Louisville City FC claimed bragging rights in the rivalry, defeating Lexington 2-1 away from home in the USL Championship on March 7, 2026. In the first professional meeting between the two Kentucky clubs, Louisville's experience told as they came from behind to secure the victory. Lexington, playing in front of a passionate home crowd, took an early lead to send their fans into raptures. Louisville City remained composed and equalized before halftime with a clinical finish. The match-winning goal came in the 75th minute, a powerful strike from outside the box that gave the Lexington goalkeeper no chance. The result gave Louisville City a perfect start to their league campaign and provided a harsh lesson in the USL Championship for the expansion side Lexington. The Louisville manager praised his team's maturity, and the Lexington coach acknowledged the gap in quality at key moments.