Friday's 3-2 win over FC Naples was a sign of progress for Portland Hearts of Pine.
The trip to Florida was no easy task, as Hearts had to erase two deficits to collect three points. They brought the scoreline to 2-2 in the 88th minute, then found a game-winner through Mikey Lopez in the first minute of second-half stoppage time.
"I told the guys after the game, I don't know that a month ago we'd have recovered from the first goal – let alone the second goal – to pull it out," Murphy told The Blazing Musket. "The things we talk about – about being resilient, and being made of plastic and not crystal, and bouncing back – those types of things showed last week."
It's been one thing after another for Hearts during their sophomore campaign. It started with a disjointed preseason defined by injuries, visa issues, and weather disruptions.
Then came the season-ending injury to Masashi Wada, who earned USL First-Team honors last year. Others, including Lopez, Titus Washington, and Jaden Jones-Riley, missed extended time.
This has made it difficult to establish a regular lineup or to collect consistent points, especially as uncharacteristic mistakes popped up.
Through it all, Murphy has stayed the course, noting, "Confidence is doing the right thing every day, so that when things get real, you know you can handle it."
"We talk a lot about staying even-keeled," Murphy said. "How many times, when things are going well, do people get all excited and then mess things up, you know? Or when things are going badly, their heads drop.
"No matter what, you still have to make the next play. Regardless of how the game's going, make the next play. Whether that's a pass, tackle, recovery run, blocking a shot, whatever it is. Over time, those things will add up in the plus column."
The Naples game provides an example, as Serigne Mbacke Faye was disappointed about not clearing the ball in the moments before Hearts conceded in the 45th minute.
The center back made things right just after the break, scoring on a set piece. Faye's celebration included a warm embrace with Murphy.
"We're a family, and I look at these guys like my kids," Murphy said. "I want them to be good people and be successful well beyond their time here with me. If I can play a part in that, I think that's the greatest gift you get from this profession."
Hearts have recently benefited from a healthy roster, with Murphy noting, "The availability issues are pretty much gone."
The team has also welcomed a pair of loanees.
Diego Gonzalez from the Houston Dynamo has three goals in four games. Dylan Sing from Indy Eleven created two chances off the bench against Naples.
Gonzalez will be with Hearts through the end of the year, while Sing is here for two months with an option to extend. Murphy didn't rule out signing another striker.
"Titus will be back in the next couple of weeks, so we'll see where he is," Murphy said. "Abou [Camara] has come on better than we thought, so full credit to him for taking an opportunity.
"I think if the right guy came along, we'd possibly add somebody, but I think we're pretty good."
Hearts, now three points below the playoff line, are trending in the right direction. The team, split almost evenly between returnees and new faces, has come together to earn consecutive wins for the first time this season.
Team bonding events, such as karaoke, have played a role, but overcoming adversity has been more important.
"When you go through it and come out the other side, that's what really builds [culture]," Murphy said. "The other night, coming back and winning the way we did did more than any artificial outside thing I could have done.
"Hopefully, those real tests that you face as a group forge you and create those bonds and that trust."
Hearts will host the New York Cosmos this weekend in a USL Cup match, before returning to league play with a road trip against AC Boise on July 17.
"Saturday night is big to get a result and build into this really busy month," Murphy said.
