ABOUT THE CLUB
OUR MISSION, OUR VISION
Rally the community and culture of Maine around soccer, and create a purpose-driven club that represents all who have their hearts in Maine.
OUR STORY
We began as a movement—culture-led, community-built, and city-backed—with a vision: to bring professional soccer to Portland and the state of Maine. Our mission was simple yet ambitious: to create an elite club that embodies the spirit of Maine while driving economic, cultural, and community impact across the city and state.
As Maine’s only professional soccer club, we stand for a people, a place, and a purpose. We are a reflection of Maine’s diverse communities and landscapes—from the Highlands to Downeast, Casco Bay to Acadia, Aroostook to the Forest City. Our club motto expands upon the state’s own—Dirigo (Latin for “I lead”)—centering on the heart as a symbol of strength, unity, and hope.
At our core, we believe in the power of an internal compass—one that guides individuals, communities, and this club toward becoming the best versions of themselves. It’s the conviction, care, and ingenuity that’s inherent to Mainers, and it’s what we strive to reflect on and off the field.
OUR HISTORY
NOV 2022
2022 USA v ENGLAND WC WATCH PARTY
Founder Gabe Hoffman-Johnson organized city-wide watch party for USA v England World Cup match that drew thousands to Monument Square.
SEPT 2023
FRANCHISE ANNOUNCED
Founder Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, USL, and local government officials announced that professional soccer would be coming to Maine, playing in USL League One.
APRIL 2024
BRAND AND NAME UNVEILED
Portland Hearts of Pine unveiled its name, colors, and crest for a fan fest in Portland.
OCT 2024
FIRST HEAD COACH ANNOUNCED, BOBBY MURPHY
Bobby Murphy was announced as the first-ever Head Coach and Sporting Director of Portland Hearts of Pine.
NOV 2024
WOODS & WATER KIT REVEALED
Hearts unveiled the first home kit at The State Theatre with jersey partners Visit Maine and L.L.Bean.
DEC 2024
FIRST PLAYER SIGNED
Michel Poon-Angeron is announced as the first player in history to join the club.
JAN 2025
FIRST PLAYER FROM MAINE SIGNED
Khalid Hersi is announced as the first player in club history to join Hearts of Pine from Lewiston, ME.
JAN 2025
BANDIT KIT REVEALED
Hearts unveiled the first away kit with jersey partners Visit Maine and The Dempsey Center.
MAR 2025
FIRST-EVER MATCH PLAYED IN MAINE
Hearts of Pine beat CD Faialense in the U.S. Open Cup in front of 3,000 fans at Lewiston High School. Walter Varela scored the first goal in club history.
MAR 2025
FIRST USL LEAGUE ONE MATCH
On March 29, 2025, Hearts of Pine played their first season match on the road against FC Naples with over 100+ supporters in the stands.
MAY 2025
FIRST HOME MATCH
On May 4, 2025 Hearts played their first-ever home match at Fitzpatrick Stadium against One Knoxville SC with 5,784 supporters in the stands.
MAY 2025
FIRST HOME MATCH WIN
On May 17, 2025, Hearts of Pine had their first home win of the season, defeating FC Naples in front of thousands of supporters — including actor Patrick Dempsey and Senator Angus King.
SEPT 2025
HEARTS UNVEILED BLAZE KIT
Hearts unveiled the Blaze kit with jersey partners Visit Maine and L.L.Bean.
OCT 2025
HEARTS QUALIFY FOR PLAYOFFS IN INAUGURAL SEASON
On October 25, 2025, Hearts of Pine closed out their inaugural regular season with a 2–2 draw against AV Alta FC. More than 6,000 fans packed the stands to cheer on the boys of Maine as they punched their ticket to the playoffs.
OCT 2025
HEARTS BROKE USL LEAGUE ONE ATTENDANCE RECORD
Hearts of Pine broke the USL League One attendance record, drawing 6,400 supporters to the stands to cheer on the boys of Maine . The night ended in Hearts’ largest win to date, a commanding 6–1 victory over Spokane Velocity.
NOV 2025
HEARTS ADVANCED TO SEMIFINALS IN USL LEAGUE ONE PLAYOFFS
On November 1, 2025, Hearts defeated the Chattanooga Red Wolves in the quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals playing Spokane Velocity.