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Poll results

Maine's newest pro sports team now has a name.

The men's soccer squad, which will debut next year in USL League One, on Saturday unveiled the team's identity: the Portland Hearts of Pine.

The Hearts name draws upon global soccer traditions, shared by clubs such as Heart of Midlothian F.C. in Scotland and Accra Hearts of Oak S.C. in Ghana.

However, some Mainers have criticized the name, saying it sounds awkward or misleading.

Brian Corcoran, founder and chief engagement officer of Shamrock Sports & Entertainment in Portland, said he's generally a fan of the Hearts brand but that it is "a bit busy."

Love it or hate it, the brand has already found its way onto team merchandise, including T-shirts that sell for $25.

How do you feel about the name of Maine's new pro soccer team, the Portland Hearts of Pine?
Love the name! (72%, 874 VOTES)
Like the name. (5%, 66 VOTES)
Lukewarm about it. (8%, 99 VOTES)
Less than happy about it. (7%, 88 VOTES)
Loathe the name! (8%, 92 VOTES)
Poll Description

Maine's newest pro sports team now has a name.

The men's soccer squad, which will debut next year in USL League One, on Saturday unveiled the team's identity: the Portland Hearts of Pine.

The Hearts name draws upon global soccer traditions, shared by clubs such as Heart of Midlothian F.C. in Scotland and Accra Hearts of Oak S.C. in Ghana.

However, some Mainers have criticized the name, saying it sounds awkward or misleading.

Brian Corcoran, founder and chief engagement officer of Shamrock Sports & Entertainment in Portland, said he's generally a fan of the Hearts brand but that it is "a bit busy."

Love it or hate it, the brand has already found its way onto team merchandise, including T-shirts that sell for $25.

  • 1219 Votes
  • 5 Comments

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5 Comments

  • Annie Wadleigh
    May 1, 2024

    It's "Hearts" for short. Part of the idea for the name and brand was as a symbol of Mainer's resilience. The branding also makes reference to Kevin Fahrman, the “Valentine’s Day Bandit,” who spent decades putting hearts up around Portland every Feb. 14 before he died last April. It's a nice touch and speaks to the compassionate community spirit of Mainers.

  • Lauren Manera
    April 30, 2024

    Maybe if someone came up with a nickname immediately, it could help us forget this name. If you have to explain the name, it doesn't work.

  • Dora Anne Mills
    April 29, 2024

    I love the name and logo! They're unique and they're Maine. I'm sure when people first heard the name "Sea Dogs" they scratched their heads; yet now it's a beloved household name. The same will be for the Hearts of Pine!

  • April 29, 2024

    Can't wait to see the poll about the winter carnival logo...

  • April 29, 2024

    Love it. Up the Hearts! ❤️