There are so many interesting stories when it comes to the Portland Hearts of Pine. But it’s important to remember that there are 16 other clubs in USL League One, each with its own narrative that helps explain how the season has gone.
Every Tuesday, The Hearts’ Beat will pull together a roundup of the most intriguing stories from around the league. Some have a connection to the Hearts; others are just information readers should know.
So let’s take a look!
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Politics can be frustrating, but as this story shows, voting can be good for your health!The first weekend of the USL1 playoffs is complete and four teams – Charlotte, Chattanooga, Athletic Club Boise, and Forward Madison – have advanced.
From USL1: While the top seed won three of four quarterfinal matches, Chattanooga pulled out an all-time upset against Union Omaha, the second-place finisher in League One. The Red Wolves scored in the first minute of play to immediately put the Owls on the ropes, but the hosts later equalized. The sides sat deadlocked after extra time, then Chattanooga prevailed in a dramatic penalty kick shootout.Three of the four teams chosen by The Hearts’ Beat in our playoff predictions advanced to the semifinals. This weekend will go a long way in determining whether it’s an overall success as Madison, our predicted champion, heads to play top seed Charlotte.
The Richmond Kickers announced that interim coach Brian Ownby will take over the job permanently. He’s the ninth coach in club history. Richmond finished at the bottom of the table in 2026.
“For me, I want to bring back an enjoyable product out there on the field,” Ownby said. “Something that matches what the fans believe in, what I believe in, what ownership believes in and the way I played the game. That’s the way I want to lead this group.”The Omaha City Council voted to approve the redevelopment agreement and stadium lease for Union Omaha’s new $140 million downtown stadium.
“This is a big win for Omaha,” said Mayor John Ewing Jr. “We are taking largely unused land and turning it into a destination that will bring new jobs, housing, entertainment, and economic activity to our city. By using proven economic development tools and partnering with private investors, we are making a major investment in Omaha’s future while creating a valuable public asset that the City will own. This is smart economic development, and it’s another example of Omaha moving forward.”Groundbreaking is targeted for late 2026, with the stadium expected to open in 2028; until then, the Owls will keep playing at Creighton University’s Morrison Stadium.
It’s a path Hearts fans may watch closely as the club pursues its own stadium plans at Cassidy Point.