Rob and Shawn are back to comment on the re-signing of Walter Varela and the signing of young Zion Scarlett. Will the use of Walter Varela change this year with Jaden Jones-Riley back to health and in the Hearts starting lineup? Zion Scarlett a 21 year old, pacy, 6’ 3” Swiss Army knife of a player has been signed to the Hearts of Pine from MLS Next Pro’s Carolina Core. With experience at Right Wing, Left Wing, Wing Back, and a wee bit at Striker, Head Coach Bobby Murphy has plenty of options to use his new player in relief. Rob and Shawn touch up on the two matches that were announced ahead of the full 2026 schedule being released. Portland will travel to Hinchliffe Stadium in Patterson, New Jersey on March 14th to take on the New York Cosmos. The history, the love to hate the Cosmos, and the possible unprecedented Dirigo Union support at Hinchliffe Stadium to take in the match is discussed. On April 11th Hearts of Pine will open up Fitzpatrick Stadium to the double winners of 2026 and defending USL League One Champions One Knoxville. The old Jägermeister Cup match is now called the USL Cup, as Jägermeister is not returning to sponsor the 2026 effort. The group stage is back much to the guys disappointment. Shawn talk’s about the Hearts of Pine’s appearance on Good Morning America and what it looked like behind the scenes at Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport. The guys round out the podcast with save the dates for upcoming events in January. - Dirigo Union town hall at Bunker Brewing in Portland on January 17th. - Premier League watch party at The June Cork Pub in Dover, NH on January 24th.

Shawn, Rob, and Chaz react to Portland Hearts of Pine’s newest center back, Brecc Evans. One of the best—if not the best—left center backs in the league is coming to Portland. What does that mean for co–Rookie of the Year and fellow left center back Kemali Green? The guys dive into what Evans brings to the table and what Green can learn from him.How does the signing of Brecc Evans shape Head Coach Bobby Murphy’s approach to building out his center backs? We share theories and strategies, and take a few shots at possible signings—both local and international—for the Hearts of Pine’s back line.With two wing backs already on the roster, the crew also floats a few new names, along with one familiar face, to provide depth behind Nathan Messer and Jaden Jones-Riley.Before wrapping up, we throw out a few more names to potentially accompany the Hearts of Pine’s lone striker and co–Rookie of the Year, Titus Washington.Are some of these players on Head Coach Bobby Murphy’s shopping list for 2026? Take a listen, form your opinion, and drop your own player suggestions in the comments.Dirigo Union’s podcast series is a proud member of The Blazing Musket family.

Charles, Shawn, Sam, and Rob discuss the Hearts of Pine Roster update - which players have had their contracts renewed and those that are currently out of contract. It's our longest podcast yet, so kick back and relax. Oh and get ready to buckle up - season 2 is going to be a doozy! UTFH

Charles, Chaz, and Shawn speculate on which Hearts players will stay and which will go following the inaugural season. We'd like to see them all stay but we probably won't be so lucky. Join us for our first post season content.

Charles, Shawn, Sam and Rob sit down to discuss the USL League 1 Semifinal against Spokane Velocity, where Hearts of Pine's inaugural season has come to an end.

The Hearts are headed to the Semifinal in Spokane on Sunday November 9th at 9PM ET

On this absolute monster of a Post Match Pulse, Shawn Fecteau and Rob McLaughlin summarize the AV Alta match that resulted in a draw at Fitzpatrick Stadium, ending AV Alta's season in Maine. Shawn and Rob talk about the rash of free kick goals that have been conceded by the Hearts, and Shawn discusses his understanding of Law 13 in regards to defensive tactics against free kicks. Referee inconsistencies, which is the norm in USL League One, gets the goat of our space efficienatio Masashi Wada in the second half. Getting a yellow card for arguing. This would combine with a second yellow card just a few minutes later that would see Masashi sent off for the first time this year. Shawn talks about his understanding of the USL League One rules in terms of yellow card accumulation and red card suspensions rolling into the playoffs. The Hearts will be without its maestro midfielder Masashi Wada for the Quarter Finals of USL League One Playoffs. The boys then reflect on the regular season record, player stats, and of course Shawn and Rob's own personal high point memories of the season.Shawn's preseason table prediction is laid bare for all to see, and Rob and Shawn have some fun breaking down the wins and losses of Shawn's mid-march crystal ball. Shawn and Rob talk about the Hearts of Pine's first ever playoff match that'll be played this Saturday night in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Shawn unveils his Wada-less starting 11 for the Hearts along with some possible lineup tweaks and tactics that Head Coach Bobby Murphy may decide to act upon this weekend. Shawn and Rob warn us of a cagey defensive first half, with hopes of getting on the score sheet in the second half. Rob and Shawn issue their scoreline prediction, and mention the different venues around the area that you could take in a Hearts of Pine playoff match at. The Portland Zoo, The June Cork Pub, Bissell Brothers Brewery, Allagash Brewing, The Gem Theater are just a few possibilities for Hearts fans to gather and watch the match in like company. An end of season Dirigo Union bash will be near the end of November at The Cellars at Allagash Brewing. Rob and Shawn are hush on their costume collaboration. You can watch the Hearts of Pine Playoff match on ESPN+ this Saturday, November 1st at 7pm EDT. Up The Hearts!

Shawn, Sam, John, and Rob reflect on the record breaking night at Fitzpatrick Stadium when the 7th place Hearts of Pine hosted the 3rd place Spokane Velocity.In what could possibly be a playoff preview in the first round of the 2025 playoffs, the Hearts of Pine battered the Spokane Velocity 6-1.Sam and John discuss the feeling in the stadium, as Rob and Shawn talk about their experience from the couch and watching it on TV. Will 6,300 to 6,400 attendance be the norm in the future for the Hearts of Pine at Fitzpatrick Stadium?Shawn talks about the JayTee/Natty James combination, and how Natty James really needed a match like this one to feel like he can come off the bench and provide for his team. John and Sam debate on if Nathan Messer's goal was a cross or a shot, and Rob talks about Titus's goal and what that does for his confidence going into the playoffs. A brace from Natty James, and goals from Ollie Wright, Nathan Messer, Titus Washington, and JayTee Kamara smothered the Velocity in what some may view as a "get right game" before the playoffs.

The Hearts are in the playoffs after a 2-2 draw vs Westchester at home!

PMP from the boys in blue in green discussing the last 3 Hearts of Pine results - A 1-nil win against Texoma, followed up by back to back losses (our first) against Omaha- away and Madison at home.

Not our week but there is a play-off place to cement, and the possibility of hosting a play-off game remains.

Up the Hearts!