What We’re Reading: April 2025

Exciting Updates in USL and the Hearts of Pine take to the field for the first time.

USL News and Updates

“USL plans to launch Division I men’s league, take on MLS” – Sport Business Journal; February 13, 2025

USL announces plans to launch a Division 1 men’s professional soccer league.

“How United Soccer League plans to launch a new top division” – by Kevan Baxter, Los Angelas Time, March 4, 2025

Details emerge and first steps outlined on the creation of a top flight USL1 league. 

“PROMOTION/RELEGATION in the United States? USL president Paul McDonough on becoming MLS Competitor” – CBS Sports Golazo America; February 20, 2025

United Soccer League Paul McDonough discusses the prospects and implementation of a promotion/relegation system in United States soccer, as well as the creation of a USL Division 1 league.

“USL to adopt promotion-relegation in historic 1st for U.S. soccer” – ESPN; March 19, 2025

The USL club owners vote to introduce the promotion/relegation system, marking the first time the European-style system would be implemented in a United States soccer league.

“League of opportunity: Aaron Long, Diego Luna among top players who have used USL as a springboard to the elite - and others are sure to follow” – by Tom Hindle, Goal.com; March 12, 2025

USL has grown in importance in US soccer. The league, once regarded as an afterthought, is now a place where top talents can reboot a career - or settle long term. 

“USL Championship & League One 101 – Roster and Matchday Rules” by Nicholas Murray, uslchampionship.com; March 5, 2025

What to know about the fundamentals of your club and the league it plays in.

Hearts of Pine News

“UNE College of Business hosts inaugural Spark Series on Portland's Lead Minor Leagues” – UNE College of Business Spark Series; March 4, 2025

A panel discussion on Portland’s minor league sports market, featuring the leadership and representatives of the Portland Sea Dogs, Maine Mariners, Portland Hearts of Pine, Maine Celtics, and Sports Business Journal. The panel was moderated by Rick Burton, Former Chief Marketing Officer for the U.S. Olympic Committee.

“Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello surprises Portland Hearts of Pine with message of support” – Siddhant Lazar, Goal.com; March 20, 2025

Musician Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave emerges as a Hearts fan. 

The First Games

“Hearts Win 4-0 to advance in the U.S. Open Cup” – by cferragamo, heartsofpine.com; March 20, 2025

In which Walter Varela celebrates his birthday by scoring the Portland Hearts of Pine first ever goal, and the club advances to the 2nd round of the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup with a 4-0 win over CD Faialense.

“Hearts Open in Maine: Love & Pride for Portland’s New Team” by Nina Nina MacLaughlin, usasoccer.com; March 29, 2025

Nina MacLaughlin delivers a touching retelling of the Hearts of Pine first ever professional game. 

“I went to the FIRST EVER Portland Hearts of Pine Match! (US OPEN CUP VLOG)” – by Dibble Trips; March 4, 2025

A vlog post of a first-time trip to Lewiston, ME to see Portland Hearts of Pine vs CD Faialense.

“Portland Hearts of Pine Fans Take In First USL League One Match” - Shawn Fecteau, The Blazing Musket; March 30, 2025

Fans travel to Florida and gather in watch parties in Maine to see the Hearts of Pine take on FC Naples for the inaugural game of the USL1 season.

“Portland Hearts of Pine Supporters Are Bringing Maine To the Masses” – by Maura Gladys, American Tifo; April 4, 2025

An excellent recount of the fan experience propelling the Hearts of Pine forward.

“Hearts of Pine's Passion On Full Display As They Advance In The U.S. Open Cup” – by Seth Macomber, Goal.com; April 3, 2024

The Hearts of Pine defeat Hartford Athletic to advance to the 3rd round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.