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.