Portland Hearts of Pine stun USL Championship side Hartford Athletic to advance to the third round of the U.S. Open Cup

In a thrilling match that went the distance, Portland Hearts of Pine defeated Hartford Athletic 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time. The USL League One side overcame adversity, including a red card to Azaad Liadi in the 95th minute, to secure their place in the next round of the U.S. Open Cup. Hearts of Pine's success story is part of a broader trend in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, where lower-division and amateur clubs are making waves against professional opposition. That includes amateur side El Farolito, Virginia Dream FC, and Little Rock Rangers who’ve beaten professional sides to make it into the third round.

Portland Hearts of Pine secured a dramatic victory over Hartford Athletic in the U.S. Open Cup second round, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time. Hartford took the lead in the 107th minute through Jordan Jeff Chad-Ray Scarlett. Despite being down to 10 men after Azaad Liadi's red card in the 96th minute, Hearts of Pine equalized with a stunning chip from Jake Keegan in the 120th minute. Goalkeeper Hunter Morse then became the hero in the shootout, saving two penalties to secure the upset win for the USL League One side against their USL Championship opponents.

Following their penalty win over Hartford Athletic, Hearts of Pine return to league football next as they face Spokane Velocity on April 5 next on the road. After that, they play another away game against South Georgia Tormenta FC on April 12 in an attempt to climb back up the table. The Hearts of Pine sit 12th on the league table, having earned one point from their only league game of the season so far.