Another member of the inaugural Portland Hearts of Pine roster has found a new home, signing with rival USL League One side, Charlotte Independence.
Séga Coulibaly joined the Hearts in July as a midseason addition to the back line, making his first appearance on July 5 against South Georgia Tormenta. His Portland debut was short-lived, however, as an injury sustained shortly after entering the match sidelined him for the next five games.
When healthy, Coulibaly's impact was noticeable. In the 10 matches he appeared in, Portland allowed one goal or fewer in half of them, with his physical presence helping stabilize the Hearts’ defensive shape.
The 29-year-old began his professional career in France in 2013, spending a decade with six different clubs before moving stateside. Coulibaly made 49 appearances over three seasons with the LA Galaxy from 2021 to 2023, before a torn knee ligament ended his time in Los Angeles.
In Coulibaly, Charlotte adds a proven, experienced defender who brings physicality and ball-winning ability. He converted nearly two-thirds of his tackles and won close to 60 percent of his duels last season.
“With his experience and leadership qualities, we have a key building block to strengthening our back group,” said Charlotte head coach and general manager Mike Jeffries. “He provides a strong, physical presence defensively, along with the range of passing needed to start attacks.”
