Hearts of Pine Sign Veteran Attacker

Lagos Kunga joins Portland club after leading Union Omaha to 2024 USL League One title.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:07pm

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The Portland Hearts of Pine have signed 27-year-old winger Lagos Kunga, who was a key player for Union Omaha's 2024 USL League One championship team, scoring 10 goals including two in the playoffs. Kunga, who has played in the USL Championship and other leagues since 2017, missed the 2025 season due to an ACL injury.

Why it matters

Kunga's signing bolsters the Hearts of Pine's attacking options as they look to build on a promising 2025 season and challenge for a playoff spot in the USL Championship. His experience and goal-scoring ability could provide a significant boost to the team's offense.

The details

Lagos Kunga, a winger born in Angola and raised in the Atlanta area, played five matches for the United States U-20 team. He was a key component of Union Omaha's 2024 USL League One championship team, scoring 10 goals that season, including two in the playoffs, and leading the league in successful dribbles. An ACL injury kept him off the pitch for all of 2025, but he now joins the Portland Hearts of Pine, where he will look to regain his form and help the club compete in the USL Championship.

  • Kunga played in the USL Championship level for four franchises from 2017-20.
  • He moved between several teams and leagues from 2021-23.
  • Kunga led Union Omaha to the 2024 USL League One championship.
  • An ACL injury kept him off the pitch for all of 2025.
  • Kunga has now signed with the Portland Hearts of Pine for the 2026 season.

The players

Lagos Kunga

A 27-year-old winger born in Angola who grew up in the Atlanta area and played five matches for the United States U-20 team.

Portland Hearts of Pine

A professional soccer club based in Portland, Maine that plays in the USL Championship.

Union Omaha

A professional soccer team that plays in the USL League One and won the 2024 championship.

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The takeaway

Kunga's signing with the Hearts of Pine represents an opportunity for the veteran attacker to regain his form and contribute to a team looking to make a playoff push in the USL Championship. His goal-scoring ability and experience could be a valuable asset as the club aims to build on its recent successes.