Portland Hearts of Pine v. Spokane Velocity: Three Thoughts
Heartbreak, plus two more thoughts.
Portland Hearts of Pine were ousted from the USL League One playoffs, losing 5-6 on penalties against Spokane Velocity on Sunday night. The spot kicks were necessary after the teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation and 2-2 after extra time.
Here are three thoughts from the game.
Heartbreak
The night began conservatively, as both teams attempted to avoid a game-changing mistake. Hearts were often in a low block, waiting for appropriate times to press.
The game changed when Luis Gil scored just before halftime, giving Spokane the lead.
Hearts were more aggressive in the second 45, earning an equalizer in the 53rd minute through Ollie Wright. They nearly got a second two minutes later, but Masashi Wada’s long-range shot hit the crossbar.
The game went to extra time, with substitute Jay Tee Kamara putting Hearts ahead in the 92nd minute. A dream end to their inaugural season seemed inevitable until Nil Vinyals equalized in the 121st minute.
Spokane booked their ticket to their second consecutive USL League One Final by winning the shootout 6-5.
A Season To Remember
So much of Hearts’ first season felt like a movie, whether it be the dramatic 3-1 comeback against Union Omaha after an impassioned speech from head coach Bobby Murphy, the 1-0 road win over Texoma while battling weather, or the 6-1 home victory over Spokane in front of a record crowd.
Sunday was a reminder that sports don’t follow a script.
In the time between the opening game in Lewiston and the late night in Spokane, there’s been a lot to celebrate for Hearts. They built a team. More importantly, they built a community.
I remember emailing Founder Gabe Hoffman-Johnson about the project in 2023, unsure if it would come to fruition. His thoughtful and detailed answers gave me confidence.
To cover the team from the start has been special, but I’m most happy for the fans who poured everything they have into the club. Conversations with people like Donald Thibodeau and Mitchell Ketchen were energizing and reminded me of the power of soccer.
Onward
The connection between the fans and club is obvious when players and staff take their post-game lap around Fitzpatrick Stadium.
I’m sure that tradition will continue next year, but some of the personnel will change.
Many are likely to return, as several players have said they feel at home in Portland. That said, some might look for opportunities at a higher level, while others make way for a new batch of young, hungry athletes.
Hearts should consider bringing in at least one more striker option. Azaad Liadi’s injury hampered them this season, even if it did allow Titus Washington to expedite his growth.
I've been keenly watching them from afar in Massachusetts. I was so impressed with everything and like most people, I thought the branding and the rollout was of the highest order.
So, my wife and I made the trek to Portland this summer. We stopped at the Pop up store in downtown, first. We bought the beautiful shirts and hats. Then we walked around seeing many people wearing P-HOP attire; Then, a pregame at the Zoo Bar; Then, the game itself (Hearts Won!); loved the crowd; loved my Bissell HOP Brew; loved shaking hands after with the whole team and the coaching staff; Loved everything.
What a treasure we now have in New England with teams like P-HOP, RIFC, Vermont Green, H-Athletic and the Revs!