James Murphy (soccer, born 1997)

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

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.

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.

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 Forward Madison FC, and Owen being of the Montclair University soccer team.