The 2025 USL Jägermeister Cup Final delivered the kind of tense, physical, and high-energy soccer that fans were hoping for. In the end, Hartford Athletic came out on top, earning a hard-fought 1–0 win over Sacramento Republic FC to lift their first major trophy. Both teams threw everything into this one, but it was Hartford’s relentless pressing, organized defense, and one clinical moment that made the difference.
From the opening whistle, Hartford made their game plan clear by pressing every ball, challenging every pass, and forcing Sacramento to make quick decisions.
That intensity nearly paid off early in the first half when TJ Presthus spun past a defender in the box and fired a shot toward the far post, only for it to be deflected just wide.
Michee Ngalina also looked dangerous, using his speed and footwork to draw fouls and stretch the defense. Despite all the pressure, Sacramento stayed composed and created some chances of their own.
The match was physical throughout, with players going to ground on both sides and emotions running high. Just before the break, Hartford had another golden chance when Samuel Careaga slipped a perfectly weighted ball behind the defense for Ngalina, who crossed it into the box but the finishing touch wasn’t there, and Sacramento’s keeper, Jared Mazzola cleaned it up. At halftime, the score was still 0–0, but it felt like a goal was coming.
That breakthrough finally came in the 51st minute. Samuel Careaga found the back of the net with a beautiful finish following a well-placed corner kick from Sebastian Anderson. Anderson delivered the assist, with a short pass outside the box to where Careaga met it perfectly to score. Hartford finally had the lead they’d been chasing all night.
Sacramento turned up the heat in the final 15 minutes, throwing on attacking subs and piling numbers forward. They came close, forcing Antony Siaha into two smart saves but they couldn’t find the equalizer. Hartford’s defense held strong under pressure, winning crucial headers and clearing their lines with purpose.
When the final whistle blew, it was pure celebration for Hartford. After a gritty, all-out performance, they were crowned champions of their first-ever USL Jägermeister Cup.
Hartford will look to continue their playoff push as Jägermeister Cup champions in their next match against Oakland Roots SC on Tuesday, October 7th. The game can be viewed on MyTV9, WTNH.com, or ESPN+.
Additionally, the Green & Blue are back at home for Match for a Cause in support of the American Cancer Society on October 11th at 7 PM. More information can be found here and tickets are available here.
FAST STATS
| HARTFORD | SACRAMENTO | |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 14 | 13 |
| Shots On Target | 4 | 2 |
| Corners | 6 | 7 |
| Fouls | 13 | 7 |
| Offsides | 3 | 1 |
| Possession | 36% | 64% |
| Passing Accuracy | 67% | 81% |
| Saves | 1 | 3 |
SCORING SUMMARY
| HARTFORD | SACRAMENTO |
|---|---|
| 51′ – Samuel Careaga (Sebastian Anderson) |
DISCIPLINARY SUMMARY
| HARTFORD | SACRAMENTO |
|---|---|
| 43′ – Adrian Diz Pe (Yellow) | 76′ – Sebastián Herrera (Yellow) |
| 81′ – Sebastian Anderson (Yellow) | 90+4′ – Sebastián Herrera (Red) |
| 90+3′ – Kyle Edwards (Yellow) | 90+6′ – Rayan Djédjé (Yellow) |
| 90+4′ – Antony Siaha (Yellow) |
LINEUPS
| HARTFORD | SACRAMENTO |
|---|---|
| 77 (GK) Antony Siaha | 99 (GK) Jared Mazzola |
| 22 (DF) TJ Presthus | 4 (DF) Lee Desmond |
| 4 (DF) Jordan Scarlett (C) | 6 (DF) Freddy Kleemann (Lewis Jamieson, 84′) |
| 30 (DF) Adrian Diz Pe | 21 (DF) Rayan Djédjé |
| 2 (MF) Sebastian Anderson | 22 (MF) Michelle Benítez (Ryan Spaulding, 74′) |
| 19 (MF) Emmanuel Samadia | 8 (MF) Rodrigo López (C) (Blake Willey, 74′) |
| 94 (MF) Marlon Hairston | 19 (MF) Nick Ross |
| 10 (MF) Samuel Careaga (Beverly Makangila, 79′) | 2 (MF) Jack Gurr |
| 11 (FW) Michee Ngalina (Joseph Farrell, 90′) | 11 (FW) Russell Cicerone |
| 81 (FW) Adewale Obalola (Kyle Edwards, 45′) (Baboucarr Njie, 90+3′) | 90 (FW) Khori Bennett (Cristian Parano, 58′) |
| 8 (FW) Junior Moreira | 96 (FW) Luis Rodrigues |
