The women’s game grows in Maineuslw maine kicks off May 2027
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part of the vision from day one.
portland hearts of pine is building a women's team to compete in the usl w league
We built this to be a soccer club for all of Maine, and we meant it. From the very beginning, the vision was bigger than a single team. We set out to build a club that could belong to an entire state, creating more ways for people to participate, more pathways for players to grow, and more opportunities for communities to come together around the game.
A women's team has been part of that vision since day one.
Over the past few months, we’ve explored bringing that vision to life alongside countless community members. At town halls, focus groups, community gatherings, virtual discussions, and hundreds of one-on-one conversations, Mainers have helped shape what this team could become. The mission. The culture. The partnerships we build. The community we champion. The way we play. All of it. A team for Maine, built by Maine. What we heard was clear: Maine is ready.
Ready for greater visibility and opportunity for women and girls in sport. Ready for a women’s team that reflects the talent, ambition, and spirit that already exists across this state.
Now, we're proud to make it official. Portland Hearts of Pine has secured the rights to a USL W League franchise, set to begin play in 2027.
What is the USL W league?
The USL W League is a pre-professional women’s soccer league designed to help bridge the gap between youth, college, and the professional game. It gives high-level players meaningful competition during the summer while allowing college-eligible athletes to maintain NCAA eligibility.
The league features regional play, a short summer season, and a national platform focused on development, exposure, and community connection.
uslw Maine FAQs
When is the Inaugural season?
The team is set to begin play in May 2027, with the USL W League season running from May through July. Designed around the college calendar, the W League allows college-eligible players to compete in a high-level summer environment while maintaining NCAA eligibility. The regular season includes 5–6 home matches and the same number of away matches.
Where will the team play?
The USLW Maine team plans to play its home matches at Fitzpatrick Stadium, pending Portland City Council approval of an amendment to the club’s lease agreement.
What teams will uslw maine play against?
The full 2027 USL W League schedule and divisional alignment will be announced at a later date by the league. The league is organized around regional play, and fans expect the team to compete primarily against other clubs in the Northeast region during the May–July season.
The current Northeast Division includes AC Connecticut, Hartford Athletic, Hudson Valley Crusaders, New England Mutiny, and Vermont Green FC, though the final 2027 opponents will depend on league alignment for that season.
What does pre-professional mean?
The USL W League is a pre-professional league designed primarily for emerging talent and elite collegiate players and who are continuing to develop toward the professional game.
The goal for USLW Maine is the same goal that’s guided Hearts of Pine at every step: to set a new benchmark for American soccer at this level. This means investing in the player experience and removing barriers wherever we can through high-level coaching, sports performance support, housing, travel, exposure and scouting visibility, community partnerships, internships, leadership opportunities, and mentorship. All while connecting players to one of the passionate communities of supporters in North America.
What can fans Expect for the matchday experience?
Our plan is to show up on matchday with the same energy and care that fans have come to expect from Hearts of Pine: a street festival environment, local partnerships and vendors, community connection, and a welcoming atmosphere for all. USLW Maine will be another example of Maine soccer at its very best.
“When a little girl can go to Portland and see her favorite player play, she’s gonna realize that she could also do that. and the significance of that can become astronomical. I know in my own life and career that has been the biggest motivating factor.”
— Sam Coffey, USWNT & Manchester City player, Olympic Gold Medalist
season ticket deposits open june 11
Guarantee your spot for USLW Maine’s Inaugural Season! Mark your calendar to put down your $25 deposit starting Thursday, June 11 at 12PM ET.