Fresh off a pre-season training trip to the Bahamas and a quick stop back to Portland, Hearts traveled south to Clemson, South Carolina and Clemson University's Historic Riggs Field at Dr. I.M. Ibrahim Stadium for an exhibition match
While Portland’s full roster did not suit up, the match provided an opportunity to get a look at some new faces while familiar names from last season also saw time. Portland controlled the early pace, with the attack running primarily through returners Jay Tee Kamara and Masashi Wada, who both had early chances in the box but could not find the back of the net. Newcomer Brecc Evans stood out defensively, not only thwarting early Clemson opportunities but also serving as a vocal leader on the Hearts' back line.
Goalkeeper Kash Oladapo did not face many shots on frame on the night, though a couple of first-half defensive breakdowns left the backside of the goal exposed, drawing sighs of relief when Clemson’s first chance cleared the crossbar and the second passed just wide of the left upright. The second half saw Portland control possession in Clemson’s end but produce few scoring chances. The Hearts earned a handful of corners and a couple of set pieces after the break but could not convert, and the match ended in a 0–0 draw.
Hearts open their season March 14 against expansion side New York Cosmos, the first of four away matches, before hosting reigning USL League One champion One Knoxville SC on April 11 at Fitzpatrick Stadium.
