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Hearts of Pine

The Soccer Club of Maine

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4. Forwards

Aboubacar Camara

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BIOGRAPHY

Camara joins Hearts after a prolific NCAA career at the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, and Pennsylvania State University.

Camara started his collegiate career at the University of Louisville in 2020 and was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team. Over three seasons with the Cardinals, he scored 25 goals and 4 assists in 48 games, leading the team in scoring each year and ranking 8th in Louisville’s all-time scoring records. He earned All-ACC First Team honors in 2021 and All-ACC Second Team in 2022. For his senior year, Camara transferred to the University of Kentucky, where he recorded 2 assists. He finished his NCAA career at Penn State as a graduate student, adding 5 goals in 11 games.

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Lagos Kunga

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BIOGRAPHY

Kunga joins Hearts after leaving Union Omaha in USL League One, where he scored 10 goals in all competitions and led the league in successful dribbles during Omaha’s 2024 USL League One Championship–winning season. 

After missing the 2025 season due to an ACL injury, Kunga expressed his excitement to return to the field and add to Hearts’ talented front line, “It’s an attacking team. That’s the kind of football I like. I’ve always been most successful in teams that press and make problems for opponents.”

“He’s an exciting, proven, USL League One talent,” said Hearts Head Coach Bobby Murphy. “We expect him to make a full recovery, and we’re excited to get him integrated as soon as possible.”

Kunga’s early career saw him play at clubs across the USL Championship, with stints at Charleston Battery (2017), Atlanta United 2 (2018), Memphis 901 FC (2019), and Phoenix Rising FC (2020), where he was part of the club’s Western Conference–winning squad. Kunga then moved to Kristiansund BK in Norway (2021) before returning to the United States for a season in USL League Two with Des Moines Menace (2023).

On the international stage, Kunga has earned five caps for the United States at the U-20 level, along with scoring one goal at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

When asked about his decision to join Hearts, Kunga points to the Portland community, and Bobby Murphy as major selling points. 

“I’m beyond excited to join this team and play in front of such a passionate community,’ Kunga said. “When [Bobby] called me, he told me they believed in me, they’d be patient, and they were reaching out for a reason. That meant a lot to me.”

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Emiliano Terzaghi

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Terzaghi joins Hearts after six successful seasons with Richmond Kickers in USL League One, where he won three USL League One Player of the Year awards (2020, 2021, 2022), along with three USL League One Golden Boot awards (2020, 2021, 2022), and won the USL League One Players Shield in 2022. Terzaghi is USL League One’s all-time leading goalscorer with 62 goals across six seasons.

Prior to Richmond, Terzaghi began his professional career in Argentina with Club Atlético Banfield, where he came through the club’s youth system and was part of the Banfield squad that won the 2013-14 Primera Nacional title. Terzaghi later spent several seasons competing across multiple levels of Argentina’s second and third divisions.

In discussing his decision to join Hearts of Pine, Terzaghi cited “everything the club has achieved in its first year” as a key factor in his decision to come to Portland. “When I received the call, I didn’t hesitate—I put aside other options to sign with Hearts.”

Terzaghi also noted Portland’s matchday atmosphere and fan culture as determining factors for him. 

“The passion of the fans and what they bring to every match is something very special for us as players, and it’s not something you find everywhere.”

When asked about what Terzaghi will bring to the Hearts attack, Head Coach Bobby Murphy said, “Emi brings a tremendous amount of experience and goals. After several serious conversations about the culture, standards, and ambitions we have here at Hearts, it was clear he wanted to be a part of that.”

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Noah Kvifte

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BIOGRAPHY

Norwegian forward Noah Kvifte has joined Portland Hearts of Pine after leaving Asker SK in Norway’s second division.

Kvifte’s passion for soccer began as soon as he could walk — his father would toss the ball to his feet, igniting a lifelong love for the game. Soccer has always been more than just a sport for him; it’s been the driving force behind everything he does.

From 2021 to 2022, Kvifte played for St. Leo University in Florida, where he scored seven goals and had 29 appearances. He earned a spot on the Sunshine State Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll both years and was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team following his sophomore season.

His journey to Maine took him through Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where as a senior he led the American Athletic Conference in scoring with eight goals and two assists. That season, Kvifte earned a place on the Academic All-America (AAC) Second Team—becoming only the sixth athlete in FAU history to do so—while also completing a master’s degree in business analytics. He was selected to the AAC Preseason All-Conference Team, and received the AAC Player of the Week award. One standout moment came in the 2023 AAC playoffs when he scored a last-second game-winner against Florida International University (FIU), propelling FAU to the semifinals with just two seconds remaining.

Reflecting on his move to Hearts of Pine, Kvifte shared:

“What drew me to Hearts of Pine was the club’s vision and the way they’re building something special from the ground up. In a short time, they’ve become a club deeply rooted in culture and community, and I’m proud to represent something truly meaningful. Their style of play suits me well, creating plenty of chances, and I’m ready to help convert those into goals.”

Coach Bobby Murphy expressed his excitement about adding Kvifte to the squad:

“We’ve had our eye on Noah since early in the year. His profile fits exactly who we are, and we’re eager to get him integrated into the team.”

Kvifte’s final thoughts on his move to Hearts: “I’m proud to be part of a club that’s driven by purpose and built for Maine. I’m all in.”

Walter Varela

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BIOGRAPHY

Walter Varela returns to Portland Hearts of Pine for his second season and served as a key player in the Hearts front line during the 2025 season.

The winger played 26 games and recorded 2 goals and 2 assists during the Hearts inaugural season, including the club’s first-ever goal against CD Faialense.

Varela  attended the U-16 National Team camp, and after moving to the US, he began a collegiate career at Bunker Hill Community College. It was there that he was named to the collegiate Division III All-American Team in 2018. He played for two seasons, scoring 22 goals in 21 appearances, also tallying four assists.

Varela continued to develop his skill set in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) with Valeo FC and in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) with Brockton FC. In 2022, he joined Albion San Diego in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA). Over the course of the season, he made 19 appearances, scoring three goals and contributing four assists. His performance that year earned him a place on the 2022 NISA Best XI Second Team and a move to Chattanooga Red Wolves in USL League One.

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Titus Washington

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BIOGRAPHY

Titus Washington returns to Hearts of Pine for his second season after a promising debut season in 2025.

As a forward in Portland’s inaugural season, Titus made a strong impact appearing in 28 matches, starting 20, tallying 5 goals and 3 assists, while clocking 1,815 minutes on the field. He helped provide attacking firepower and contributed in big moments: he scored twice in a key mid-season win over Greenville Triumph SC, leading the club to a 3–2 victory in front of a sold-out home crowd. For his efforts, he was voted by staff as co-winner of the club’s inaugural Rookie of the Year honor.

Before turning pro, Titus built his foundation at Seattle University Redhawks. During his final season there, he made 20 appearances (17 starts), scoring 8 goals and adding 8 assists — a performance that earned him First Team All-WAC honors, a spot on the All-WAC Tournament Team, and recognition on the United Soccer Coaches All-Far West Region second team.

A Southern California native from San Diego, his love for soccer began early. His time at college, first at California State University, Sacramento, then at Seattle University, gave him both technical ability and tenacity.

“I knew this was a special place when I arrived, and after a year here, that feeling’s only grown. I’m excited to be back and help make this second season something memorable.”

STATS

Jake Keegan

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BIOGRAPHY

Jake Keegan (KEE-gin) joins Hearts of Pine as a free agent on a performance-based contract after his time with Northern Colorado Hailstorm in USL League One.

Keegan’s journey in the game began with his father, a former UC Davis player who coached him throughout his youth. Growing up in East Fishkill, New York, he developed his skills with East Fishkill Thunder before playing collegiately at Binghamton University.

A seasoned professional, Keegan has played 12 seasons across Ireland, Germany, Canada, and the United States, amassing 350 career appearances, 135 in USL League One, and 97 professional goals. He ranks sixth all-time in USL League One appearances and third in goals scored (30). His career also includes championship-winning campaigns, lifting the 2024 Jägermeister Cup with Hailstorm and the 2020 USL League One title with Greenville Triumph.

Eager to immerse himself in Portland’s passionate soccer culture, Keegan sees Hearts of Pine as a club that can unite the city behind the team. Having heard great things about Portland and its surrounding areas, he looks forward to experiencing everything the city has to offer.

Evan Southern

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BIOGRAPHY

Evan joins Portland Hearts of Pine from James Madison University (JMU) in Virginia where he played as a forward totaling 35 goals and 20 assists.

A Connecticut native, Evan began playing soccer at the age of 10 and worked his way up through the development academy, eventually earning the opportunity to compete at the NCAA Division I level.

Before his time at JMU, Evan achieved the ultimate team accolade by winning a national championship at the JUCO level.

Evan was drawn to Hearts of Pine by Maine’s unique culture and the club’s unwavering commitment to community involvement. He is excited to contribute to building a lasting legacy and to use soccer as a way to bring people together. 

‘Joining the inaugural team gives me the chance to make history, while fostering meaningful connections both on and off the pitch.’

-Evan Southern

Azaad Liadi

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BIOGRAPHY

Azaad Liadi (ah-ZAAD lee-AH-dee) joins Portland Hearts of Pine on a season-long loan from Lexington SC in the USL Championship.

Originally from Michigan, his love for the game began at the early age of four, inspired by his father, who also played soccer. He quickly developed a deep passion for the sport that has stayed with him ever since.

Liadi began his collegiate career at Saginaw Valley State University, making 56 appearances and netting 11 goals over three seasons. In his senior year, he transferred to Georgia Southern University, where he was named the 2019 Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year and earned a place on the All-Sun Belt Conference Second Team.

Liadi signed his first professional contract with FC Tucson in USL League One, making his debut in 2020 against Fort Lauderdale CF. That December Liadi joined South Georgia Tormenta, where he had a standout season, scoring nine goals in 27 appearances.

Liadi’s impressive form led him to Loudoun United in the USL Championship. His performances earned him a brief loan to MLS side D.C. United, making his MLS debut in 2022, and becoming the first player from AFC Ann Arbor to play in Major League Soccer.

Liadi continued his upward trajectory with Huntsville City FC in MLS Next Pro, scoring 12 goals in 22 appearances during the 2023 season. In 2024, Liadi signed with Lexington SC in USL League One.

Liadi shared his excitement about exploring Maine and New England, eager to immerse himself in everything this region has to offer. What stood out most was the club’s deep-rooted connection to the community and the close-knit culture within the organization.

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