Portland, Maine has been awarded a USL League 1 franchise! The group who is led by Gabe Hoffman-Johnson and NESN sports broadcaster Tom Caron are the 2 main figure heads of the ownership group. That group has been called USL to Portland. The team will play at Fitzpatrick Stadium which is right next to Hadlock Field home to the Portland Sea Dogs, AA baseball team of the Boston Red Sox. The Portland Expo home of the Maine Celtics which is the NBA G League team of the Boston Celtics is also located next to Hadlock and Fitzpatrick Stadium.
Hoffman-Johnson a Maine native played professionally in the USL Championship has been working on this project for the last 5 years and now sees his dream come to a reality. Maine Governor Janet Mills was extremely enthused and plans to catch some games once the team begins play in 2025.
The final go for the franchise will happen soon once the proposal is brought in front of city council members. Upgrades and renovations are planned for Fitzpatrick Stadium. Press Box, and locker room improvements are targeted for the 6,000 seat stadium. The all weather track which surrounds the field is likely to stay as Fitzpatrick hosts major track meets at the high school level in Maine.
It's a great day to be a Mainer and a soccer fan. USL to Portland will get the job done in my humble opinion. Portland is a city of 3 pro teams already with hockey, basketball, baseball and soon to be soccer lifting Portland to New heights as one of the most underrated cities in the US. Stand up 207....You deserve it!
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