Four people sat at a table Wednesday at the Muhammad Ali Center during the United Soccer League Cup media conference. Only one them was called a pioneer.

It wasn't Louisville City FC coach John Hackworth, or his captain, midfielder Paolo DelPiccolo. Nor was it Phoenix Rising FC coach Rick Schantz.

United Soccer League president Jake Edwards was referring to the man two spots from his left, Phoenix captain Didier Drogba, and he had a specific message for the 40-year-old soccer legend.

"We wish him the best of luck following his final game tomorrow night and perhaps on his mantelpiece alongside the Champions League and the Premier League, there may be a USL Cup winner's medal there," Edwards said.

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As the teams prepare for the USL Cup final Thursday at Lynn Stadium, the potential last game in the career of the former Chelsea FC star has drawn the eyes of the soccer world to the Derby City.

Over the past two decades, the Ivory Coast native has scored more than 300 goals in more than 700 games in league and international play. That includes seven goals in 11 games this season for Phoenix Rising, where he doubles as a co-owner.

He's looking to lead Phoenix Rising to its first USL Cup since the team began play back in 2014 as Arizona United Soccer Club.

Drogba, who joined Phoenix last year, said Wednesday he's enjoying his time in the USL, despite the fact the competition is much different than Major League Soccer and the English Premier League, his last two stops.

"It's very interesting for me because that's how I started my career. I was young and in a lower league and playing in all different kind-of stadiums," he said. "To be there now after being at the top, playing in the biggest stadiums in the world against the biggest opponents and the best, it's refreshing for me. I love it. I'm enjoying it."

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All the talk about Drogba has shifted the focus away from Louisville City, who is looking to become the first club in USL history to win back-to-back championships. The team is 10-0 at home in the playoffs since it began play in 2015, and in all previous USL Cup finals, the home team is 7-0.

But Louisville City's coaches and players don't mind sharing the spotlight.

"We kind of expected that to be the headline and that's not something we have a problem with," said DelPiccolo, who also captained last year's team. "Even going into last year when we made a run to the Cup, we were kinda just a sideline story."

"Someone like Drogba is someone that has all of our respect, not just for being such a big-time player and the things he's done in his career but also the kind of guy that he is," he said.

Meanwhile, Hackworth called it an honor to play against him.

"I think it's fantastic for our city and our community and brings a spotlight not only to the league but to everything we're about," said Hackworth, who took over Louisville City in August.

On the field, Thursday's matchup will pit two teams with similar playing styles and similar paths to the championship against each other. Both Phoenix and Louisville play up-tempo styles and score in transition. Both teams also won their conferences despite in-season coaching changes.

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Since they're in different conferences, the teams have never faced each other. The coaches and players said they're relying on film before Thursday.

"I think it's just a different look, and sometimes it's nice; sometimes it's not so nice," DelPiccolo said.

Schantz, who took over for Phoenix Rising in June, said his impression of Louisville is that they're both "very good" and "very organized.

"What we've watched with Louisville is not only they can catch you right away when you make a mistake, but they have some great build-up play," he said. "It's gonna be an extremely difficult challenge for us."

All eyes will be on Drogba Thursday night. But with so much riding on the game, not even he was ready to shut the door.

"Let's see how it goes tomorrow," he said.

Justin Sayers: 502-582-4252; jsayers@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @_JustinSayers. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/justins.