PORTLAND, Maine (WMTW) – The Portland Hearts of Pine is preparing to unveil the branding behind Maine’s new women’s soccer team Thursday, ahead of its inaugural season next spring.
The team will compete in the USL W League, beginning play in May 2027.
Gov. Janet Mills has proclaimed Thursday as the second-ever “Maine Day of Soccer” in celebration of the new women’s franchise.
“The Hearts of Pine have brought a tremendous amount of pride and energy to Maine during their first two seasons, and I can’t wait to welcome their new women’s team to Portland,” Mills said in a statement Wednesday.
The first “Maine Day of Soccer” came in April 2024 when the men’s Hearts of Pine team launched its name, crest and brand identity.
According to Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, founder and chief community officer for the Hearts of Pine, the addition of the women’s team has been a vision since the beginning.
“This is a moment we’ve imagined for a long time, and to see it become real with so much support from people across the state is incredibly meaningful,” said Hoffman-Johnson.
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