Maine’s Portland Hearts of Pine Wins Historic First Game

Talk about making a great first impression.

After years of imagination, preparation, and development, Maine finally got to experience watching its new pro soccer team in action. And what a debut it was.

Portland Hearts of Pine Makes Historic Debut as Maine’s Official Pro Soccer Team

Portland Hearts of Pine played its first game in franchise history, a first-round matchup in the U.S. Open Cup, against a lower-division team named CD Faialense.

It was a cold and misty night, but that didn't stop a massive crowd from turning out. According to Hearts of Pine, more than 3,000 excited fans made their way to Lewiston High School to watch their new team for the first time.

It was Walter Varela, coincidentally on his 28th birthday, who scored the very first goal in Hearts' history with a strike in the 18th minute of play. Hearts would go on to score three more goals en route to a dominating victory over CD Faialense. This included an absolute wonder goal by Nathan Messer, who connected from distance on a perfectly struck free kick.

Portland Hearts of Pine Getting Ready for Regular Season to Kick Off

You honestly couldn't have asked for a better debut for Hearts of Pine, which will open its regular season campaign on March 29 in Florida against Naples FC. The team will play a total of four road games before its regular season home opener on May 4. That game, along with the rest of the 2025 season, will be played at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland.

The crowds are expected to be absolutely epic this year, with nearly the entire season's allotment of tickets already accounted for. Hearts will unquestionably have one of the best home-field advantages in USL League One.

Portland Hearts of Pine Awaiting Next U.S. Open Cup Opponent

Hearts' win over CD Faialense was an opening-round game in the U.S. Open Cup. This tournament runs concurrently with the regular season. Portland's next opponent will be announced in the near future. The next round's games will be played in early April.

Congratulations to the players, staff, and front office of Hearts of Pine. What was once a dream is now a reality. And that reality is that Maine is ready to absolutely take the American soccer world by storm.

Up the Hearts!