James Murphy (soccer, born 1997)


James Murphy is an American soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Rio Grande Valley FC in the USL Championship.
Murphy grew up in Scotch Plains, New Jersey and attended Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, where he was named as the 2013–14 Gatorade New Jersey Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Club career

United States

Murphy came through the ranks at the Players Development Academy in his home state of New Jersey. He played for the United States under-20 team during the 2015 Stevan Vilotic Tournament and 2015 Four Nations Tournament. Also in 2015, Murphy went on trial with the Philadelphia Union of MLS but ended up not signing with the club.

Sheffield Wednesday

Murphy signed a professional contract for Sheffield Wednesday in June 2016.
In August 2016 he made his first team debut for the club, coming on as a substitute as Wednesday lost to Cambridge United in the first round of the Football League Cup.

Los Angeles FC

Murphy joined MLS side Los Angeles FC on March 2, 2018 ahead of their inaugural season. On May 22, 2018, he made his LAFC debut in a friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

Las Vegas Lights FC

Murphy joined USL side Las Vegas Lights FC on June 22, 2018 on a short-term loan. He had his first assist in his debut with the club on June 24, 2018 against Swope Park Rangers.

Arbroath

After a trial spell, Murphy signed with Scottish Championship club Arbroath in July 2019.

Rio Grande Valley FC

On JUly 9, 2020, Murphy returned to the United States, joining USL Championship side Rio Grande Valley FC.

Personal life

Murphy has an older sister, Casey, and two younger brothers, John and Owen. Both brothers also play soccer, with John Murphy being a player for Loudoun United, and Owen being of the Players Development Academy.

Career statistics