Portland Hearts of Pine v. Spokane Velocity: Three Thoughts
Plenty of attacking options, plus two more thoughts.
Portland Hearts of Pine didn’t pump the brakes on Tuesday night, as they defeated Spokane Velocity 6-1.
Here are three thoughts from the game.
A Lively Attack
Tuesday’s win was a reminder that Hearts have plenty of attacking options.
To the surprise of few, Ollie Wright and Nathan Messer found the back of the net (though Messer’s strike was a bit of a shock). The left-sided players have been a consistent threat throughout the year.
Titus Washington also had a goal. On Saturday, I was impressed by his ability to stretch opponents with his pace and strength. This cheeky flick was a stand-out moment on Tuesday, showcasing what he can do as a hold-up player.
Jay Tee Kamara etched his name onto the scoresheet when he made a sleek run before chipping the goalkeeper. The midfielder is so quick with his feet and crafty with his movement.
But the star of the night was Natty James, who hasn’t seen a ton of time this year, in part because of regular call-ups to the Trinidad and Tobago National Team.
James, who scored in his Hearts debut, had two goals and drew a penalty against Spokane before earning a big hug from head coach Bobby Murphy, a fitting moment for Hearts.
“My job [tonight] was to show what I can do, prove myself,” James said. “The coach gave me the opportunity to go out and gain some confidence, and that’s exactly what happened. I’m happy with myself, I’m happy that he gave me the opportunity, and I just want to continue doing that for us this season.”
More History
Hearts set a new record for the highest-ever recorded attendance in USL League One, welcoming 6,440 fans to Fitzpatrick Stadium.
It was another remarkable milestone for a club that has accomplished so much during its inaugural season.
Hearts are still in contention to host a first-round playoff game, but they have to win on Saturday and get some help.
It’s something that you have to root for, considering the community that the club represents. Fans have supported this team before it even had a name or crest.
“I am immensely proud of everyone in the organization that we were able to do this. I think the fans deserve the playoffs,” Murphy said. “I think the players deserve the playoffs. And I think the front office and everybody who built this before I got here deserves the playoffs, and we’re just happy to give them that opportunity.
“Pound for pound, this is as good an atmosphere as there is anywhere in the country. I’ve been in big stadiums. I’ve been in the Mercedes Benz dome when it was sold out, coaching there. I’ve been in St. Louis, I’ve been in Orlando. Every MLS stadium. I would put this atmosphere up against any one of those.”
Sega Returns
I’m really curious to see the role that Sega Coulibaly plays during the final run of games.
The 29-year-old defender, who once captained the LA Galaxy, just returned from injury, playing five minutes on Saturday and 58 on Tuesday.
At his best, he’s a physical presence who can pick out a pass, but he’s only made four starts this year.
Sean Vinberg and Kemali Green have anchored the backline. Although they’ve only had six shutouts this season, they rank in the bottom third for goals allowed (36), in part because Hunter Morse leads the league in saves (82).
I’m keeping an eye on the centerback position.