Portland Hearts Of Pine "Excited" To Play First Game At Fitzpatrick Stadium
“It’s something that we take with great honor. It’s something that we should be excited about because there’s only one first."
Portland Hearts of Pine has experienced many firsts during their inaugural USL League One season. Sunday brings another, as they will play their first-ever game at Fitzpatrick Stadium.
Hearts got a taste of what to expect from fans when they played three U.S. Open Cup games in Lewiston, ME. Each event drew approximately 3,000 people.
The crowd will nearly double when Hearts host One Knoxville SC at 6 pm in Portland.
“We are the masters of making history right now,” Mikey Lopez said. “It’s something that we take with great honor. It’s something that we should be excited about because there’s only one first,. You can only do this one time, and hopefully we can make a good impression on the city and the state here at home.”
Hearts are currently 0-1-2 in league play, though all three games were played on the road, some requiring exhaustive travel. This creates an opportunity for Hearts to secure their first league win in front of their fans.
It won’t be easy, of course, as Knoxville are currently third in the table with a record of 3-0-1 and a goal differential of +4.
Hearts head coach Bobby Murphy noted that his team must be wary of transitions to earn three points.
“Little things like not losing the ball in bad areas [will be important], rest defending will be important, taking fouls at times will be important,” Murphy said. “It’s one of those games where the crowd can hurt you because when we get so excited, we pile numbers forward, then we get caught on the break.”
The game presents an interesting situation, as Murphy will be coaching against someone he once coached, Ian Fuller. Murphy called Fuller a “dear friend” who “is like family.”
Of course, everything gets put aside when the referee blows the whistle and the game begins.
It’s an exciting moment for all involved in launching Hearts. Murphy said his job is to ensure that emotions don’t become overwhelming.
“The big thing will be reigning [the players] in a little bit on Sunday,” Murphy explained. “Play the game, not the event. Enjoy it, appreciate it, but don’t let it overrule you. Don’t let the adrenaline go too much, so 15 minutes in, you’re huffing and puffing. It’s just another game. It’s just a special game.”