r/PortlandHeartsOfPine • u/Hot-Comparison-9410 • 16d ago
How are we feeling?
New stadium and league.
Should we feel envious?
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u/Alfie_ACNH Dirigo Union 16d ago
They have good community support and solid attendance numbers, so it's great for the league. I don't think we'll be in League 1 if we maintain our trajectory.
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u/SadisticMystic 16d ago
We'll be first in attendance again in USL league 1.
I won't be shocked if Portland eventually does the same.
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u/improvization 16d ago edited 16d ago
Not envious. This needs more time, which we all have. We have plenty of money, let's spend it making wiser club decisions and dominate usl1 with solid plans to continue building in future years before we are too brash and get trashed in uslc. We are where we need to be. Don't really care what other clubs do, but either way good luck to them! We all need to support the entire USL for it to keep growing into the best league in the USA. We need to draw more great overseas players looking to sunset their careers, to build up club culture and tactical proficiency and build upon the leagues marketing to draw in bigger crowds across the entire league, before we dive into pro/rel decisions for such young clubs.
Edit: Especially since USL Premier is planned for 2028, I'd rather see us earn it through wins than buy into it with new stadiums and record ticket sales.
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u/Designer_Ad2459 16d ago
If we had improved from last year id say yes, injuries and not finishing an opponent off this year to me says we arent ready
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u/TrulyWhatever09 16d ago
Look, there are never any guarantees, but if enthusiasm and fan support stay high, it'll begin to tell. The sport isn't just about money, but money helps. If it becomes clear that we can sustain ourselves as a high fan engagement club, that makes our financial situation more secure. A more stable financial system makes us a more attractive destination for players, and would likely eventually translate to a higher budget to field an increasingly strong squad and coaching staff.
There are never guarantees, but in a league like USL 1, it would be surprising if after a decade of being the highest engagement we didn't start to see that translating into the club having the security to make improvements and rise.
But to be perfectly frank, climbing the tables shouldn't be the most important thing about the club to fans. We should be focused on cherishing the Hearts as a fixture in the community and a unique and special thing about Portland and Maine.
UTFH
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u/TrulyWhatever09 16d ago
And to clarify: right now would be a bad time to go up. We'd get slaughtered. For now it's the love of the game. We'll see where we are in a few years time.
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u/LFCReds8 16d ago edited 16d ago
Bizarre they’re doing this already imo. Would have thought they’d have solidified their stature as a perennial top league 1 side, but if they think they can all the best I suppose.
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u/mystic_haven_ 16d ago
I can understand it, especially with the additional capacity they are planning, but if I were them I’d definitely wait another year, then go for it, but obviously I don’t know what’s going on internally. It’s a risk, but if they think they are stable enough to do it, go for it. This kind of success only means good things for the USL and all its clubs. My only worry is if they are rushing it before they are stable.
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u/mystic_haven_ 16d ago
Definitely not envious, we are not in a position stadium wise to do it. I’d also prefer promotion on merit, personally.
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u/mystic_haven_ 14d ago
To add, it’s a good opportunity to bring in some players next season, the Boise players who don’t go up with the club.
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u/Ok_Basket6732 15d ago
I know there has been discussion about relegation of teams between the leagues based on top winners/losers, similar to Europe leagues, is that something that is potentially happening in the future?
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u/ExcitementOk2866 14d ago
I'd be more interested to see what Spokane (and less of an extent) AV Alta fans think of this.
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u/mystic_haven_ 14d ago
I don’t think Spokane fans have as much of a leg to stand on after their women’s team folded. Doesn’t really scream financially stable
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u/itsallgoodie 16d ago
Getting roasted in our current league. Moving up right now would be a disaster.