championship game at Trinity Health Stadium. (Photo courtesy Hartford Athletic)

Louisville City defender Aiden McFadden scored a goal in the 12th minute to lift Louisville to a 1-0 win over Hartford Athletic in the championship match of the USL Cup tournament Sunday before a sellout crowd of 6,179 fans at Trinity Health Stadium.

Hartford, who had won 13 straight USL Cup contests over the past two years, was the defending tournament champion. Louisville goalie Ryan Shewe had one save and had four clearances in earning the shutout.

Louisville City adds the USL Cup trophy to a crowded trophy case in Kentucky. Louisville has won two USL Championship titles, four Eastern Conference championships and two Players’ Shield titles.

McFadden scored on a head ball off a corner kick from Taylor Davila to put Louisville City ahead 1-0.

Hartford, who had not lost a match since Aug. 1,  had their chances. They possessed the ball for a majority of the match with 17 shots but only one made their way to Schewe.

Louisville didn’t give up a goal in the knockout stage (three games) and prevailed in a penalty kick shootout against Tampa Bay (quarterfinals) and San Antonio (semifinals).