For Monterey Bay F.C. midfielder James Murphy, 24, tomorrow night’s matchup against New York Red Bulls II at Cardinale Stadium means a lot more than any typical match. It is a match that Murphy and his younger brother John Murphy, 22, who plays for New York Red Bulls II, have had circled on their calendars since the day the schedule was announced.
The Scotch Plains, New Jersey brothers will line up against one another in a professional game for the first-ever time, realizing a dream that they have shared since childhood.
“John and myself used to spend hours upon hours in our backyard, pretending it was a professional stadium packed with fans,” said James Murphy. “So now to be able to actually live that with him with our family in the stands watching, it means the world to me. It’s going to be an incredibly proud moment for me and it will undoubtedly be a night that I will remember forever.”
With the Murphy family in town leading up to this weekend’s matchup, the Murphy’s youngest brother, Owen, was given the opportunity to train with Monterey Bay F.C. for a couple of days this week, another proud moment for Murphy amidst a week he will not soon forget.
“This whole week so far has been a dream come true for me,” James Murphy explained. “I’m extremely grateful that Frank [Yallop] has let Owen jump into a couple of sessions with us. I’m sure it has been an unbelievable experience for him, but I doubt he really understands how incredible the experience has been for me. Having him here training, being around the team, it’s a moment that I’m grateful to have experienced with him.”
Murphy is close with all of his siblings, and his relationship with John is no different. They have been best friends since childhood, and are both looking forward to the rest of their family being in the stands for the special occasion.
“My parents have done so much to let myself and John follow our dreams, throughout our whole lives really starting back when we were five or six years old and just getting into playing soccer with all of the travel,” explained James Murphy. “So more than anything I really hope they get to enjoy the night and soak it all in. I know my mom will be watching on very nervously, hoping me and my brother won’t hurt each other because she’s seen plenty of injuries happen in the backyard and around the house. But it’s going to be a really special occasion with my family in the crowd and my brother on the other side.”
He continued. “At the end of the day though, I have to say it, John and I are opponents on the night, and I’ll be doing whatever I can to help Monterey Bay F.C. get a really important three points for us at home in front of our fans.”
