Win Now or Rely on Miracles: Texoma FC Vs Portland Hearts of Pine
Texoma's Playoff Road Runs Through Portland
Date: Saturday, SEP. 27, 2025
Kickoff: 5:00 P.M EST/4:00 P.M CST
Location: Fitzpatrick Stadium, Portland, Maine
League: USL1 Regular Season
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Tale of the Tape
Texoma is coming off a tough loss to Westchester SC, and are desperately needing a win. Without perfection in the last 5 games, it is impossible, or at the least extremely difficult for Texoma to make playoffs. Formation wise, Texoma would most likely hold true to form with 4-2-3-1. I would not be surprised if they try something different, however the last time they did not play a 4-2-3-1 was on Aug. 16 Vs Chattanooga; they played 5-4-1 then.
Portland also tends to play 4-2-3-1, except their most recent result against FC Naples where they played 4-4-2. Portland has also won 4 of their last 5 and is sitting 5th in USL1, which is astonishing. Both teams are expansion teams this season, marking their inaugural appearance in USL1. Portland has effectively guaranteed themselves a spot in the post-season, while Texoma is unfortunately struggling.
Final Thoughts
The teams have met once before on July 12, 2025. In that matchup, Portland would win 1-0 after a Texoma own-goal in the 5th minute. Texoma dominated the rest of that game in on-paper stats. Portland, on the other hand, has become exponentially better since then, becoming one of the most balanced and overall dominant teams in USL1. It will be a tough game for both. Texoma has more to fight for, but have not seen much success in the later part of the season.
For a final score prediction, I would say Portland takes it 1-0. I would not be surprised with a draw either. If Texoma can not get the job done against Portland, they will have to hope for a miracle to make playoffs.