Episode 1 of Up The Hearts explores the creation of the Portland Hearts of Pine, Portland Maine's first-ever professional soccer team. Get an inside look at the dedication of those making it happen, the inspiration behind the team's name, and the community's enthusiasm for the game of soccer. This episode reveals how Portland is embracing its new team with pride and passion.
The Hearts of Pine franchise begins to take shape. Behind the scenes, a dedicated front office staff is assembled. On the pitch, veteran coach Bobby Murphy is hired to lead the squad, bringing a wealth of experience and a vision for the club’s future. The energy grows as fans gather for Heartsapalooza, a celebration of the team’s arrival for the community forming around it. The excitement reaches a fever pitch at the State Theatre, where a sold-out crowd erupts as the club unveils their first-ever jersey. After witnessing it all, broadcaster Tom Caron sums it up perfectly: "It's starting to feel like soccer."
"Lewiston Strong" Through the lens of one of Maine's strongest communities, see how the love of soccer can lead you on an epic journey. Starting young, meet the impassioned, diverse youth of Lewiston’s impactful Rosati program. At a nearby high school practice, Tom Caron reminisces alongside his old coach, a retired local legend, and celebrates the new generation of talent. From these roots emerge hopefuls chasing a dream, including Khalid Hersi — a Lewiston native whose path takes a powerful turn when he earns a spot on the Hearts’ inaugural roster. Then meet some other players, as we follow the team into their first intense week of training, where camaraderie and competition collide. It all builds to a historic night in Lewiston: the Hearts’ debut match in the prestigious U.S. Open Cup, played in front of a packed hometown crowd.
In this episode, we learn about professional soccer's league structure as the Portland Hearts of Pine gear up for a pivotal moment in their inaugural season—their first league match against FC Naples in Florida. We also go behind the scenes for the team’s visit to the Maine State House to meet the Governor, and captures the launch of their sleek new away kit. Throughout this journey, the element of Community is a resounding theme. It all culminates in the club's high-stakes U.S. Open Cup Round 2 showdown with Hartford Athletic. Will their Hearts lead them to victory?
In this episode of "Up The Hearts," the Portland Hearts of Pine prepare for their first-ever home match. Behind the scenes, the club staff works to get Fitzpatrick Stadium ready for its professional debut, while we introduce you to veteran midfielder Mikey Lopez - from his past with Coach Bobby to what the future holds for this "big brother" of players. The excitement builds to kickoff against Knoxville SC, and the passion continues through the driving rain and unexpected twists that was this historic first for Portland's Boys of Maine.
The Portland Hearts of Pine step further into the fabric of the city. The local business community recognizes the club’s impact by presenting the team with a major award, cementing their place as more than just a soccer club - they’re a cultural force. Off the pitch, the passion of the Dirigo Union supporters' group is on full display as members go all-in with tattoos celebrating their devotion to the Hearts. But July proves to be a test. On the field, the Hearts face a difficult stretch and a bruising match against AV Alta. The question looms large: after the struggles, can Portland find a way to rally and bounce back stronger?
The team hits the road to face off against Westchester SC as they push for a strong finish to the season. Off the field, we capture a behind-the-scenes look at a photoshoot with new Hearts player Noah Kvifte and join the players and fans at the 2nd annual Heartsapalooza celebration. With the playoffs in sight, the Hearts are determined to find their rhythm and build momentum when it matters most.
As the regular season winds down, the Hearts face a crucial stretch of matches - a run that will determine whether they can finally push over the hump and secure a playoff spot. Amid the mounting pressure, the club unveils its striking 'Blaze kit,' sharing what it represents with footage from its marketing shoot in "The County." A photoshoot with three Hearts players highlights all three jerseys, and captures the team’s evolving identity at a pivotal moment. This chapter is all about urgency, belief, and a final sprint toward the postseason.
Hope doesn’t stay home when the Hearts begin their postseason run. It follows the team to Chattanooga, where Portland supporters help turn an away match into something shared. A defining moment from Ollie Wright keeps the story alive, before the road leads west to Spokane and a night that won’t end in regulation. Extra time brings a single, season-shaping heartbeat. When the journey finally slows, it doesn’t break—leaving behind something bigger than any single match: a rooted culture, relentless voices, and a community that went the distance together. The run may pause here, but what it built still stands. "Up The Hearts!"
The Portland Hearts of Pine return from their winter holiday break ready to build on the excitement of their inaugural season. As they welcome new players, adjust to fresh team dynamics, and face the challenges of starting the season with back-to-back away matches, the stakes rise further when the Hearts battle through an icy-cold U.S. Open Cup match, testing both their endurance and teamwork.