Shawn meets up with Jaime Bartlett, a founder of the 509 Syndicate, an educator, and a woman’s soccer connoisseur. Jaime talks to Shawn about the 509 Syndicate SG structure and the stresses and strains on supporting two clubs from one SG, and what the SG would do differently if starting over to better support two clubs. We get a summary of the Spokane Zephyr from year one, an overview of the USL Super League schedule and playoff structure. We also get a feel for a currently coachless Zephyr side that will be kicking off season 2 shortly. Both wish each other good luck for the remainder of the season….but not this weekend. 😉

The DU Post Match Pulse goes International, and talks with Dave Finlayson of Down the Pub Podcast (IG & YouTube - @downthepubpodcast) about the Hearts of Pine vs Halifax Wanderers FC "friendly" that took place on August 6th at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland, ME. The gents talk about the match, the players, the pitch, and the atmosphere on the night. They then go on to talk about the Canadian Football League (CPL), the history and construction of Wanderers Grounds Stadium, CPL clubs hurdles and heights, and perhaps what the future could look like considering the CPL and the USL.

In this DU Crossover episode, Shawn talks with one of the founders of USL League One podcasting, SG member of the Red Army, and one of the overall great characters of the USL League One landscape Elliot "Yogi" Barr. Yogi and Shawn share some perspective and history on USL League One refs, fields, tifos, and their respective SGs.The guys brief out the highs, lows, risks, and rewards of their clubs so far this year. Titus Washington's brace, the Hearts and the Kickers defensive issues, the Kickers winning drought, and a pivotal run of matches in front of Richmond Kickers that includes the match against Hearts of Pine on Saturday August 9th at 5pm est.Dirigo Union members, Red Army members, and soccer supporters of all walks of life will thoroughly enjoy this fun and informative podcast covering the run up to Hearts of Pine vs Richmond Kickers. You can catch all the action on ESPN+. Watch more of Yogi Barr on his podcasts @Rivercity93 and @Walkin90.

Welcome back to Coach’s Corner, presented by the Dirigo Union, live from $3 Dewey’s in Portland, Maine!In Episode 3, hosts Charles and Mitchell are joined by Hearts of Pine head coach Bobby Murphy and a very special guest — Mark Watson, Senior Football Strategy Advisor for Canadian Premier League side Halifax Wanderers and one of the most capped players in Canadian national team history, ahead of Portland's first-ever international friendly against Halifax at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Topics of discussion:Bobby and Mark’s history coaching together.The significance of this cross-border matchup.What makes a friendly competitive and meaningful?How both clubs are building culture, youth development, and future rivalry.

Mark’s experience playing in Europe and facing legends like Romário and Ronaldo (R9).A surprise trivia face-off — who knows their soccer history (and Maine puffins) best?We also discuss the state of lower-division soccer in North America, how pro/rel could shape the game, and what fans should expect from a midseason friendly with plenty on the line for fringe players and young talent.Don’t miss this special international edition ahead of Hearts of Pine vs. Halifax Wanderers at Fitzpatrick Stadium.Game Night: WednesdayLocation: Fitzpatrick Stadium, Portland, MEHearts of Pine vs. Halifax WanderersUp the Hearts. North Atlantic Derby incoming!

Coach’s Corner is back. Episode 2 was recorded live at $3 Dewey’s in Portland, Maine on July 15, and brought to you by the Dirigo Union, $3 Dewey’s, and your Portland Hearts of Pine.This time around, we sat down with Head Coach Bobby Murphy and veteran forward Jake Keegan for a deeper dive into tactics, team culture, and what lies ahead in League One play.What’s inside this episode:- How the team stayed locked in through a 3+ hour delay in Texoma- Bobby’s thoughts on purposeful possession, halftime talks, and tactical evolution- Jake’s take on pressing as a forward, squad chemistry, and life in Portland- How Footwork Academy is connecting Hearts of Pine to local youth- Preview of the massive home match vs Greenville — and how the team is preparing- Your favorite segment: From the Stands Q&A with live fan questions- Bonus Trivia Round!Question of the Week winner takes home a USL League One match ball signed by the Hearts of Pine squad — want to win next time? Attend the next Coach's Corner and get your question heard! Next Coach’s Corner is Tuesday, August 5 — same place, same time! (Dewey's at 6 PM)See you tonight at Fitzpatrick Stadium as the Hearts take on Greenville Triumph. Get loud. Be proud. Up the Hearts!

In this special DU Crossover episode, Sean sits down with Tim Vacek from The Scruffs, the passionate supporters group for One Knoxville SC, ahead of a highly anticipated two-game clash with the Portland Hearts of Pine.Get to know the backstory of The Scruffs, Knoxville’s community-first SG proudly representing the “Scruffy City.” Tim shares the origins of the name, how the group has grown since 2022, their deep involvement with youth soccer scholarships, block party matchdays in the Old City, and what makes their matchday march one of the most electric in USL League One.We also dive deep into both clubs' current form, their season summaries so far, and the challenges and triumphs each SG has faced on and off the pitch. Tim and Sean break down likely starting XIs, highlight key players (including fan-favorites like Campus, Stavros Zarokostas, and Titus Washington), and trade predictions for what promises to be a gritty, physical matchup under the Tennessee heat.Whether you're part of the Dirigo Union in Maine or a Scruff in Tennessee, this episode is packed with the community spirit, banter, and football insight that make USL special.August 2 – One Knoxville SC vs. Portland Hearts of PineWatch live on ESPN+

From the Forest to the Tide: The Yinzers Taste DefeatThe Hearts of Pine took down USL Championship side Pittsburgh Riverhounds in dramatic fashion — and we break it all down in this special episode of From the Forest to the Tide, recorded in Portland with special guest Phil Baki from The USL Show.We relive the Friday night magic at Fort Fitzy: from going down to 10 men in the 29th minute, to a gritty two-goal performance and an electric penalty shootout win. Phil shares his first impressions of Portland, the Hearts’ matchday experience, and why the Hearts are currently providing one the best soccer experiences in America.Watch now for insight, laughs, and maybe a few goosebumps. Up the Hearts.

From the Forest to the Tide – Episode 16: Seven Points in Seven DaysWe’re on the rooftop at Bayside Bowl as the Dirigo Union crew — Charles, Mitchell, Rob, and Sean — break down a massive week for Portland Hearts of Pine: seven points in seven days, including the club’s first-ever away win and a confident home performance at Fitzpatrick.In this episode:Titus Washington’s breakout braceKamali Green’s defensive riseOllie’s goal of the seasonMost improved players at the halfway markFavorite moments of the season (so far)A look ahead to Halifax, Richmond, and the playoff raceWhy Fitzpatrick deserves to host a playoff gameCoach’s Corner updates, new tifos, and chants in the worksThis one’s for the Hearts faithful.Subscribe for more episodes of From the Forest to the Tide and join the Dirigo Union community via Discord.Up The Hearts!

Podcast Episode Description – The Crossover: Episode 6

Welcome to The Crossover, brought to you by the Dirigo Union. In this episode, we preview Hearts of Pine’s upcoming away match against Charlotte Independence with special guest Luke from the Queen City Soccer Show and the Mecklenburg Reserves, Charlotte’s supporters group.

We dive deep into:

• The unique histories and supporter cultures of both clubs

• What makes Charlotte’s American Legion Memorial Stadium a special place to watch a match

• Charlotte’s surprising success despite major roster turnover

• How the Hearts are building something authentic and community-driven in year one

• Key players to watch, from Christian Chaney and Clay Dimick to Titus Washington, Musashi Wada, and Nathan Messer

• Predictions, tactics, youth development, promotion/relegation, and the future of lower-league soccer in the U.S.

This one’s packed with insight, perspective, and a lot of mutual respect between supporters who care deeply about growing the game at the grassroots level.

Catch the match this Saturday, July 19 at 7PM ET on ESPN+.

Follow our guest:

• @LevelUpLuke

• @QCS_Pod (Queen City Soccer Show)

• @MeckReserves (Supporters Group)

Support the Dirigo Union and the Hearts of Pine by subscribing and sharing this show.

UP THE HEARTS.

Mitchell, Sam, and Tabor review the incredible Portland Hearts of Pine 3-1 win over Greenville Triumph SC at Fort Fitzy on July 16, 2025. WHAT A DAY!!!