Hearts of Pine juggle roster ahead of Sunday's home match

Portland is also working to move forward after a season-ending injury to Masashi Wada, one of the team's top players on and off field.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:06pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented soccer scene with overlapping shapes and planes in shades of blue, green, and red, conveying the disruption and challenges facing the Portland Hearts of Pine.The Hearts of Pine face roster changes and the loss of a key player as they prepare for a crucial home match against FC Naples.Portland Today

The Portland Hearts of Pine made two significant roster moves this week, releasing Adam Armour and signing Josh Drack, in an effort to solidify their left back position ahead of their upcoming home match against FC Naples. The team is also dealing with the loss of attacking midfielder Masashi Wada, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the home opener.

Why it matters

The Hearts of Pine are looking to bounce back from a scoreless start to the season and solidify their backline, while also adjusting to the absence of one of their top players. The match against FC Naples, another second-year USL1 franchise, will be an important early-season test for both teams.

The details

The Hearts of Pine released Adam Armour, who had been splitting time at left back, and signed Josh Drack, a 26-year-old who made 21 starts for Westchester SC in USL1 last season. Coach Bobby Murphy said Drack is a better fit for what the team is looking for at that position. The team is also dealing with the loss of Masashi Wada, who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the home opener. Wada had surgery on Sunday, and his teammates are adjusting to his absence both on and off the field.

  • On April 11, Mo Mohamed made the start at left back in the Hearts of Pine's 0-0 tie against One Knoxville, before being replaced by Zion Scarlett.
  • This week, the Hearts of Pine released Adam Armour and signed Josh Drack.
  • Masashi Wada suffered his season-ending ankle injury in the Hearts of Pine's home opener on Saturday.

The players

Bobby Murphy

The head coach of the Portland Hearts of Pine.

Adam Armour

A former MLS player who was on a month-to-month contract with the Hearts of Pine and played in the team's first four games at left back.

Josh Drack

A 26-year-old who made 21 starts for Westchester SC in USL1 in 2025 and was signed by the Hearts of Pine this week.

Masashi Wada

An attacking midfielder for the Hearts of Pine who suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the team's home opener.

Mikey Lopez

The captain of the Portland Hearts of Pine.

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What they’re saying

“We just made a decision that this wasn't going to be a really viable long-term solution for him and wanted to make the move sooner than later to give him a chance to latch onto another club.”

— Bobby Murphy, Head Coach, Portland Hearts of Pine

“He's more what we're looking for out there (at left back). He'll be a good fit.”

— Bobby Murphy, Head Coach, Portland Hearts of Pine

“It's been difficult. That whole scene and just seeing him (injured) and knowing how we're going to miss him, not having him here and in the locker room. It plays on people's minds.”

— Mikey Lopez, Captain, Portland Hearts of Pine

“He's the best.”

— Titus Washington, Forward, Portland Hearts of Pine

What’s next

The Hearts of Pine will host FC Naples on Sunday, April 23rd, as they look to bounce back from their scoreless start to the season.

The takeaway

The Hearts of Pine are facing early-season adversity with the loss of a key player, but are making roster moves to try to solidify their backline and find a way to generate more offense. The match against FC Naples will be an important test as the team looks to get back on track.