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Hearts of Pine

The Soccer Club of Maine

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2. Defenders

Ernest Mensah Jr.

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BIOGRAPHY

Ernest Mensah Jr. joins Hearts following a standout collegiate career at Xavier University and Syracuse University. After winning both the Big East Midwest Division and Big East Championship with Xavier in 2023, he transferred to Syracuse in 2025 for his final season, helping lead the Orange to a sixth-place finish in the ACC, a conference semifinal appearance, and an NCAA Tournament berth.

“We are excited to welcome Junior to Portland and be a part of his development,” said Bobby Murphy. “He’s an energetic young player who can get up and down the pitch and we believe he’ll fit in well with our back line.”

“I’d already heard about the atmosphere here and how strong the fan base is,” Mensah said. “Knowing the games sell out and how passionate the supporters are made me really excited to join Hearts. I’ve played in good environments before, but I’ve heard this takes it to another level.”

Adam Armour

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BIOGRAPHY

Armour joins Hearts from Eintracht Nordhorn, where he helped the German club earn promotion during the 2025 season.

Armour began his professional career with 1. FC Nürnberg in Germany after representing the United States at the 2019 U-17 World Cup. He returned to the U.S. in 2021 with Charlotte FC, spending time on loan with Charlotte Independence and FC Tulsa, and went on to make five MLS appearances in 2022 — highlighted by scoring Charlotte FC’s first MLS goal. After battling injuries across multiple seasons, Armour regained form in Germany before making the move to Portland.

“Adam is an exciting defender that will bring pace and physicality to our left side,” said Bobby Murphy. “We enjoyed having him with us in Bermuda and are excited to see him develop with us this season.”

Armour adds, “I’ve heard amazing things about the area and the community. That matters to me. I like interacting with supporters and being involved off the field too, so it really felt like the perfect place.”

Esteban Espinosa

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Espinosa joins Hearts after most recently spending time with RWDM Molenbeek in Belgium. He began his professional development at Inter Miami’s Academy following its launch in 2019. After the COVID-19 shutdown, Espinosa signed with USL Championship side Queensboro FC for the club’s inaugural season. In 2022, he joined Queensboro’s affiliate in Puerto Rico, Bayamón FC, where he helped the club win the Caribbean CONCACAF Championship. Espinosa then spent two seasons with Botafogo B in Brazil before being loaned to Louletano B in Portugal. After his time in Portugal, he joined RWDM Molenbeek in July 2025.

“We’re excited to have Esteban,” said Hearts Head Coach Bobby Murphy. “For a young player, he’s had great experiences at big clubs like Botafogo and Moldenbeek and we believe that his ability and flexibility will help us tremendously.”

Espinosa noted the club’s supporters made a lasting impression. “When I looked at videos — the fans out there in the cold, the rain, the sunshine — it gave me chills. Hearts of Pine feels like a project that’s growing fast and heading in the right direction.”

Serigne Mbacke Faye

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Serigne Mbacke Faye joins Hearts after three seasons with Bulgarian side Etar FC, where he featured in both the Bulgarian First League and the Second League.

Faye began his professional career in Senegal with Jamono Fatick before later joining Guediaway FC. His first move to Europe came with Danish side Kolding IF, where he spent two seasons before moving to Bulgaria to join Etar FC.

“This club’s ambition made me want to sign,” said Faye. “The project they’re building here interests me a lot. I’ve already been told about the atmosphere at the stadium, I like the sound of it a lot… It’s similar to the atmosphere at other clubs I’ve played for, especially my first club in Senegal, Guediaway FC.”

“Serigne will be a tremendous asset this year,” said Hearts Head Coach Bobby Murphy. “His physical profile and technical ability make him a natural fit in our system.”

Zion Scarlett

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BIOGRAPHY

Scarlett joins Hearts after a season with Carolina Core in MLS Next Pro where he played 321 minutes, made 14 appearances with 3 starts, and scored 1 goal. Before Carolina, Scarlett spent a season at Greenville Triumph in 2024 where he contributed 4 assists and 1 goal across 24 appearances. Scarlett also has experience on the international stage, with one goal scored in four caps for Jamaica’s U-20 team.

Ready to make his mark in Portland, Zion describes himself as a “give me the ball and let me run at someone” type of player: a full-throttle left back/winger who promises to be a valuable addition to the team with his speed and direct play style.

In discussing his decision to join Hearts of Pine, Scarlett attributed Hearts community efforts as a major selling point for him. “I watched the video about Rosati and thought it was so important. When kids said having a pro team shows them it’s possible — that really hit me,” Scarlett said.

“I was that kid once. I like giving kids hope and being someone they can look up to. I’d love to do that here too.”

Scarlett also noted his childhood friend and Hearts centerback Kemali Green helped him make his decision. “Kemali told me he loves it here — the environment, the coach, the city — he said I had to come.”

Off the field, Zion says he’s drawn by Portland’s passionate fans, and Maine’s scenic coast — he’s looking forward to exploring the local seafood scene, visiting nearby national parks and landmarks, and maybe even trying his hand at fishing or sailing. 

“If I catch my first-ever fish in Maine, I’m getting the classic picture holding it up. That’s a must.”

Brecc Evans

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BIOGRAPHY

Brecc Evans joined Hearts ahead of the 2026 Season after a successful inaugural campaign with FC Naples. 

At the conclusion of that 2025 season, Evans was named to the USL League One All-League Second Team. Evans led the league with 223 clearances while also recording 71 recoveries, 21 interceptions, and winning 111 duels at a 60 percent success rate. Evans also led Naples with 1,454 passes and recorded 17 blocked shots to rank third in the league with a +6.35 Goals Added mark.

Prior to Naples, Evans played three seasons with Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (2022–2024), where he became the club’s all-time leader in minutes played (6,867) coupled with a Jägermeisterv Cup championship in 2024. In 2021 Evans played in the USL Championship with Memphis 901 FC and captained North Texas SC during their 2019 USL League One title-winning season.

A native of Santa Monica, California, Evans began his development in the FC Dallas Academy from 2014–2018, winning the U-16 National Championship in 2016 and the Dallas Cup Super Group in 2017. He played collegiately at Cal Poly in 2018, starting all 16 matches and earning Big West All-Freshman Team honors before signing professionally.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Evans brings a wide-ranging professional skill set. He earned a master’s degree in finance in March 2024, which, he notes, ultimately clarified his desire to pursue soccer and player development over a traditional corporate career. Evans works extensively as a mental performance coach with MSM Performance Group, strength and conditioning trainer, and youth coach. He supports players ages 8–18 across the country—running sessions on training habits, nutrition, confidence, and mindset for youth players. He also coaches local youth teams and conducts virtual sessions with players nationwide.

New England’s outdoor scene was a key reason Evans decided to make the move to Maine.

“Hiking, outdoor stuff, exploring. The pine trees, the coastal exploring, national parks, beaches that are different from Florida but still cool. That whole outdoorsy vibe is one of the reasons I wanted to join.”

In discussing his decision to join Hearts of Pine, Evans was impressed by Portland’s supporter culture and matchday atmosphere.

“There’s no denying something extremely special is here in Portland,” said Evans. “Seeing players celebrate with fans—that appreciation for the city and club—it’s exciting. I’m honored to be a part of it.” 

Séga Coulibaly

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French central defender Séga Coulibaly made 49 starts for Los Angeles Galaxy between 2021 and 2023, including playing the full 90 minutes in both of Los Angeles’ 2022 playoff matches.

During his three seasons with the Major League Soccer club he played a key role in shutout wins over Real Salt Lake, Minnesota United, Houston Dynamo, New York City FC, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire, Nashville SC, Austin FC, CF Montréal, and Atlanta United. In 2022, he also scored the match-winning goal in a 2-1 “El Tráfico” win over Los Angeles FC.

Born in Mali, Coulibaly moved to France at age six and made 20 appearances with France’s U16 through U20 sides. He signed with French club Rennes II as a 16-year-old, and went on to make 143 appearances in France with Rennes II, Sedan, Avranches, Nancy, and Rennes before signing with the LA Galaxy in 2021.

Mo Mohamed

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Mo Mohamed joins Portland Hearts of Pine after leaving Timbers 2. Originally from Portland, OR and a product of Seattle University, he brings high-level collegiate experience and reunites with former teammate Titus Washington, continuing a connection that began during their time playing together in Seattle.

Mohamed’s passion for soccer ignited at a young age through Soccer in the Park, a community program organized by the nonprofit 4World United. Twice a week, small fields were set up in his local park, and Mohamed would show up daily—ball in one hand, cleat in the other—spending endless hours on the field with friends. He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave, fueled by the joy of the game and the sense of community it brought.

Now, excited by the strong culture and tight-knit community surrounding Hearts, Mohamed is looking forward to playing in front of the passionate fans and experiencing the unique atmosphere at Fitzpatrick Stadium.

Shandon Wright

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BIOGRAPHY

Shandon (SHAN-don) Wright joins Portland Hearts of Pine after playing at Municipal Grecia in Costa Rica, where he made 25 appearances and held the position of defender.

Shandon’s football journey began in his local neighborhood, playing with friends and family, and where a love for the game was sparked at an early age. This passion and dedication led to his first professional contract at 17 years old.

Drawn to Maine for its natural beauty and rich history, Shanson found Hearts of Pine’s culture and ambition to be equally compelling. “Joining feels like an opportunity to be part of something special, and something I couldn’t pass on”.

-Shandon Wright

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