Portland Hearts of Pine head coach Bobby Murphy had his eye on Eiji Hata after he graduated from Seattle University.

The defender, who had five assists in 33 appearances and helped the Redhawks win the 2024 Western Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer Tournament title, ultimately signed with Houston Dynamo 2.

Hata made 11 appearances (4 starts) for the third-placed team, playing as a full back, center back, and defensive midfielder. In August, he transferred to Portland.

Murphy credits Dynamo assistant general manager Nick Kowba for helping facilitate the transaction. Hata could've stayed in Houston, playing minutes while supporting academy players, but a move elsewhere was likely best for the 23-year-old.

"They got to a point where they recognized that Eiji's future at the Dynamo was going to be limited, and this was an opportunity for him to better his career," Murphy said. "They were really great about doing that for us. We think he's a great kid."

Hata joins Hearts at a time of need, with Jaden-Jones Riley struggling to reach full health after undergoing ACL surgery and Josh Drack being scanned on Friday to diagnose an injury.

The right-footed Hata said he prefers to play right back, though he featured on the left "all the time" in college. He believes that his versatility is an asset.

"Staying consistent is my strong point," Hata said.

While only in Maine for a few days, he already feels at home. He played collegiately with Mo Mohamad and Titus Washington, who he calls "the kindest guy I've ever known." He also spent time with Diego Gonzalez in Houston before reuniting on the East Coast.

The team has been very welcoming overall. Goalkeeper coach Yuta Nomura, who is also from Japan, has been particularly helpful.

"They feel like a family," Hata said.

Hata anticipates some differences as he shifts from MLS Next Pro to USL League One, noting that the former tends to play more possession soccer while the latter emphasizes physicality and transitions. He feels ready to make the transition, especially after four years of college soccer.

More than anything, he's excited to play in front of over 6,000 fans at Fitzpatrick Stadium, which could happen on Sunday when Hearts host Forward Madison.

"I've never played in front of more than a couple of 1,000 people," Hata said. "I'm super excited. That's like a professional player's dream."

Hata has another dream he hopes to fulfill in Portland, though this one will take some time.

As a member of the Yokohama F Marinos Academy, he watched Masashi Wada star for the first team. Now, they both play for Hearts.

"He's my big brother," Hata said.

Hata called Wada "a chance-creator" who focuses "on the small details." The two won't share the field this year since Wada is out with a long-term injury, but it's certainly a future possibility.

"Hopefully next year, we can play, and I'm going to give him an assist; maybe he's going to give me an assist," Hata said.