So Close, So Cruel: Maine’s Portland Hearts of Pine End Magical Season One Kick from Championship Game

There may not be a crueler way to lose a sporting event than in soccer...and those darn penalty kicks.

The latest victim was Maine’s own Portland Hearts of Pine, who, in their very first season, found themselves just one successful penalty kick away from a trip to the USL League One Championship game.

Maine's Portland Hearts of Pine Season Comes to an End

One of Portland’s earlier heroes, Jay Tee Kamara, stepped up to the line as the fifth penalty taker for the Hearts. Kamara, who had scored a goal earlier in the overtime frame, needed to convert his kick to clinch a 5–4 victory in the penalty shootout. Portland’s goalie, Hunter Morse, had saved one of Spokane Velocity’s shots earlier, giving the Hearts a chance to win it.

Kamara launched his attempt off his left foot, sending it screaming toward the far corner of the net. However, Spokane’s goalkeeper anticipated correctly and made a huge save. It was the second time Portland had been denied a trip to the championship. Earlier in extra time, the Hearts had held a one-goal lead before the Velocity leveled the match with just three minutes to play.

At that point, it just felt like it was Spokane’s night to shine, and that’s exactly what happened. The Velocity eventually booked their trip to the final in the seventh round of the penalty shootout when Portland’s attempt was once again saved. This time, Spokane had converted their shot right before, and that was that.

The game closed the final chapter of a season that, if it were a book, would be worthy of the New York Times Bestseller list. From the players to the front office, this team put together one of the most incredible years, on and off the field, a sports organization has ever had, especially at the minor-league level.

Maine's Portland Hearts of Pine Had a Tremendously Successful First Year

What a whirlwind of a season it’s been for Portland, one that began all the way back in March in Lewiston with U.S. Open Cup matches, including a stunning win over higher-division Hartford Athletic. Those early games were clearly a sign of things to come, as the Hearts battled hard all year in league play to earn their playoff position.

This is also a team that sold out every home game this season. A team that led the league in average attendance by a wide margin. A team that has sold more merchandise than the GDP of some small countries. A team that has integrated itself into the community as if it’s been here for five decades. It’s a masterclass in how to launch a sports franchise the right way.

But let’s be honest, this “season” really started six or so years ago, when founder Gabe Hoffman-Johnson had a dream of bringing professional soccer to Portland because he knew it would be accepted, and ultimately loved. I’d say mission accomplished on that one, Gabe.

READ MORE: Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello Supports Maine Soccer Team

As one book ends, another begins in this series, as Portland now looks ahead to the 2026 season. Returning players and new recruits will soon start coming together, more amazing merchandise will hit the shelves, and the Fitzy faithful will be gearing up for early spring to arrive as soon as possible.

Maine’s soccer craze isn’t a cute little fad.

It’s here. It’s real. And it’s spectacular.

Up the Hearts.