Louisville City FC Goes Back to Back, Wins USL Cup 2018

The final match of the USL’s single elimination playoff tournament was full of good storylines for the league. Both teams in the final didn’t start the season with the head coaches that would man the sideline for them in the final.

Phoenix, captained by Didier Drogba and full of MLS cast offs and flashier names, while Louisville captained by the man who led the University of Louisville team to a College Cup final just a few years ago.

Storylines abound, and two teams that ended strong after struggles were the recipe for a strong final. The first half was what you’d expect in a one-off final. Cagey, with both teams not willing to risk a whole lot early. Louisville ha d chance ore two, but nothing to serious. And Phoenix’s main chances came off of Didier Drogba set pieces.

The second half started off with a much more aggressive effort from Louisville. First it was Brian Ownby with a massive miss, and then Luke Spencer. But Spencer finally got on the end of a ball and slammed it home in the 62nd minute. A corner kick sent in, pinged around the area until it eventually fell to the feet of Spencer who slammed it home.

Louisville City won the 2017 USL Cup Final by the same exact score, over repeat runner up, Swope Park Rangers. A new team from the west this time, and Louisville City got the job done again.

Didier Drogba’s storied career was expected to come to a close after tonight’s match. The Phoenix risisng forward will likely announce his next steps in the coming days.