When the announcement came that Portland would field a professional soccer team, the excitement was palpable. What began as a modest gathering of supporters at a local bar quickly swelled into a city‑wide movement, drawing fans from every corner of Maine.
The Birth of a Fan Movement
Sebastian Pettitt, a co‑chair of the Dirigo Union, never imagined he would become a central figure in that story. Though Maine had no professional soccer pedigree, Pettitt fell in love with the sport’s community spirit, turning his enthusiasm into organized support that would soon define the club’s identity.
The expansion was granted by USL in 2023, giving Portland its first taste of top‑flight soccer. The city’s longstanding affinity for minor‑league teams — such as the Portland Sea Dogs and the Maine Celtics — provided a ready audience, while the Portland Zoo bar served as an early meeting point where fans celebrated with cans of Moxie, Maine’s official soft drink.
The club’s inaugural roster featured early signings Michel Poon‑Anderson and Patrick Langlois. Langlois made a surprise appearance at a fan event, stepping onto the stage to greet a crowd that responded by tossing Moxie cans in a playful tribute. The moment underscored the symbiotic relationship between the team and its supporters.
Among the new players, winger Ollie Wright quickly became a fan favorite. Having honed his craft at Huntsville City FC and in MLS Next Pro, Wright arrived with a promise to “make Maine proud,” a sentiment that resonated deeply with a community eager to see its own represented on a national stage.
As the first season approaches, the blend of seasoned leadership, home‑grown talent, and grassroots enthusiasm sets the stage for a compelling debut. The story of Portland Hearts of Pine is not just about a soccer team; it is about a city that rallied around a shared dream, turning a modest fan group into a catalyst for a new sporting era.