HARRISON, N.J. – Red Bulls II have signed midfielder John Murphy to a USL Championship contract, the club announced Thursday.
The signing is pending league and U.S. Soccer Federation approval.
Murphy, 21, most recently played for Union Omaha in USL League One. He logged 129 minutes over eight matches during their 2021 title season.
“We’re excited to have John join our group,” Red Bulls II head coach Gary Lewis said in a statement. “He has great leadership qualities and is competitive in the midfield. In terms of technique, he’s very good short and long distance.”
Murphy, a PDA and Red Bulls Academy product, played in two matches for Red Bulls II in 2018 as a registered academy player. In the fall of 2018, he scored a goal and recorded four starts over 11 matches at Clemson University. He spent time with Loudoun United FC during the 2019 season, appearing in four matches.
“I’m excited to be here and come back home and play for Red Bulls II,” Murphy said in a statement. “It’s a place that I called home a few years back. I can’t wait to get the season started and I’m hoping for a good season with the group.”
The 5-11, 165-lb. Murphy has appeared at the Under-15, U-16, and U-17 level for the U.S. youth national team, and recently participated in a U-18 national team camp for Ireland, of which he holds dual citizenship.
“John is someone I’ve known since his youth playing days at our affiliate club PDA,” Red Bulls Academy director Sean McCafferty said in a statement. “We are excited to see his continued development within our playing philosophy here at NYRB.”
