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 may have a connection to the Hearts; others will just be information readers should know.
So let’s take a look:
The Charlotte Independence reclaimed first place in USL1 by shutting out the New York Cosmos. Charlotte (19-5-6) now has a two-point advantage over second-place Union Omaha, which suffered its first loss at home this season after falling 1-0 to Fort Wayne FC.
The USL1 reports stated: The Charlotte Independence took the lead in the Players’ Shield race with a 3-0 win over the New York Cosmos with first-half goals from Christopher Jaime, Joey Skinner and Souaibou Marou at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews.
The Hearts, who have been eliminated from playoff contention, have a chance to play spoiler to Charlotte’s bid for first place as they host the Independence on Oct. 24 in the final match of the season.Union Omaha, which lost a league match for the first time since Aug. 27, has locked up at least second place. It heads on the road for its final two matches, first against Westchester SC and then against Forward Madison FC to close out the regular season.
After going a perfect 5-0-0 for September, the club’s coach, Vincenzo Candela, was chosen as the USL1 Coach of the Month.
“This is a recognition that goes to the entire staff and players for their commitment every single day to get better as a team,” Candela said.
Fort Wayne’s victory over Union Omaha puts it in the driver’s seat for clinching the final spot in the postseason. With two games remaining, Fort Wayne has a five-point lead over ninth-place FC Naples, which has been coming on strongly with four straight victories.
In its weekly Power Rankings, USL1 kept Portland in 14th place for another week.
“Hearts of Pine just can’t close out games this season. AC Boise’s winner was the 17th goal Portland had conceded in the final 15 minutes and stoppage time, the most in League One this season,” according to the league report.Sporting Cascades FC is joining the USL1 next season and signed its first player, left back Jonathan Robinson.
“The club described Robinson as a ‘pacy defender who enjoys creating chances,’ citing his six goals and five assists across 50 appearances with Kansas City II and Auckland FC,” according to a League One Updater report.
(Editor’s note: This is a briefer report than normal as The Hearts’ Beat headed to London this past weekend for an American football game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and is now traveling back to the U.S.)
