Portland Hearts of Pine to Field Women’s Pre‑Professional Squad in 2027
Portland Hearts of Pine, the city’s growing soccer brand, revealed plans to field a pre‑professional women’s team that will compete in the United Soccer League’s W League beginning in May 2027.
The franchise secured a spot in the league and will play a compact schedule that runs from May through July, a window deliberately chosen to accommodate college athletes who can preserve their NCAA eligibility while gaining elite experience.
Gabe Hoffman‑Johnson, the club’s founder, said the initiative has been part of the organization’s roadmap from the outset, emphasizing that the women’s side will complement the existing men’s program and broaden the club’s community footprint.
The men’s professional side, which burst onto the scene in 2025, has quickly become a fan favorite, posting an 11‑win, 7‑loss, 12‑draw record in its debut season and earning praise for its Maine‑themed kits.
Season tickets for the new women’s team will be available starting at noon on Thursday, June 11, through the club’s ticket portal at tickets.uslwmaine.com, giving supporters an early chance to lock in seats for the inaugural campaign.
Club officials hope the addition of a women’s squad will inspire the next generation of players in Portland and reinforce the city’s reputation as a hub for innovative soccer development.