Goodbyes are hard, but there are positives in the transfer of Nathan Messer.
On Thursday, Portland Hearts of Pine announced that Messer had been transferred to the Charleston Battery after the USL Championship side "triggered his release clause for an undisclosed fee."
Messer quickly became a fan favorite for Hearts, collecting six goals and four assists in 32 appearances across all competitions. The left back was a finalist for League One Defender of the Year and a member of the All-League First Team.
“We want to wish Nathan the best in his next chapter,” said Hearts head coach and technical director Bobby Murphy. “We’re happy to have played a part in his career, and he’ll always be welcome back at the club. He’s proof of concept that promising young players can come to this club and take meaningful steps forward in their careers. That philosophy is a big part of what we’re building.”
The last part is important, as Hearts shouldn't stand in the way of a player looking to advance his career.
In November, Murphy told The Blazing Musket, "I don't want to take kids hostage for my own satisfaction. Their careers are short."
He later added that allowing players to move could make Hearts "an exciting place to come and ply your trade," especially for young players.
Add this to the long list of reasons why players will want to come to Portland, alongside the atmosphere and community. Each reason widens the pool for a team in the third division.
Keep in mind that much of last year's core is returning, including Mikey Lopez, Ollie Wright, and Hunter Morse. Many of the players that fans grew to love will once again play at Fort Fitzy. The team has also added reinforcements.
For Messer, the transaction allows him to return to the USL Championship. He only made four appearances for Rhode Island FC during his rookie campaign in 2024. I expect him to be a bigger contributor this time around.
His new team is a good landing spot, as Charleston has finished second in the Eastern Conference for two consecutive seasons.
“This is a big opportunity for me to step up to the Championship,” said Messer. “I’m grateful to the club, my teammates, and the fans for believing in me and pushing me every day. This past year meant a lot to me, and I’ll always treasure these memories.”
All of the players on Hearts' inaugural roster have a place in club lore, but Messer holds a special spot. The free kick goal in the club's first-ever game, his regular combinations with Wright, and the "That's What I Do" moment are to be remembered.
But this is the transcient nature of sportswhere players come and go, and it doesn't always have to be negative.
