Let it not be said we’ve lacked faith in Portland Hearts of Pine.

In fact, for a team with one win in league play so far this season, we might have been overly enamored by the first-year side’s underlying numbers compared to its actual results.

Which means when they finally put up the sort of attacking display they’ve shown the potential to deliver in Saturday’s 4-2 victory against Detroit City FC – the first time Le Rouge have conceded four goals in a game against an opponent from the USL since last May – we’re going to feel at least a little bit vindicated.

Were there flaws in the result at Fitzpatrick Stadium? Yes, and the combination of a seven-save performance by goalkeeper Kash Oladapo aided by some profligate finishing by DCFC showed where Portland still has to improve defensively.

“We know that they have some quality players over there, and so whenever you’re able to get a stop, you just kind of got to reflect,” said Oladapo. “I mean, if I have to make a save, maybe something broke down. So, I can’t always celebrate too much, but everyone in the back line put in shifts.”

The creativity shown by Trinidad and Tobago international Natty James and fellow playmaker Jay Tee Kamara, however, alongside the side’s finishing was exactly the sort of result that should build confidence in Portland.

Now undefeated in its past five games, there are some good tests to come for Hearts of Pine, including this weekend against Chattanooga Red Wolves.

After the buzz around their launch, the results could start to catch up quickly.

Here’s where things stand this week.