Portland Hearts of Pine Re-Sign Walter Varela, Add Zion Scarlett
The Hearts 2026 roster continues to take shape
Portland Hearts of Pine have re-signed Walter Varela and added a new winger.
Varela scored four goals for Hearts last season, including that first goal in club history against CD Faialense in the U.S. Open Cup First Round.
“I think Hearts is a great club. We have great coaching staff, fans to play for, and a great group of guys with a bright future ahead,” Varela said in a statement. “I love being here in Portland. We get a lot of love and support from the community and the entire state of Maine.”
Scarlett will add to Hearts skills on the flank. He joins Hearts after spending a season with Carolina Core in MLS Next Pro where he played 321 minutes, made 14 appearances with three starts, and scored a goal.
Before Carolina, Scarlett played one season in USL League One for Greenville Triumph in 2024, where he contributed 4 assists and a goal in 24 appearances along with spending two seasons with Columbus Crew 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. Scarlett also came up through the Crew Academy.
Scarlett also has experience on the international stage, with one goal scored in four caps for Jamaica’s U-20 team.