If the USL season feels like a marathon, Week 26 was the point where the finish line came into view. With a rivalry win against Indy Eleven, Louisville City became the first club to clinch their place in the 2025 postseason. Still, it’s only the beginning of the end; 15 more teams are yet to stake a claim, and an action-packed Saturday that featured nearly 40 goals only muddied the competitive waters.
We know Louisville is on top, but who else made a statement this weekend, and what choices shifted the table? Let’s dig in.
1. Louisville City
Trending: No change
Result: 3-1 win at Indy
You can count the number of USL clubs with a productive academy on one hand, and Louisville City is unique within that elite in how they manage their young talent. Players like the Wynder brothers have broken through to the first team, but Louisville have been willing to loan their prospects to other clubs in the right situation. Owen Damm, Issac Cano, and Sebastian Sanchez have all come through the pipeline and contributed for USL rivals. Now, Carlos Moguel is following that same path after joining New Mexico on loan.
What’s the upside for Louisville? If Moguel develops as expected, he can easily come back to Lynn Family Stadium and contribute in 2026. If Moguel, who’s on a multi-year contract, is deemed excess to requirements, then he’s been in the shop window and accrued extra value. It’s a win-win that goes to show just how advanced the Louisville program is.
