Monument Square turned into the center of Maine’s soccer scene Friday as more than 1,000 fans packed downtown Portland for a free outdoor watch party hosted by the Portland Hearts of Pine, Maine’s new professional soccer club.
The June 19 event was part of the club’s “Maine Soccer Summer” series and brought together fans for a doubleheader soccer celebration in the heart of the city.
The afternoon began with a World Cup watch party as fans gathered at 3 p.m. to watch the United States Men’s National Team defeat Australia 2-0 in its second group-stage match. The large crowd filled the square, creating a festive atmosphere rarely seen in downtown Portland for a soccer event.
After the U.S. victory, many fans stayed into the evening to watch the Hearts of Pine play a road match against Westchester SC. Portland ultimately fell 5-1, but the result did little to dampen the energy of the day-long event.
The block party featured food trucks, a beer garden, an exclusive merchandise tent, and live entertainment from The Valentine Band. The event drew families, local soccer supporters, and curious passersby into Monument Square for what became one of the most visible public celebrations yet for Maine’s new professional soccer team.
The Portland Hearts of Pine have been working to build a statewide fan base as the club introduces professional soccer to Maine. Friday’s turnout suggested there is already strong interest, with fans turning out not only for the national team, but also to support the local club during its inaugural season.
who came up with “hearts of pine”?