August 1, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Cincinnati News Release
Few people have been as reliable for FC Cincinnati as defender Ian Murphy. Since his arrival to the club as the 13th overall pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, Murphy, 24, has made 93 appearances with the club and has been instrumental in the success FCC has had in those three seasons. He has been so ingrained in the success that, as of now, only the 2023 MLS MVP and FC Cincinnati captain Luciano Acosta has appeared in more matches than the young defender.
Murphy has now been rewarded for that reliability and performance, signing a contract extension through 2026 with an option for 2027, securing his future with The Orange and Blue. The California native still had an option year on his current contract to be activated for 2025 yet Murphy’s performance and commitment to the club have rewarded him with a guaranteed deal.
“I’m really happy to be here. I wanted to stay here and that was a big thing to me. I really like the city, I love the club and it just means a lot, in my opinion, that FCC have faith in me,” Murphy said in an exclusive interview with FCCincinnati.com. “That they had the faith in me to draft me and then to give me another contract is a big thing for me. I’m grateful for the opportunity and will keep working hard to prove that faith was worth it.”
With an ever-changing group of center backs rotating around him, Murphy, a draft pick from Duke University, has been an anchor in turbulent times. And while he would, and will, tell you himself he has plenty to learn, grow and work towards, his availability and calming presence have helped stabilize the defensive core the last three years.
“We’re happy to extend Ian and keep him at the club,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. “Ian has demonstrated tremendous growth in his three years here, and he’s played a key role in our club’s success since he was drafted. He’s a great teammate and a talented defender, and we’re looking forward to his continued development here with FC Cincinnati.”
Murphy is a quiet guy in general. He lets his play talk for him and keeps to himself in public and on social media. While he has a big smile and a fun sense of humor, it’s rare that the public gets an opportunity to see it.
On game days, on the training pitch, and on the field in general it’s all business. In the locker room, he is usually one of the first to depart to avoid the media spotlight, no matter the outcome. Even when he’s…
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