Hartford Athletic Look to Defend Prinx Tires USL Cup Title vs. Louisville City | OneFootball

Back-to-back title defenses happen rarely in soccer. Usually, they’re reserved for those clubs who establish themselves as juggernaut sides, thick with talent and puffed up from dominating the competition. And then you have Hartford Athletic.

Hartford On the Rise

No pundit would ever confuse Hartford for a Manchester City. Or Liverpool or Manchester United in their prime. The club, founded in 2018, has qualified for the league playoffs twice in their history (one of them being in the 2020 COVID year). In 2023, they finished dead last with only 18 points earned. 

Yet despite this choppy history, since 2024 they’ve been a force in the USL Championship. Under GM and head coach Brenden Burke they rebuilt their squad, have retained a strong core set of starters, and are winning. They’re currently in the 4th spot in the Eastern Conference, and their last defeat occurred back on August 1st (across all competitions).

Hartford’s Stellar USL Cup History

But pulling off a back-to-back title defense would be extra special. Hartford is the only top flight professional franchise left in Connecticut (the WNBA’s Sun is moving to Houston next season). Burke notes: “This is only seven games to win a trophy, but you have to be almost perfect to win it.”

So far, so perfect. The Boys in Green have never lost a USL Cup match. Ever. Granted, the competition is only in its second year, but that’s still an impressive run. This season, they earned 10 points in the group phase from 3W 1D. In the knockout rounds they dispatched Charlotte Independence 4-2 and Colorado Springs Switchbacks 2-1. 

Louisville City Will Be Stiff Competition

They won’t be wearing their royal purple when they visit Trinity Park, but LouCity will have their tails up and be ready for this fixture. Four years senior to Hartford, Louisville is among the strongest and most consistent clubs in the USL Championship. After a 2023 season that was their worst ever (finished 5th in the East; 10th overall), they’ve finished first the past two seasons.

They already have two USL championship wins and a pair of Player’s Shield honors; winning this match would complete their trophy case.

Familiar Foes

These two played each other last weekend, also in Hartford. That game ended in a 2-2 draw. Hartford took the lead, and Louisville rallied to score two second half goals to take the lead. Hartford earned the draw from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute. 

Both teams have a reputation for clutch scores. LouCity ranks 2nd in scoring second half goals (32 across all competitions); Hartford tends to score in the final fifteen minutes before the whistle (30 of their 43 goals are scored during this period).

Who to Watch

Hartford’s attack is led by Irish midfielder Barry Coffey and striker August Williams, both with three goals in the tournament. Defensively, Overall, Hartford’s defense has been strong this season, allowing only 1.0 goals per match. It’s been even better in the Prinx Cup; goalkeeper Antony Siaha has conceded three goals in five matches.

Louisville, meanwhile, has the top goalscorer in the tournament: Jansen Wilson. His five goals in the Prinx series, plus a converted PK in the shootout over San Antonio, propelled the Boys in Purple to the final.

Match Details

What: Print Tires USL Cup FinalWhere: Trinity Health Stadium, Hartford, CTWhen: 3pm ET / noon PTWatch it: Broadcast live on ESPN2

The Hooligan Take

This will be a fast-paced, physical match. Both sides have plenty to play for, and do not shy away from mixing it up. Hartford already earned two red cards in previous USL Cup ties. Ultimately, it will be the Athletic defense that will hold.

Hartford Athletic 3 – 2 Louisville City (after extra time)