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On Tuesday, Facundo Coria was revealed to be one of the two players being worked out by the Union this week. Yesterday, Coach Jim Curtin announced that James Murphy is the other.
Murphy, who hails from Scotch Plains, New Jersey, was a member of the Union's academy when he was younger. Now, he plays for the Players Development Academy, and he's a regular with the U.S. U-18 National Team.
Curtin praised Murphy's toughness and ball-winning ability, going so far as to compare him with Brad Evans and Jack Jewsbury, both of whom have been very effective "glue" guys in their MLS careers.
While the Union have expressed interest in Murphy, I would not expect to see him in a Union jersey any time soon.
"We had contact with U-18 national team coach Javier Perez, who wanted to see [Murphy] pushed a little bit more, so we provided that opportunity," Curtin said.
Rather than this trial being Murphy's audition for a contract, it seems to be a training stint for a talented young player who is not affiliated with a professional club, unlike most of his U.S. U-18 teammates. Murphy, could; however, join up with the Union's brightest prospect when he enters college. Sebastien Elney, Murphy's U-18 teammate, is committed to the University of Maryland. Murphy, who graduates in 2016, has received offers from a number of college soccer powerhouses, including Maryland.
James Murphy might wear a Union jersey someday, but there will be quite a wait for that day to come.