Portland Hearts of Pine Overview
The Portland Hearts of Pine is a professional soccer team based in Portland, Maine, competing in USL League One, the third tier of United States professional soccer. Founded on September 7, 2023, the club plays its home matches at Fitzpatrick Stadium. The team is owned by Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, Jonathan and Catherine Culley, and Tom Caron, with Kevin Schohl serving as president and Bobby Murphy as head coach. Known as The Hearts, the team features colors inspired by Maine’s culture and sports traditions and has a mascot named Moxie the Moose.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The Portland Hearts of Pine were established following the United Soccer League’s announcement on September 7, 2023, awarding Portland, Maine, a USL League One expansion team set to begin play in the 2025 season. Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, a former Dartmouth College soccer player and local standout, founded the club with partners Jonathan and Catherine Culley, local real estate developers, and NESN broadcaster Tom Caron. The club quickly organized its leadership, hiring Kevin Schohl, a former executive with DraftKings and Atlanta United FC, as president and chief business officer in April 2024. The team secured a five-year lease for Fitzpatrick Stadium, investing in stadium improvements including a new artificial turf field.
Growth Into USL League One Competition
The Hearts of Pine prepared for their inaugural season by building a competitive roster and appointing Bobby Murphy, former St. Louis City 2 coach, as head coach and sporting director in November 2024. The club signed its first player, Trinidadian midfielder Michel Poon-Angeron, in December 2024, followed by local talent Khalid Hersi in January 2025. The team quickly gained strong community support, setting a USL League One record with 96% of season ticket deposits sold by September 2024. Their marketing efforts and authentic Maine identity helped establish a solid foundation for competition in USL League One.
Portland Hearts of Pine Competitive Journey
The Portland Hearts of Pine began competitive play in 2025, quickly making an impact in USL League One. Their inaugural season featured strong fan engagement, solid performances, and a playoff appearance.
Early Seasons and Development (2025)
The club’s first competitive match was a 4–0 victory in the U.S. Open Cup in March 2025. Due to Fitzpatrick Stadium renovations, initial home matches were played in Lewiston, Maine. The Hearts recorded their first league match as a 0–0 draw against FC Naples in March 2025. The team celebrated its first home sellout in May 2025 and secured its first league victory shortly after. The Hearts clinched a playoff spot in their debut season, finishing seventh in the league and winning their first playoff game against Chattanooga Red Wolves before being eliminated in the semifinals.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2025–Present)
The Hearts of Pine continue to build on their strong inaugural season, maintaining a focus on community engagement and competitive growth. Ownership includes Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, Jonathan and Catherine Culley, and Tom Caron, with minority investment from Dexter Paine. The club has expressed interest in launching a women’s team in the USL W League by 2027. The team plays at Fitzpatrick Stadium, which has a capacity of 6,300, and has invested in stadium and infrastructure improvements. The current roster is led by head coach Bobby Murphy, with a focus on developing local talent and competitive success.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The Hearts of Pine emphasize strong community ties, authentic representation of Maine culture, and strategic on-field competitiveness. Their identity blends local heritage with a modern soccer approach, excelling in fan engagement and tactical discipline.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key moments include the club’s founding in 2023, first competitive win in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, record-setting season ticket sales, inaugural league victory, and playoff qualification in their first season. The team also set a USL League One attendance record in October 2025.
Portland Hearts of Pine Achievements and Results
In their first season, the Portland Hearts of Pine established themselves as a competitive and popular club in USL League One, achieving playoff qualification and setting attendance and ticket sales records.
USL League One Achievements
The Hearts finished seventh in the 2025 USL League One season and reached the playoffs, winning their first playoff match against the second-seeded Chattanooga Red Wolves. Their inaugural season included a strong fan base and notable victories, marking a successful entry into the league.
Conference Achievements
Specific conference achievements are not applicable as the team competes in USL League One without a designated conference structure.
Divisional Achievements
Divisional achievements are not applicable for the Portland Hearts of Pine within USL League One.
Series Achievements
As a newly formed team, the Hearts of Pine’s series achievements include their inaugural season playoff appearance and competitive performances that have positioned them as a rising club within USL League One.
