Birthday Boy Walter Varela Scores First-Ever Goal For Hearts of Pine
Varela discusses his celebration after making history.
Walter Varela will forever be known as the first goalscorer for Portland Hearts of Pine.
To make it even more special, Varela entered the history books on his birthday.
The Cape Verdean attacker found himself in an opportune position in the 18th minute after a failed clearance gave him the ball at the top of the box.
He took one touch before firing a low shot to the goalkeeper's right. He immediately went to the corner where his teammates enthusiastically joined in on the celebration.
“[I used my] favorite celebration, ice in the veins,” Verela said. “I was just overwhelmed. I didn’t remember how to celebrate. My teammates were jumping over me and were happy for me.”
While Varela was caught off guard by the moment, many of his teammates predicted it would happen.
“Walter’s kind of quiet, so he didn’t mention it was his birthday, but thankfully the club did,” Pat Langlois said. “I think that that was on our minds, that we were going to get Walter a goal on his birthday.”
Valera’s soccer journey is an interesting one. He played for Valeo FC of the National Premier Soccer League, Brockton FC of the United Premier Soccer League, and Albion San Diego of the National Independent Soccer Association before joining the Chattanooga Red Wolves in 2023.
While it’s early days, Valera, who signed with Hearts in February, has endeared himself to his new teammates.
“He’s one of those players that you just trust,” Langlois said. “Give the ball to him and let him do his thing, and he’ll perform.”
Hearts will have many firsts during their inaugural season, but the first-ever goal in a competitive match will forever belong to Valera.
“I’m so grateful for that moment and so honored to be able to do that for the club of Maine,” Varela said.