In front of more than 1,000 fans in Portland, Governor Janet Mills declared the state's first “Soccer Day” as Maine's new USL League One soccer franchise announced the Portland Hearts of Pines. It is scheduled to open in 2025.
Last September, the United Soccer League announced a USL-1 expansion franchise in Maine's largest city. In November, the Portland City Council approved the club's lease to play at the 6,000-seat Fitzpatrick Stadium.
The Hearts of Pine, or Hearts for short, have already appointed a team president (Kevin Scholl), a director of operations (Hannah Sirois of the Maine Celtics), a director of marketing, and will hold player tryouts this fall. I plan to. Coaches and other team representatives will be named in the fall.
“Today is a great day for soccer in Maine, but it's just the beginning of things to come. I hope this club will be an inspiration not only to soccer fans and players, but to everyone who cares about Maine. '' Scholl said.
The Hearts of Pine name was developed with input from local supporters and is linked to the state of Maine's nickname, the Pine Tree State, while the Hearts name is based on Edinburgh's famous Scottish Premiership side Hearts of Pines. It mirrors other area football clubs such as Of Midlothian.
“The club crest features the Dirigo Heart, a unique creation that reimagines Maine’s famous Dirigo Star in the spirit of Portland’s beloved Valentine’s Day Bandits, and stands out against the deep blue water, bathed in sparkle. It depicts the iconic Maine pine tree,” the release states. He explained.
Governor Mills led the Portland crowd gathered for the announcement in cheers for Maine's newest professional franchise.
“Congratulations to Maine’s new professional soccer team, the Hearts of Pine, as they announce a name that Maine people will root for for years to come,” she said. “In celebration of this exciting milestone and in honor of passionate soccer fans across the state, I am declaring today the first-ever Maine Soccer Day. When the Hearts of Pine take the field next year, We look forward to supporting the people of Maine.”
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