Portland Hearts of Pine Continue To Grow Under Bobby Murphy

Murphy on 1-1 draw against Alta: “I thought that was the best we played all year.”

While they only got one point from Saturday’s game against AV Alta FC, Portland Hearts of Pine head coach Bobby Murphy believes it was one of their best performances of the season.

Hearts were aggressive from the start, forcing turnovers and transitioning quickly. Ollie Wright and Nathan Messer hit the post before Alta scored the opening goal.

But the team continued to fight, ultimately finding an equalizer through Azaad Liadi.

Hearts ended the night with more shots (13), shots on target (7), big chances (5), corners (11), and passes in the opposition’s half (179).

Not bad for a team that traveled across the country.

“I thought that was the best we played all year,” Murphy said. “I think for 90 minutes, we did what we wanted to. Statistically, it bore out. We played in their half, had more shots, more chances, and were unlucky not to get three points.”

It can be easy to forget that Hearts are a new team with a new roster and coaching staff. It takes time for any team to gel and establish an identity.

Performances like Saturday and the second half against Union Omaha are reminders of how much Hearts have progressed.

“I think if you get caught up in what’s around the corner or what happened two weeks ago, then you lose sight of the little gains they have today,” Murphy said. “I think it’s important, especially with young guys and first-time guys in the league, to catch them being good.”

Murphy highlighted first-year professional Titus Washington as someone who has improved since the start of the season, calling him a “nuisance and a handful” during his 24-minute performance against Alta.

Murphy also mentioned defender Kemali Green as someone with potential.

“I don’t think Kemali knows how good he can be,” Murphy said. “So he’s got to believe that I believe until he believes himself.”

While the roster features many young players, it also includes some with extensive experience. Many of these individuals, such as Mikey Lopez and Pat Langlois, have taken up leadership roles.

Wright has three goals and one assist in his last two appearances. He’s also been “leading with his defending,” according to Murphy.

“He’s doing fantastic,” Murphy added. “I don’t think it’s something that’s temporary. If he keeps working hard, then there’s no reason for this to change.”

Liadi, Saturday’s goalscorer, has also been working hard on both sides of the ball. The 27-year-old’s knowledge of USL League One and USL Championship has been invaluable.

“He’s quietly growing into a leadership role,” Murphy said. “He’s been in this league before, and a lot of these guys haven’t. He’s talked them through some things.”

Murphy knows it’s critical to be patient with this project, though he admits that it’s not always a quality he wants to embrace.

“It’s been great watching them evolve and change and accept challenges and get through things,” Murphy said. “I think they’re still growing, but I’m pleased with all of them.”