The crew for the 2026 Prinx Tires USL Cup Final on Sunday, October 4, has been announced. The final between Hartford Athletic and Louisville City will kick off at 3PM ET at Trinity Health Stadium.
Hartford Athletic vs Louisville City
Ref: Elton Garcia
AR1: Matthew Schwartz
AR2: Matt Trotter
4th: Jeremy Scheer
RAR: Ben Rigel
Meet the crew:
Elton Garcia
This will be his second USL final after taking charge of the 2023 USL Championship final. Has more than 40 assignments this season already across all competitions, predominantly refereeing in USL Championship this season, while also being a fourth official in MLS and VAR in NWSL.
Matthew Schwartz
Was reserve assistant referee for Garcia at the 2023 USL Championship final and now steps up to take to the field for his first showpiece final. Has worked 20 games across NWSL, USL Championship, USL League One, MLS NEXT Pro, and Prinx Tires USL Cup this season and made his MLS debut in Matchday 10 in April.
Matt Trotter
Officiates his third final in three years, having been assistant referee for the 2025 NWSL Championship and reserve assistant referee at the 2024 USL Jägermeister Cup Final. Like Schwartz, this will be his first USL final on the field. He also made his MLS debut earlier this year, in Matchday 11.
Jeremy Scheer
The fourth official for the 2023 USL League One Final, who has also worked MLS NEXT Pro Cup twice (in 2025 as referee and in 2024 as fourth official) has had a busy season refereeing across NWSL, USL Championship, USL League One, MLS NEXT Pro, and Prinx Tires USL Cup, and as a fourth official in MLS.
Ben Rigel
Served as assistant referee for this final two years ago and as reserve assistant referee for MLS NEXT Pro Cup last season. Has officiated 29 games in MLS, NWSL, USL Championship, USL League One, MLS NEXT Pro, and Prinx Tires USL Cup so far this year.
PRO wishes all the officials a successful and enjoyable final. This important assignment recognizes their excellent work throughout the season.