Portland Hearts of Pine are back on the mark, collecting a 3-1 win over the New York Cosmos on Saturday night.
Here are three thoughts from the game.
Goals
Hearts entered the weekend having scored six goals in seven games across all competitions. Tonight, they scored three, equaling the amount they put past the Cosmos in the season opener. While the number is certainly nice, it's the way they were scored that stands out.
The first one (10th minute) featured a nice entry ball from Brecc Evans, a skill we saw throughout the night. When the ball gets to him, Jay Tee Kamara shows why he's one of the league's most fun players to watch.
The second (18th minute) starts with the ball bobbling around before Mikey Lopez takes control. A quick transition and a calm finish from Ollie Wright put Hearts up 2-0.
Wright struck again in the 49th minute, finishing a breakaway afforded by the Cosmo's high line.
It was a vintage (can you say that about a second-year team?) performance from Hearts. They were persistent without the ball and ready to attack with it.
A Relentless First Half
Hearts were dominant in the first half, limiting the Cosmos to two shots (none on target) and only two touches in their box. The home side quickly tried to regain possession any time it was lost.
Lopez, who has been in and out of the lineup, was immense, offering six tackles, five recoveries, and three interceptions while winning six of six ground duels.
The play here is a formula to be replicated. Lopez wins the ball by blocking a passing lane, then it's off to the races.
Momentum shifted in the second half, with the Cosmos recording eight shots (four on target) and 19 touches in the opposition's box. The visitors had 63% of possession and scored on a rebound.
While the second half left something to be desired, Hearts will happily take the win. They will certainly watch the tape from the first 45 as they look to rise in the standings.
A Healthier Roster
Injuries have plagued Hearts this year, making it difficult for them to identify their ideal starting lineup. Saturday's game was a glimpse at what the team can be.
Evans is a force in the air (3/3) and can pick out a pass.
Mo Mohamed (six passes into the final third, one chance created) and Josh Drack (six passes into the final third) are weapons going forward.
Kamara (one goal, two assists) and Wright (two goals, one assist) are wingers who can create inside.
Lopez (9 defensive contributions) and Michel Poon-Angeron (10 defensive contributions) will clog the middle.
There are still some open competitions, as Titus Washington and Jaden Jones-Riley will push for starting minutes. There are also questions regarding how Hearts will compensate for Masashi Wada's absence, though Matteo Kidd had positive moments on Saturday.
For now, Hearts will celebrate their first winsince the season opener. Now they have to do it against a team that isn't the Cosmos.
