While the Portland Hearts of Pine’s second season in USL League One has been more of a struggle than in the club’s dramatic first year, several of the players have shined brightly.
Goalkeeper Hunter Morse received two honors this week from the league. Firstly, the 27-year-old netminder was named to the USL1 Team of the Week.
Portland’s two games in Week 25 resulted in a pair of 1-1 results with Morse playing a critical role in keeping them from becoming losses and getting a point from each match. Morse, who leads the league in saves for the season with 81, totaled 13 total saves across the two draws.
“Portland posted 3.26 expected goals less than its opponents in Week 25. It still managed to secure two points in 1-1 draws with One Knoxville SC and the Richmond Kickers, thanks to 13 total saves by Morse,” the USL1 website stated in its news release.
Secondly, the league also chose Morse and three other goalkeepers for another weekly award: Save of the Week.
“Morse’s stellar play earned Portland a point at Knoxville, thanks to the 27-year-old’s seven saves, including a flashy one-handed denial on a One Knox shot,” the league stated.
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Additionally, winger Ollie Wright continues to lead the league in assists with seven. He is tied with two other players.
Wright has become a true playmaker for the Hearts, chipping in with five goals, the third most for Portland. This comes after an 11-goal, 8-assist campaign in 2025 for Wright.
A final honor went to rookie Tyler Huck, who was chosen as one of the USL Rising Stars for Week 25 as part of his effort against One Knoxville FC.
Huck, a Bowdoin College graduate who joined the Hearts this spring, notched the first assist of his Portland career. He also completed 17 of 22 passes.
“Hearts of Pine goalkeeper Hunter Morse stole the show last Wednesday night, but the play of Tyler Huck helped the side earn a point on the road against defending League One titleholder One Knoxville SC,” the league stated. “Having made starts in each of the club’s past two outings, Huck will be aiming to find a groove that can help push Portland back toward the playoff line.”