James Murphy

James Murphy (born September 17, 1997) is an American soccer player who plays as a midfielder for USL Championship club Loudoun United.

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 In July 2020, returned to the United States, joining USL Championship side Rio Grande Valley FC.

Monterey Bay FC Murphy signed with USL Championship expansion side Monterey Bay FC on February 8, 2022. Murphy was included in the starting 11 for Monterey Bay's inaugural match, a 4–2 loss to Phoenix Rising FC. Murphy's contract option was declined following the 2023 USL Championship season.

Detroit City FC Murphy signed a two-year contract with Detroit City on January 25, 2024. Detroit declined his contract option following their 2024 season.

Indy Eleven Murphy joined Indy Eleven on January 29, 2025 ahead of their 2025 season. He made his debut for the club on March 15, 2025, in a 1–3 victory over Miami FC in the USL Championship. Murphy scored his first goal for the club in a 2–4 away loss to North Carolina FC on July 18, 2025. He ended the season with 36 appearances and one goal in all competitions, exiting the club in December 2025 upon the expiry of his contract.

Loudoun United On January 15, 2026, Murphy made the move to USL Championship side Loudoun United.

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 One Knoxville SC, and Owen being of the Montclair University soccer team.

Career statistics