Portland Hearts of Pine pro soccer team names coach with major league experience
Photo / Courtesy, Portland Hearts of Pine
Bobby Murphy will serve as the first head coach of Portland Hearts of Pine, the men's pro soccer team debuting next March.
Maine's new pro soccer team, Portland Hearts of Pine, has kicked off its recruiting by hiring a coach with major league experience.
Bobby Murphy, who has an extensive background in coaching and player development, will serve as head coach and sporting director of the men's soccer squad. It will debut in USL League One next March at Portland’s Fitzpatrick Stadium.
The appointment comes just ahead of Dec. 7 tryouts for Maine players and open tryouts the following weekend for all eligible players.
In his new role, Murphy will be responsible for evaluating national and local talent, building the first roster, and creating a club with strong ties to the community.
“My mission is to build an expansion club and culture that values winning equally on and off the field,” he said. “We have an incredible opportunity to not only build a competitive team right here in Portland, but also create something meaningful that reflects the diverse communities of Maine.”
Murphy joins Hearts of Pine after guiding St. Louis City2, the NEXT Pro affiliate of Major League Soccer's St. Louis City SC, to the semifinals last season. His career also includes roles ranging from a youth academy director to interim head coach of Orlando City SC in the MLS, where he coached the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner and Brazilian soccer star Kaká.
Murphy played and coached in New England early in his career, and lived briefly in Maine while he was the men’s soccer coach at the University of Southern Maine.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University and was a member of the men’s soccer team there. He also has a master’s degree in education from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, where he was an assistant coach of the men’s soccer team.
“Bobby’s passion for developing and mentoring players, paired with his strong desire to win and exceptional leadership style, make him the perfect head coach to build our team from the ground up," said Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, Hearts of Pine founder and recent honoree among the Mainebiz 40 Under 40 list.
"We are building something special here in Maine, and Bobby will help us create a team that not only competes at a high level but also embodies leading with your heart.”
Kevin Schohl, president of Hearts of Pine, said, “From day one, Portland Hearts of Pine has set out to be the best club in the League. From our record-breaking success with tickets and merchandise sales, to the incredible momentum we are building in the community, we know that Maine is ready for professional soccer, and Bobby is the right coach to lead us.”
On Thursday, the team is scheduled to show off its inaugural season jersey at a reveal party in Portland. Hearts of Pine unveiled its name, crest and colors in April.
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