Portland Hearts of Pine-Charlotte Independence: Four Thoughts
Hearts are on the rise, plus three more thoughts.
Portland Hearts of Pine secured a convincing 4-2 win over Charlotte Independence on Saturday night. Here are four thoughts from the game.
On The Rise
Hearts have only lost once in their last seven regular-season games, collecting 14 of 21 points. This run has them seventh in the USL League One table.
On July 25th, head coach Bobby Murphy said, “Momentum is such an important thing. I think for them to really dig in at Texoma [on July 12] and get the result really freed them a little bit. They feel a little freer, a little more confident.”
The first-year team is growing up, which is huge, considering they’ve accomplished so much off the field.
With at least one game in hand on every team above them—and seven home games—a playoff fixture at Fitzpatrick Stadium isn’t out of the question.
Goals Galore
With Titus Washington and Azaad Liadi unavailable, there were rightfully questions about who would score for Hearts, especially since the club had only collected 21 goals, one of the lowest marks in League One.
Of course, Portland went on to score four, which isn’t a total surprise since Hearts had three on Sunday.
Masashi Wada, Jay Tee Kamara, Ollie Wright, and Sean Vinberg ensured the most recent win.
“Sometimes when it flows, it flows, and the flood gates can open,” Wright said.
Wright’s performance was particularly noteworthy as he also had two helpers. His six assists put him tied for second in the league in that category. He’s fourth in goal contributions (11).
Shoutouts
Several players deserve recognition for stellar performances.
Michel Poon-Angeron continues to show elite vision, earning secondary assists on the first and second goals. Wada is growing with each game, and could’ve had a second tally. Mikey Lopez is the chiseled veteran in the middle.
That said, Vinberg, who stepped in for the injured Colby Quiñones, deserves ink for scoring and then celebrating with a backwards griddy.
Kamara also made the most of his 27 minutes. He replaced Walter Varela, who created two chances. The competition appears to be improving both players.
“Two days before the game, I told my friend, I don’t care what time Bobby is gonna bring me in, if it’s the last ten minutes, the last five, last 15, I’m gonna show, I’m gonna make an impact,” Kamara said. “I’m gonna try to score and try to help the team win.”
Bigger Than Soccer
The Dirgio Union presented an important statement at Saturday’s game: “Bring Tchikano Home.”
Lopez, the Hearts’ captain, donned a similar message as he walked into Fitzy.
The Malunda “Tchikano” Destino is a 24-year-old asylum seeker who U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents recently detained. A GoFundMe campaign was created to help cover legal fees.
Sam Minton covered the story earlier this week.
The displays by the Dirigo Union and Lopez were reminders that some things are bigger than soccer. They were also a testament to what makes the Portland community special.
“Bring him home!!”