Hearts of Pine score in extra time to beat AV Alta

Portland Hearts of Pine edge AV Alta 1‑0 in rainy sell‑out

The Portland Hearts of Pine lifted their season’s fortunes with a 1‑0 win over AV Alta FC Sunday night at Fitzpatrick Stadium, drawing a full‑house crowd despite the drizzle. A late added‑time header from center‑back Serigne Mbacke Faye gave the team a decisive victory, their first shutout since the opening game against One Knoxville on April 11.

The goal, struck from a corner‑kick delivery in the 95th minute, was the only scoring play in a match that saw the Hearts dominate possession and shots. Hearts registered 19 shots to AV Alta’s seven, and the defenders, led by Faye, were unflappable. Keeper Hunter Morse made a crucial block on a lone AV Alta attempt in the 12th minute, setting the tone for an impenetrable defense that held firm through the final 80 minutes.

“I'm happy. But it’s not only for me, it’s for the team. And for the fans who help support the team every game. This win is for us. For the city,” Faye said after the match. He added that the late goal capped a performance that felt “like us” from the opening whistle, echoing the team’s hard‑pressed style from their near‑miss USL League One final run in 2025.

Head coach Bobby Murphy praised the squad’s intensity. “It felt like us from the start. That’s the way we want to play. We want to smother people, get in people’s faces, and make it hard. Tonight felt like that,” he said, highlighting the pressing work of striker Aboubacar Camara and midfielders Diego Gonzalez and Matteo Kidd. The tactical approach saw right‑back Mo Mohamed and wing‑midfielder Jay Tee Kamara making incisive runs into space, creating chances and keeping the opposition on their toes.

With the win, Portland’s record improved to 7‑11‑8, leaving six games