Louisville City FC leading goal-scorer Cameron Lancaster is a game-time decision for Thursday's United Soccer League Cup final, his coach said Wednesday.

Lancaster, who scored the game-winning goal in last year's USL Cup final, left Friday night's Eastern Conference final win in the 13th minute after colliding with a New York Red Bulls II defender.

Louisville City coach John Hackworth said Wednesday the forward strained his hamstring and has been testing the injury in practice leading up to the matchup with Phoenix Rising FC.

"He didn't look as good earlier as we would have hoped," Hackworth said. "We'll just have to make a game-time decision."

More:Your guide to Louisville City FC's USL title game vs. Phoenix Rising

Also:Here's how to buy tickets to see Louisville City in the USL Cup final

Read this:How to watch Louisville City FC take on Phoenix Rising in the USL Cup

Hackworth added that the injury was not as bad as the team initially feared and that he's mulling keeping him as a late-game sub.

"I want to make sure I don't put him at risk," Hackworth said. "I'm going to lean on him to say if he feels good, maybe it's worth the risk."

Lancaster, 26, scored a USL-record 25 regular-season goals this year. He was the hero in last year's final, which Louisville City won 1-0 against Swope Park Rangers. After entering as a substitute, he scored the only goal in the 88th minute of the match.

LouCity will look to make it back-to-back championships in the USL Cup Thursday at Lynn Stadium on the University of Louisville Campus. Kick-off is set for 8 p.m. against Phoenix Rising FC. The game will be televised on ESPN2.

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