The Phoenix acquired their PDL franchise rights from the now-defunct Cape Cod Crusaders, the PDL national champions in 2002 and 2003 who left the league at the end of the 2008 season. They are part of the larger Maine Premier Soccer ("MPS") organization, which was founded in 2009 as a sister company to Massachusetts Premier Soccer, with a mission to develop aspiring professional soccer players and coaches in Maine.
The team played its first official game on May 9, 2010, a 3-0 victory over the Westchester Flames. The first goal in franchise history was scored by Chris Banks.[1]
Global Premier Soccer rebranded the team GPS Portland Phoenix in 2012.[2]
This list of notable former players comprises players who went on to play professional soccer after playing for the team in the Premier Development League, or those who previously played professionally before joining the team.