Hearts of Pine newcomer ready to fortify the defense

Brecc Evans joins Maine's men's professional soccer team after an all-USL League One season with FC Naples.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:55pm

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Brecc Evans, a 26-year-old center back, has signed with the Portland Hearts of Pine, the city's men's professional soccer team. Evans, who was named a second-team all-USL League One player last season with FC Naples, brings seven years of professional experience and a 6-foot-4 frame to bolster the Hearts of Pine defense. The team is looking to improve on its inaugural season, when it averaged a league-record 5,808 fans per game at Fitzpatrick Stadium.

Why it matters

The Hearts of Pine had one of the best home crowds in USL League One during their inaugural season, and the addition of the experienced and talented Evans should help the team improve its defensive performance and make a push for a trophy this year.

The details

Evans, a native of California, began his professional career with the now-defunct North Texas SC as a 19-year-old team captain. He has also played for Memphis 901 in the USL Championship and the Northern Colorado Hailstorm in USL League One. Hearts of Pine coach Bobby Murphy believes Evans will be an "instant upgrade" for the team's defense, which gave up too many goals last season.

  • Evans officially began his tenure with the Hearts of Pine on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
  • The Hearts of Pine will play at USL League Two title-holder Vermont Green FC in the first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on March 17, 2026.

The players

Brecc Evans

A 26-year-old center back who has signed with the Portland Hearts of Pine after an all-USL League One season with FC Naples. He brings seven years of professional experience and a 6-foot-4 frame to bolster the Hearts of Pine defense.

Bobby Murphy

The head coach of the Portland Hearts of Pine, who believes Evans will be an "instant upgrade" for the team's defense.

Titus Washington

A forward for the Portland Hearts of Pine.

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What they’re saying

“When we go away and travel, a lot of the stadiums are not anywhere close to being filled up. Being in this league for awhile, it's special to have a crowd like that.”

— Brecc Evans

“Having a naturally left-footed center back is huge, and he was all-league. I thought we gave away too many chances, too many goals last year, so he's an instant upgrade for us.”

— Bobby Murphy, Portland Hearts of Pine head coach

“Everything that is going on here in Portland, Maine, in my opinion, is something I want to be a part of, and I think we have a really good opportunity to win a trophy. That is my goal, and having conversations with Bobby Murphy, we're on the same page here.”

— Brecc Evans

What’s next

The Hearts of Pine will play at USL League Two title-holder Vermont Green FC in the first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on March 17, 2026. The game will air on CBS Sports Network.

The takeaway

The addition of experienced center back Brecc Evans should help the Portland Hearts of Pine improve their defensive performance and make a push for a trophy in their second season, building on the team's strong inaugural season that saw them average a league-record 5,808 fans per game at Fitzpatrick Stadium.