Maine’s only professional soccer team, Hearts of Pine, is in its inaugural season and, by any measure, has had a tremendous first year. We speak with the Hearts of Pine founder and others about the journey to establish a professional soccer team in Maine, the ups and downs on the pitch, and what’s next for the team.
After coffee and a cruller, I make my way down the other side of the hill to see the animals at (the bar) the Portland Zoo. Any given weekend morning, dozens of fans of the beautiful game turn out in droves to support their favorite club or home country. Beyond the excitement of our favorite teams across the pond, growing anticipation involving next year’s debut of Portland Hearts of Pine is a constant. Its growing supporters group, Dirigo Union, is often in the mix at the Zoo, truly making this place feel like the centerpiece of soccer in Maine.
As a founding member of the club's original supporters' group the Dirigo Union, I'll be buying a season ticket in the supporters section.
