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Hearts of Pine

The Soccer Club of Maine

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Portland Hearts of Pine

Hearts of Pine and Design FC Bring Student-Created Jersey to Matchday

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Players will wear special pre-match jerseys Sunday designed by students at King Middle School in Portland, with signed player jerseys auctioned to support the return of Design FC programming in Portland next year

PORTLAND, Maine — A 12-session creative journey that began in the art classroom at King Middle School will make its way onto the pitch ahead of Sunday’s match, with every jersey sold supporting the program for the school year ahead.

Hearts of Pine and hummel will celebrate the culmination of their first Design FC afterschool program, which took place at King Middle School in Portland over the past school year. The Design FC curriculum uses sport and design to help young people explore their own creativity, self-expression, and storytelling. Over the course of 12 weeks, students developed jersey concepts reflecting their own stories and values. 

At the end of the spring semester, the students participated in a workshop led by staff from Design FC, Hearts of Pine, and hummel to create a one-of-a-king pre-match jersey. Building on the design skills, ideas and storytelling they explored throughout the program, the student created a jersey inspired by the city and state they call home.

The jersey design itself features dozens of unique elements hand-drawn by students, scanned and arranged to create the final garment. Atop a base of pine trees and green textures is a soccer pitch and a series of hearts, a large portrait of a moose on the back, and sleeves that showcase Maine’s coastal landscapes featuring lighthouses and lupins. On the front where one would expect a partner logo is a hand-written “Up the Hearts”, and on the back is the club motto of “Lead with Your Heart”. 

The jersey will be worn by Hearts players during warm-ups ahead of Sunday’s match, bringing that shared creative process from the classroom at King Middle onto the field at Fitzpatrick Stadium.

“When we began conversations with Design FC, we knew we wanted to start this programming at King Middle School,” said Hearts of Pine Founder and Chief Community Officer Gabe Hoffman-Johnson when the program was announced. “This collaboration creates an environment where sport, creativity, and self-expression come together in a powerful way, and it felt like a perfect fit for the students at King who share the pitch with our players at Fitzpatrick.”

Now through 9pm ET on Monday, September 14 following the match, fans have the opportunity to bid on signed player-worn jerseys available through an online auction. The jerseys are also available for preorder online at shop.heartsofpine.com through September 20th, available in person now at the Hearts of Pine Club Shop, as well as at Sunday’s match at the Kids Zone merch tent. 

All proceeds from both jersey sales and the online auction will support the continuation of the Design FC programming in Portland next year, helping create the opportunity for another group of local students to participate. The match top will also be available for purchase at shop.heartsofpine.com for supporters who can’t attend in person or who prefer to secure one outside of the auction.

“The Hearts of Pine continues to be a fantastic partner for the Portland Public Schools and our students. This club was an opportunity to engage students, the jersey design is amazing, and I can’t wait to watch the students when they see their jersey being worn by a professional team. I look forward to wearing mine!” said Portland Public Schools Superintendent Ryan Scallon. 

Design FC is a nonprofit organization that combines sport and creativity through youth-focused programming around the world. Its partnership with Hearts and hummel marked the organization’s first program in Maine.

“At Design FC, we’re always looking for like-minded partners to support the growth of our programs,” said Oliver Steinglass, Design FC’s Executive Director. “Hearts are deeply committed to their community and place a high value on design and storytelling, making them an ideal partner for Design FC. We’ve really enjoyed working with the club so far and are excited to continue growing this partnership in Portland,” 

The program was made possible through hummel’s partnership, which provided apparel, materials and program funding.

Design FC’s work has put young designers alongside some of the biggest names in sport and culture, with collaborations involving adidas, New Balance, EA Sports, KITH, Bayern Munich, D.C. United, Bay FC and the Philadelphia 76ers, as well as athletes including Tim Weah, Georgia Stanway and Eberechi Eze. The organization’s programs now reach communities across the United States and United Kingdom.

For the students who participated in Design FC’s Portland program, that scale is part of what makes the experience so special. Their work joins a growing collection of youth-created designs connected to some of the most recognizable clubs, athletes and brands in the world, placing Portland’s young designers in that same creative community.

“Getting to see this prematch top come to life this weekend is a fantastic culmination to what has been a wonderful program experience with Hearts and Design FC.” said Chase Eagan of hummel North America. “Congratulations to our young designers on their hard work coming full circle, and we can’t wait to see it at the stadium.”

For Hearts, Sunday’s jersey is a chance to celebrate the students behind the work while helping ensure the program continues.

What began with sketches, ideas and conversations at King Middle School will now be worn by professional players in front of thousands of supporters at Fitzpatrick Stadium, connecting the classroom, the club and the wider Hearts community.

Auction details and a link to bid are available here:

https://designfc.betterworld.org/auctions/design-fc-hearts-pine-warm-up-top

Auction closes Monday at 9:00pm

U.S. Soccer Legend Michelle Akers Joins Maine’s Women’s Team as Founding Advisor

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Akers will be introduced at the third annual Heartsapalooza celebration Thursday, September 10, at Thompson’s Point

PORTLAND, Maine — Portland Hearts of Pine announced today that U.S. Soccer legend Michelle Akers will join the club as a Founding Advisor to Maine’s new USL W team, shaping the foundation of the women’s team ahead of its inaugural season in 2027.

Akers, one of the most accomplished and influential players in the history of women’s soccer, will be introduced to the Hearts community in person on Thursday, September 10, during the third annual Heartsapalooza celebration at Thompson’s Point. The event is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 4:45 PM. 

“I’ve been drawn to Maine because of the way Mainers show up for their teams and their community,” said Akers. “There’s so much heart here. When I saw what Hearts of Pine was building and the unprecedented way the community embraced this club, I knew I wanted to be part of what comes next.” 

Akers’ list of accolades includes two World Cup winners medals, an Olympic gold medal, a place in the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame, and FIFA’s Player of the Century. As Founding Advisor, she plans to bring her vast experience at the highest levels of the sport to Maine’s new women’s team, shaping the team’s foundation, its sporting identity, culture, and long-term vision. 

“I believe we have an opportunity to set a new precedent for women’s soccer,” Akers said.

Akers initially learned about the club through social media and built a connection with Club Founder and Chief Community Officer Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, attending a match during Hearts of Pine’s  inaugural season. Her involvement marks another significant step for a team that has already generated tremendous enthusiasm across Maine, with the USLW side having sold out 5,000 Season Ticket Deposits in only one hour.

“Michelle has never been someone who simply participated in the growth of the women’s game. She helped define what was possible,” said Hoffman-Johnson. “That kind of vision, courage and competitiveness is exactly what we want around this club as we build something new. To have her helping shape the foundation of our women’s team is a huge moment for Hearts and for soccer in Maine.”

Heartsapalooza will give supporters their first opportunity to welcome Akers to the Hearts community and hear more about the next chapter of women’s soccer in Portland.

Now in its third year, Heartsapalooza has become an annual celebration of the community surrounding the club. This year’s event will take over Thompson’s Point with live music, soccer, supporters, community partners and a distinctly Hearts spin on a late-summer evening.

The grass at Thompson’s Point will become a collection of mini soccer pitches, giving kids and adults alike a chance to get on the ball throughout the evening. Award-winning Maine singer-songwriter Connor Garvey will provide the live soundtrack, while Maine Needs will be on site collecting donated items. Supporters can also stop by the Hearts merchandise tent, which will feature a USL W scarf celebrating the next chapter of soccer in Portland.

And when Heartsapalooza wraps up, the party keeps going. Stick around after 8 p.m. as DJ Mo takes over After Dark at Thompson’s Point.

HEARTSAPALOOZA

RSVP here: https://tickets.heartsofpine.com/event/heartsapalooza-2026-ym4kk3

Thursday, September 10
4:45p.m-8:00 p.m.
Thompson’s Point

After Dark: DJ Mo beginning at 8 p.m.

Hearts of Pine rally late against Westchester to snap losing streak

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PORTLAND, Maine — A beautiful late-summer evening in Portland set the stage for the Hearts of Pine to finally break through, as a sold out crowd watched the Hearts rally late for a 2–1 victory over Westchester on Sunday night.

The Hearts came out with plenty of energy, spending the opening minutes maintaining possession and pushing into Westchester’s half. Portland’s defense also showed early signs of the organization that had been missing in recent matches, quickly breaking up Westchester’s attacks and refusing to allow the visitors to find an early breakthrough.

Portland’s pressure nearly produced an opening when #16 Diego Gonzalez received the ball outside the box and quickly fired a shot just wide of the left post. Moments later, the Hearts were rewarded for their attacking pressure.

In the ninth minute, Hearts #98 Mateo Kidd’s attempt to send a cross into the box struck a Westchester defender’s hand, giving Portland a penalty kick. #16 Diego Gonzalez stepped up and calmly finished the opportunity, sending the ball into the bottom-right side of the net as the Westchester goalkeeper dove the opposite direction to give the Hearts a 1–0 lead in the 11th minute.

Westchester responded with pressure of its own, but Portland’s defense and goalkeeper #1 Hunter Morse continued to keep the visitors off the scoreboard. Morse made a crucial save following a set piece in the 13th minute and came up with another important stop in the 31st minute after Westchester connected with a header from a free kick. 

The visitors continued to create chances as the half went on, including a dangerous sequence in the 36th minute. Morse stopped the initial shot before another Westchester attempt was headed toward an open net, only for Hearts center back #44 Serigne Faye to step into the perfect position and prevent the equalizer.

Portland carried its 1–0 advantage into halftime, with the defense continuing to withstand Westchester’s pressure.

The second half opened with another beautiful backdrop as a rainbow appeared over the stadium before giving way to a vibrant orange and pink sunset. On the field, however, the intensity continued to rise.

Hearts #21 Constantinos Georgallides nearly doubled Portland’s lead early in the half with a strong effort from inside the Westchester box, but the shot sailed just over the crossbar. Morse continued to answer at the other end, stopping a header in the 54th minute and making another pair of saves following a Westchester corner in the 63rd minute.

But after controlling much of the match defensively, Portland’s lead disappeared in the 66th minute.

Westchester sent a long ball toward the Hearts’ goal, and a defensive miscue allowed the Westchester attacker to spin around his defender and fire a quick shot past Morse. The goal leveled the match at 1–1 and set up a tense final stretch.

Portland continued pushing for a winner. Hearts #10 Ollie Wright tested the Westchester goalkeeper with a powerful free kick in the 70th minute, while another promising attack came together three minutes later when #11 JT Kamara delivered a dangerous pass into the box.

Head coach Bobby Murphy said the Hearts have to continue putting themselves in position to capitalize on moments like those.

“You’ve got to put yourself in position for good things to happen. I don’t believe that you just get lucky,” Murphy said.

The intensity boiled over shortly afterward when a series of physical challenges led to a confrontation between the two sides. Players from both teams became involved before the situation was separated, with yellow cards issued to Westchester’s #10 and Portland’s #22 Brecc Evans.

The moment only added to the intensity of the final minutes as Portland continued searching for the goal that would put the Hearts back in front.

With the match tied 1–1 in the 80th minute, the Hearts kept pressing.

Two minutes later, they found the breakthrough.

#11 JT Kamara found #9 Aboubacar Camara with a quick pass, and Camara took one touch to settle the ball before turning around his defender and firing a shot into the bottom-left corner of the net.

Camara voiced that his movement around the box helped put him in position to make the difference when the opportunity arrived.

“I’m always trying to be active around the box because that’s where I think like 90% of the goals come from,” said Camara.

The stadium erupted.

Fans jumped, danced and celebrated as the Hearts regained their lead, with rain beginning to fall shortly after the goal. The weather did little to slow the celebration as Portland held on through six minutes of stoppage time.

Morse came up with another massive save late in the match, using his foot to keep Westchester from finding another equalizer and protecting the Hearts’ 2–1 advantage.

“The ball got played across and I had to kind of go desperation because I’m sprinting across my goal… so I just drew my leg out, and somehow I got it,” Morse said.

After the match, USL League One shared the save on Instagram and asked whether it could be one of the best saves in league history.

For the Hearts, the save helped complete a night that had been building toward a result the team had been searching for throughout a difficult stretch.

“The guys dug deep, and obviously we’ve been trying a lot of different stuff, and we found our rhythm. We think this is just a momentum shift, and we just have to build off it,” said Morse, the Hearts goalkeeper.

When the final whistle arrived, Portland had finally done what it had been searching for, securing a home victory and ending its losing streak.

For Camara, the victory was especially meaningful after a long stretch without a home win.

“It’s been a long time… I’m really happy we got the win for the home fans. They’ve been supporting us even when we’re not too good, and just really happy for them,” Camara said.

After a difficult stretch, the Hearts had their breakthrough in front of 6,224 supporters, delivering a result that was as meaningful for the fans as it was for the team.

Now, the Hearts will look to carry that momentum into next Sunday, September 13, when they return to action against AV Alta FC at Fitzpatrick Stadium.

Hearts of Pine and The Ghost of Paul Revere Team Up for Limited-Edition Ghostland Collection

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Crossover celebrates the Maine band’s return and a song that has become part of Hearts matchday tradition

PORTLAND, Maine — Two unmistakably Maine traditions are coming together this week as Portland Hearts of Pine and The Ghost of Paul Revere unveil a limited-edition merchandise collaboration celebrating the band’s return to Ghostland.

The collection, featuring a sweatshirt, T-shirt and hat, arrives as The Ghost of Paul Revere reunites after a four-year hiatus and returns to the stage in Portland for its long-awaited Ghostland weekend. The limited-edition Hearts x Ghost collection will debut Saturday at Allagash Brewing Company, a Hearts partner that is also marking the band’s return with the release of Ghostland Lager.

For Hearts supporters, the connection between the club and Ghost runs deeper than a shared hometown.

Before kickoff at every Hearts home match, “Ballad of the 20th Maine” fills Fitzpatrick Stadium as supporters raise their scarves and sing along, including the now-familiar line about being “steadfast as Katahdin.” The song has become one of the signature moments of a Hearts matchday and a powerful expression of the club’s connection to Maine.

“It’s already an honor to have the Ballad of the 20th be represented at each match, and now we get to rep our club even more with our new merchandise collaboration, designed by our very own Griffin William Sherry,” said Sean McCarthy, bass and vocals for The Ghost of Paul Revere.

The collection was designed by Ghost of Paul Revere guitarist and vocalist Griffin William Sherry, adding another layer to a collaboration rooted in music, art, soccer and Maine identity.

“When I think of Maine, I think of honesty, community, and wherewithal. It’s something we tried to tap into with the music of The Ghost of Paul Revere, and something I’m proud to watch the Hearts pick up the ball and run with. It’s hard to describe that feeling I get hearing the Zoo scream along to our song every time the boys take the pitch. But it’s even wilder to know that that song has grown beyond us and has become something my fellow Mainers are proud of, just like the Hearts. I was happy to lend my hand, both musically and artistically, to their community and their story. Up the Hearts,” said Griffin William Sherry.

The Ghost of Paul Revere built a devoted following with its distinctive blend of folk, bluegrass and rock before stepping away four years ago. The band’s return to Ghostland marks a long-awaited reunion and a celebration of the music and community that have surrounded the group throughout its career.

The Hearts collaboration is part of a weekend filled with uniquely Maine connections surrounding the reunion.

On Saturday, Allagash Brewing Company will host a free Ghostland beer release and merchandise event. Attendees will get the first opportunity to purchase the Hearts x Ghost collection alongside Ghostland merchandise, including shirts, trucker hats and knit caps.

Members of The Ghost of Paul Revere will also be on hand to sign merchandise from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Following Saturday’s event, the Hearts x Ghost collection will be available Sunday at Portland Hearts of Pine’s home match against Westchester and at Ghostland at Thompson’s Point.

After the weekend, remaining merchandise will be available at the Hearts of Pine Club Shop at 127 Marginal Way in Portland.

For a club whose matchday traditions have been built around Maine music, culture and community, the collaboration brings together two groups that have each found their own way to represent the state.

HEARTS x GHOST MERCHANDISE AVAILABILITY

Saturday: First availability at the free Ghostland event at Allagash Brewing Company
1:30-2:30 p.m. Band merchandise signing with members of The Ghost of Paul Revere
Sunday: Available at Hearts of Pine vs. Westchester and Ghostland at Thompson’s Point
Following Ghostland: Available at the Hearts of Pine Club Shop, 127 Marginal Way, Portland, while supplies last

Hearts Come Up Short Against League-Leading Charlotte

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CHearts Push League Leaders to the Brink in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Portland Hearts of Pine pushed the top team in USL League One to the brink Wednesday night, turning a halftime deficit into a 2-1 second-half lead before two stoppage-time goals gave Charlotte Independence a 3-2 victory.

Charlotte entered the night in first place in the league standings and riding a six-match unbeaten run, but Portland responded to an early deficit with one of its strongest stretches of the night after halftime.

Charlotte opened the scoring in the 20th minute, sending the Hearts into the break trailing 1-0.

Portland came out of halftime with renewed energy and found its breakthrough in the 59th minute when Matteo Kidd brought the Hearts level.

Just six minutes later, Michel Poon-Angeron completed the turnaround.

Poon-Angeron found the back of the net in the 65th minute for his first USL League One goal in a Hearts shirt, putting Portland ahead 2-1 on the road against the league leaders.

The two goals capped a strong response from the Hearts, who went from chasing the match to putting themselves in position to leave Charlotte with all three points.

Portland defended its advantage deep into the second half as Charlotte pushed forward in search of an equalizer.

Wednesday night also marked Mikey Lopez’s 50th appearance for Hearts of Pine, a milestone for one of the players who has helped build the foundation of the club.

Since joining Hearts, Lopez has been a leader both on and off the field, helping establish the standards and culture of the club during its formative years. His 50th appearance came on a night that showed the fight and resilience this group continues to bring.

Portland remained ahead deep into stoppage time before Charlotte found an equalizer in the 96th minute. Two minutes later, the hosts scored again to complete the late comeback.

The ending was a difficult one after the Hearts had put themselves in position for a statement road win, but the performance offered plenty to build on.

Portland went into the home of the league leaders, responded to a halftime deficit and got second-half goals from Kidd and Poon-Angeron to take control of the match.

The Hearts now return to Fitzpatrick Stadium on Sunday to face Westchester SC, looking to carry that second-half performance back home in front of their supporters.

Portland Hearts of Pine Name Ray Saari Sporting Director

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Hearts add key leadership role with the appointment of Ray Saari as Sporting Director. 

PORTLAND, Maine — Portland Hearts of Pine announced today that Ray Saari has been named the club’s Sporting Director, strengthening Hearts’ soccer operations as the club continues to invest in building a winning culture. 

Saari will work closely with Hearts leadership and Head Coach Bobby Murphy to oversee player identification and recruitment; helping lead recruitment, roster construction and long-term sporting strategy. The Sporting Director role will serve to align sporting decisions with Hearts’ ambition of creating one of the best run and most competitive organizations in the USL.

“Creating this position is a huge step forward for our club,” said Club Founder Gabe Hoffman-Johnson. “We’re committed to building a best in class organization defined by success both on and off the pitch. Adding Ray as Sporting Director will allow us to be more deliberate in how we identify players, construct our roster, and support our coaching staff. He brings experience across recruitment, player development, and roster planning, and adding his knowledge of the USL ecosystem and player pool will strengthen our entire sporting operation.”

Saari joins Hearts from USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive FC. Saari first joined El Paso’s technical staff in 2023 as the club’s first Individual Development Plan Coach before becoming an Assistant Coach. Then named Technical Director in November of 2024, Saari oversaw a significant rebuild of El Paso’s first-team roster. 

Alongside Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera, Saari led the club’s player identification, recruitment, and roster planning. Under his leadership, Locomotive went from a last-place finish in the Western Conference in 2024 to fourth place in 2025, returning to the USL Championship Playoffs. Upon his move to Maine, El Paso currently sits at the top of the USL Championship Western Conference.

“Creating a winning culture is about the standards you set every day,” Saari said. “It’s about bringing in players and staff who are competitive, who hold themselves and each other accountable and who understand that success is built through the work you put in consistently. You want to create an environment where everyone is pushing in the same direction and where winning becomes a result of the habits and expectations you establish.”

“What stood out to me about Hearts was how intentional the club has been about what it is building,” said Saari. “There is a real commitment from ownership to doing things the right way and creating something that can be successful over the long term. You can see that in the culture of the organization and in Bobby’s approach to coaching. He cares about developing players and helping them improve on the field, but he also puts a tremendous amount of value on character and who those players are as people. That alignment was really important to me.”

While Head Coach Bobby Murphy has served as both Head Coach and Sporting Director to this point, the addition of Saari as a dedicated Sporting Director creates a clearer sporting structure for the club. Ray will lead the Hearts’ long-term sporting strategy, including roster construction, recruitment, player development and long-term club building, while Bobby will remain focused on sporting performance, including coaching, tactics, training and matchday execution.

“Adding a person of Ray’s caliber is the next evolution for the club and demonstrates our growth. He will be a great addition,” said Murphy.

Saari added, “There is already a strong foundation here. My job is to help build on that by creating consistent processes around how we identify and evaluate players, how we construct the roster and ultimately how we put the coaching staff and players in the best possible position to succeed.” 

“I believe that this club can win,” Saari continued. “When people think about the standard, when people think about what is the best example of a properly run club in the USL, I want it to be Portland Hearts of Pine. I want to reward supporters for what they put into this club”

For Hoffman-Johnson, Saari’s approach to the sporting side of the club was matched by an understanding of the culture Hearts have worked to establish since the organization’s founding.

“Culture has never been something separate from soccer for us. It is part of how we believe you build a great club,” said Hoffman-Johnson. “Ray understood that immediately. He believes the players you bring into the building matter not only because of what they can do on the field, but because of who they are, how they represent the club and what they add to the group. As we continue to grow and add a women’s team, having someone who shares that philosophy will be important in making sure the identity of Hearts remains consistent across the sporting side of the club.”

Before moving into sporting leadership, Saari played professionally for 8 seasons across the U.S. soccer landscape, playing for multiple clubs across the USL Championship. Saari’s understanding of the league as a player has proven crucial in his success in soccer leadership. 

 “We have been intentional about building Hearts step by step,” Hoffman-Johnson said. “Adding this role gives our coaching staff additional support and gives the club greater capacity to plan not just for the next match or the next signing, but to build the kind of sporting organization we want Hearts to become.”

Hearts of Pine fall to Fort Wayne despite late push

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PORTLAND, Maine — On a beautiful late-August evening, with sunny skies, temperatures in the mid-70s and 6,368 fans filling Fitzpatrick Stadium, Portland Hearts of Pine battled Fort Wayne FC but could not find a way back into the match, falling 4-1 Saturday night.

The Hearts came out with energy and created an early opportunity when Felipe Hernandez fired a low shot toward the bottom-left corner, forcing a diving save from the Fort Wayne goalkeeper. But the visitors struck first in the ninth minute, when Fort Wayne’s #11 found the net from a difficult angle near the end line to give Fort Wayne an early advantage.

Portland continued to create opportunities throughout the opening half, including a Hernandez cross that found a Hearts player for a header that narrowly missed the target. Fort Wayne, however, continued to make things difficult for Portland in the final third, winning first and second balls and limiting the Hearts’ ability to turn promising attacks into clear chances.

“They won a lot of first balls,” said Matteo Kidd. “They won a lot of second balls. I mean, their center back, every time you got it, he cleared his lines. He figured it out over our entire back line. They were better than us.”

Fort Wayne doubled its advantage in the 41st minute with a header following a cross into the box, sending the Hearts into halftime trailing 2-0.

Head coach Bobby Murphy said the difference between the two sides came down to their ability to capitalize when they reached the areas around goal.

“I thought we started the match well. You know, we told them at halftime, the difference is in the two boxes. You’ve got to win the boxes. You know, first goal is not nothing, and then, psychologically, don’t compete. And we’ll take our chance at the other end, and, yeah, here we are.”

Portland continued to search for a way back into the match after the break. Morse came up with a strong save in the 51st minute to keep the deficit at two, while the Hearts continued to generate opportunities through corner kicks and attacking runs.

Fort Wayne extended its lead in the 61st minute after a series of passes opened space at the top of the box, allowing No. 11 to fire a shot past Morse.

For Morse, the goal was another example of a night where the smallest moments seemed to fall in Fort Wayne’s favor.

The visitors added another goal in the 78th minute following a free kick that was headed across the box before being headed into the net.

Despite trailing 4-0 late in the match, the Hearts and their supporters refused to let the night end quietly.

Portland’s substitutions brought fresh energy into the attack, with Ollie Wright testing the Fort Wayne goalkeeper and Jay Tee Kamara making a strong run toward the box. The crowd remained loud throughout the final stages, with chants, singing and even dancing continuing from the stands as supporters urged the Hearts forward.

Portland finally broke through in the 85th minute when a foul in the Fort Wayne box resulted in a penalty kick. Wright stepped up and calmly converted, sending the crowd into a roar and cutting the deficit to 4-1.

The Hearts continued pushing during the final minutes, but Fort Wayne held on to secure the victory. Morse made another important save on a late free kick and header before the final whistle brought the match to a close.

“The whole coaching staff’s on point all the time, giving us information, and, you know, they give us what we need to do, and we just have to go out here and execute it. And sometimes, you know, we’re gonna be unlucky,” said Kidd.

“The same lineup we started in Richmond, and they did great for 15, 60 minutes, and… you’d think you’d have enough coming off the bench to give you a lift, and that didn’t happen. That’s the game,” said Coach Murphy.

The result leaves Portland with nine matches remaining in the season, with the Hearts now turning their attention toward the next opportunity to get back on track.

For the players, the focus remains on competing through the remainder of the season, regardless of the standings.

“As an athlete, you’re always competing for a job, no matter, you know, if you’re in the playoffs or out of the playoffs,” said Kidd. “Soccer’s the biggest game in the world. There’s six billion people playing it every day. So somebody’s always looking to take your spot, and you always have to show up every day and compete and try to win.”

Murphy echoed that message, emphasizing the need for the group to stay together and continue fighting.

“Being in a team is accepting the role you’re given at each moment. And moments, you know, change from day to day, but, you know, you gotta be ready for your time to come, to seize that.”

The Hearts will have little time to dwell on Saturday’s result, traveling to Charlotte for a midweek matchup Wednesday.

Hearts Earn Road Point in Richmond

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RICHMOND, Va. — Portland came into the night looking to close out its two-match road swing on a high note after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at One Knoxville SC, and Hearts put themselves in position to do just that with a strong first-half performance.

Portland thought it had the opener in the 29th minute when Serigne Mbacke Faye headed home a Diego Gonzalez set piece, but the goal was ruled offside.

Eight minutes later, the Hearts broke through.

JayTee Kamara slipped a no-look pass into Kidd, who calmly placed his finish into the lower-left corner in the 37th minute to give Portland a 1-0 lead.

The Hearts carried that advantage into halftime and continued to look for a second after the break.

Hunter Morse, coming off a seven-save performance in Knoxville, was again called into action as Richmond pushed forward. He made back-to-back saves in the 50th minute to preserve Portland’s lead and keep the Hearts in front.

Portland nearly doubled its advantage in the 67th minute when Konstantinos Georgallidis sent a dangerous ball toward the left post, creating an opening for Faye in front of goal, but the Hearts were unable to finish the chance.

Richmond found its equalizer in the 74th minute when Owen O’Malley connected with Joshua Kirkland in front of goal to make it 1-1.

The Hearts kept pushing.

Portland created another late opportunity in stoppage time when Faye got his head on a Gonzalez corner, sending the effort just over the bar as the Hearts searched for a winner.

Neither side was able to find the deciding goal before the final whistle.

For Portland, the draw capped a road swing that produced back-to-back points and another night in which the Hearts put themselves in position to take all three. Kidd’s finish gave Portland the lead, Morse again delivered key saves, and the Hearts continued to create dangerous moments through the final minutes.

The draw moves Portland to 5-9-8 in USL League One play.

The Hearts now return home to Fitzpatrick Stadium, where they will host Fort Wayne FC next Saturday at 7 p.m.

Hearts Come Home to Lewiston for a Night of Soccer and Community

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More than 200 young soccer players filled Don Roux Field in Lewiston Monday night for an evening that brought Portland Hearts of Pine players together with one of Maine’s strongest soccer communities.

Hosted in partnership with the Lewiston Recreation Department, the free youth clinic gave players ages 5 to 18 the chance to get on the field, work through drills and games, and spend time with Hearts players Khalid Hersi, Walter Varela and Jay Tee Kamara.

For Hersi, the night meant a little more.

The Hearts defender grew up in Lewiston and starred at Lewiston High School before continuing his career at the University of Southern Maine and eventually becoming the first Mainer to sign with Hearts of Pine.

Returning to the same community as a professional player gave Hersi the opportunity to show a new generation of young players where the game can take them.

“Being able to work with young players in my hometown means a lot to me,” Hersi said. “Lewiston gave me my foundation, and now I’m proud to give back and help the next generation believe in themselves and their potential.”


Throughout the evening, young players moved through drills and games alongside Hersi, Varela and Kamara, with plenty of time for autographs, photos and one-on-one moments with the Hearts players. Each participant also went home with a soccer ball provided as part of FIFA’s promotion of the 2026 World Cup.

For Hearts of Pine, the night was another opportunity to bring the club beyond Portland and directly into communities around the state.

Lewiston has been an important part of the Hearts story from the beginning. The city hosted the club’s first-ever match in Maine in March 2025, when Walter Varela scored the first goal in Hearts history on that very field at Lewiston High School. Monday night brought Varela back to where it all started, this time alongside his teammates and a new generation of young players in a community where soccer has deep roots.

“Being Maine’s club means getting out into communities across the state and giving kids a chance to connect with our players and with the game,” said Hearts founder and Chief Community Officer Gabe Hoffman-Johnson.

“Having Khalid come back to Lewiston alongside Walter and Jay Tee makes this one especially meaningful,” Hoffman-Johnson said. “We want kids here to be able to look at Khalid and see someone from their own community who grew up playing the same game they love and is now doing it professionally right here in Maine.”

For young players in Lewiston, the night offered more than a chance to meet professional players. It was a reminder that the path from a local field to the professional game can start right here in Maine.

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