Azaad Liadi (ah-ZAAD lee-AH-dee) joins Portland Hearts of Pine on a season-long loan from Lexington SC in the USL Championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Originally from Michigan, his love for the game began at the early age of four, inspired by his father, who also played soccer. He quickly developed a deep passion for the sport that has stayed with him ever since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Liadi began his collegiate career at Saginaw Valley State University, making 56 appearances and netting 11 goals over three seasons. In his senior year, he transferred to Georgia Southern University, where he was named the 2019 Sun Belt Conference Newcomer of the Year and earned a place on the All-Sun Belt Conference Second Team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Liadi signed his first professional contract with FC Tucson in USL League One, making his debut in 2020 against Fort Lauderdale CF. That December Liadi joined South Georgia Tormenta, where he had a standout season, scoring nine goals in 27 appearances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Liadi\u2019s impressive form led him to Loudoun United in the USL Championship. His performances earned him a brief loan to MLS side D.C. United, making his MLS debut in 2022, and becoming the first player from AFC Ann Arbor to play in Major League Soccer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Liadi continued his upward trajectory with Huntsville City FC in MLS Next Pro, scoring 12 goals in 22 appearances during the 2023 season. In 2024, Liadi signed with Lexington SC in USL League One.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Liadi shared his excitement about exploring Maine and New England, eager to immerse himself in everything this region has to offer. What stood out most was the club\u2019s deep-rooted connection to the community and the close-knit culture within the organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n