Hearts of Pine midfielder Mikey Lopez announces retirement

Portland’s Mikey Lopez Announces Retirement After Season Finale

Portland, Ore. — Portland’s 14‑year‑old midfielder and long‑time captain, Mikey Lopez, confirmed on Monday that he will retire from professional soccer after the club’s season‑ending match against Charlotte Independence on Saturday.

In an Instagram video posted to his personal account, Lopez said, “I think Saturday will close the circle on my career. Being able to play in front of my family, a sold‑out crowd at Fitzpatrick Stadium and playing for Bobby Murphy one last time I think is the perfect way to end my career.” The 33‑year‑old, who has worn the Hearts of Pine jersey for 47 games over two seasons, will have a final outing as the team hosts Charlotte Independence at 5 p.m. on Saturday at the home field.

Lopez’s career with the club has been defined by resilience. After a season‑long injury in 2024, he returned in 2025 to earn USL League One’s Comeback Player of the Year award. He has played 16 games this season, starting eight of them, and has been a key leader as the Hearts of Pine battle for playoff spots. The club sits at 7‑14‑10 on the table and has not qualified for postseason play this year, though they reached the semifinals in their inaugural League One campaign.

“Playing for Bobby Murphy was a special part of my journey,” Lopez added. “I grew up at his Texas development academy from eighth grade through high school, then went on to play for UNC, was drafted by Sporting Kansas City in the first round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, spent three seasons in Kansas City, two with New York City FC, and then seven in the USL Championship, six of those with Birmingham where I was the franchise’s first captain.”

Now back in Oregon, Lopez’s story comes full circle. The Hearts of Pine will host Charlotte Independence on Saturday, and fans can expect a sold‑out Fitzpatrick Stadium as Lopez takes the field one last time for the club that has become his home.