Published: October 27, 2025
A new conversation is taking shape in Maine’s soccer scene—one that could redefine the future of the sport in the state. The Portland Hearts of Pine, Maine’s first professional men’s soccer team, is exploring the possibility of launching a women’s side. Though discussions remain in the preliminary stages, the potential implications for local athletics, gender equity, and community identity are already generating enthusiasm and debate.
Founded to bring professional soccer to Maine, the Hearts of Pine made their debut in 2025 as part of USL League One. Their identity is distinctly Maine: the pine tree, deep-blue waters, and the state motto, Dirigo, meaning “I lead.” Since their first match, Fitzpatrick Stadium has become a gathering place for fans, filled with energy, pride, and the feeling that something lasting is taking root in Maine sports culture.
Now, that growth may be expanding into the women’s game. Club founder and Chief Community Officer Gabe Hoffman-Johnson recently confirmed that the Hearts of Pine are engaged in active discussions about forming a women’s team, potentially competing in the USL W League, which is a pre-professional circuit. If plans advance, the earliest potential launch could be within the next few years.
The USL W League frequently recruits college-aged players, meaning local athletes could have new opportunities to develop their careers close to home. Beyond the pitch, students interested in fields such as sports management, communications, and marketing might find internships or experiential learning opportunities through the club’s expanding operations. For others, it simply offers another reason to gather as fans: to fill the stands and celebrate the continued growth of the game in Maine
The significance of such a move would extend far beyond the field. For Maine, the creation of a women’s team could represent a meaningful step toward greater gender equity in athletics. It would offer young women a local platform on which to compete and a clearer pathway from youth and college programs to higher levels of play. In a state where opportunities for women’s soccer beyond college are limited, such an expansion could have a transformative effect.
It could also strengthen Portland’s growing identity as a soccer city. Since the Hearts’ debut, the team has shown how sports can bring together fans from all walks of life.
If the idea comes to fruition, the Hearts of Pine would not only be expanding their organization but also sending a message: that the future of soccer in Maine is inclusive and community-driven. A women’s team would embody the spirit of the club’s motto, Lead with your heart, and demonstrate that leadership means opening doors for others.
For now, the proposal remains just that: a possibility. But if it takes shape, Portland could soon find itself cheering for a new team that reflects both the state’s passion for the sport and its commitment to progress.
“I believe in investing in the women’s game… I believe in the opportunity there. It’s exciting to think about,” said Gabe Hoffman-Johnson. And the excitement isn’t just theoretical; the Portland Hearts of Pine are heading to the playoffs in their very first season, proving that Maine’s soccer story is only just beginning.
