Busy Week An Opportunity For Hearts Players To Impress
“Some guys who haven't had a chance, this is your chance to stake a claim to a spot and make my job hard. That's what I told them to do: make my life miserable.”
With three games in 10 days, Portland Hearts of Pine head coach Bobby Murphy views the upcoming stretch as an opportunity to impress.
Azaad Liadi (abdominal strain) and Michel Poon-Angeron (broken hand) did not participate in Wednesday’s training session.
Murphy ruled out Liadi for Friday’s game against Rhode Island FC and was doubtful about Poon-Angeron, saying he’d “probably be back for next week.”
Pat Langlois, who has been sidelined with an injury, is expected to be available.
“A bunch of guys are going to get a chance this week,” Murphy said. “We tried to build this group for weeks like this. We’re “next guy up” with three games in 10 days.
“Some guys who haven't had a chance, this is your chance to stake a claim to a spot and make my job hard. That's what I told them to do: make my life miserable.”
Hearts will head to Centreville Bank Stadium this weekend for their third Jagermeister Cup game, having lost 2-0 to Hartford Athletic before beating Detroit City FC 4-2.
Their next opponent is a familiar one as Hearts played RIFC twice during preseason and once in the U.S. Open Cup.
“I think you've seen a little bit of a rivalry starting to grow from that,” Murphy said. “That’s only good for the game. Regional rivalries help grow this whole thing.
“I'm excited to see the stadium full. It’s a great facility, and I'm happy for them to have it.”
Murphy noted that the timing of Friday’s game isn’t ideal with home games against AV Alta FC and South Georgia Tormenta FC looming on Wednesday and Sunday.
Still, playing RIFC, who knocked Hearts out of the Open Cup, is exciting.
“Any time you get to play against somebody who is in a league above you is a good measuring stick.”