The Portland Hearts of Pine continued their offseason retooling, dipping back into the college ranks with the signing of former Syracuse University defender Ernest Mensah Jr.
Mensah arrives in Portland after one season with the Syracuse Orange, following three years at Xavier University, where he earned All-Big East Third Team honors in 2024. He becomes the second college addition for the Hearts this offseason, joining former UCLA midfielder Konstantinos Georgallides.
Across his collegiate career, Mensah earned caps in 59 of 68 matches between Xavier and Syracuse. While his offensive numbers won’t jump off the stat sheet, his game is built on defensive reliability, athleticism, and the ability to control his flank.
Mensah sees a natural fit in Portland’s system under Bobby Murphy, pointing to similarities with Syracuse head coach Ian McIntyre’s approach.
