Coach Murphy Reflects On The MLS' 25th Anniversary

STATESBORO - Georgia Southern Head Men's Soccer Coach John Murphy brought a wealth of professional and collegiate coaching experience to Statesboro when he took the helm of the program in 2016. That experience included several years working in and around Major League Soccer, the top level of professional soccer within the United States.

This year, the MLS is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its first season of competition back in 1996. Although the current coronavirus pandemic has placed the season on hold, celebration of the country's premier soccer league has continued throughout the Spring.

“Our 25th season will celebrate our rich history by honoring the countless people behind the growth of our League and reflecting upon many of the memorable moments in our history,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a preseason release announcing the anniversary. “During this season-long celebration, we’ll also focus on our exciting future as we continue on our path to become one of the top leagues in the world.”

Coach Murphy spent nine of his formative coaching seasons on the sidelines and in the offices of several MLS squads, coaching in more than 300 professional matches, including the 2002 MLS Cup Final. He served as an assistant coach for the New England Revolution from 2000-03 and the Columbus Crew in 2004, before serving as an assistant coach and director of player development for the Colorado Rapids from 2005-08.

He also stayed involved with the league during his collegiate coaching stint at Boston College, serving as the lead radio analyst for New England Revolution matches from 2014-15.

We sat down with Coach Murphy to ask him about his time in the MLS, and also to tell us how the league has affected his career both professionally and personally.

Coach Murphy, how important do you feel the formation and continued growth of MLS impacted American soccer at a youth and collegiate level?

"MLS has impacted youth and college soccer in a very positive way over the past 25 years. Interest in the game has grown, and more importantly, the quality of play at the younger age levels. The college game, often the level that has kept the game going in this country, is exponentially better from top to bottom."

Many soccer leagues have existed in the US without the staying power of MLS. What's been the key ingredient for MLS thriving over the past 25 years?

"The quality of the ownership groups was the key in the early years. The Hunts, the Krafts and the Anschutz families kept the league alive in the late 90’s when MLS could have folded. Over time, people like Arthur Blank have taken this commitment to the next level with improved stadia and more comprehensive infrastructures. As an example, the attendances from the opening weekend averaged about 32,000 in 12 games. Pretty impressive crowds that are comparable to top leagues around the world."

How have you been able to draw on your experiences coaching and working with the league in your current position at Georgia Southern?

"I’ve worked with some great people both on and off the field and learned a great deal along the way. Working in the early years of the league was exciting and now it is quite satisfying to see the growth the league. I believe the next 25 years will be even better."

Finally, you've had the good fortune of seeing, recruiting and coaching so many talented players over the years. We thought it would be fun for you to put together your MLS "All-Star" teams of veteran players you've coached, as well as drafted during your time in the league.

"Absolutely, but it's not going to be easy! I have truly worked with some of the best players this league has ever seen, and I have found this exercise to be very difficult. My decisions were based on many aspects, some of them of a personal nature and cannot be quantified by someone else. Regardless, I have put together two pretty good teams that could have competed in any league worldwide."

A position-by-position breakdown of Coach Murphy's Veteran XI follows:

Adin Brown - "In August 2002, we were in last place in the Eastern Conference.  We then rattled off seven straight wins, won the East and went to the MLS Cup Final in front of 67,000 in Gillette Stadium in Foxboro.  Adin was remarkable during that run, and almost single handedly won the MLS Cup for us. At 6-4, Adin was formidable on 1v1's and coming for crosses.  "  Currently Chicago Fire's Goalkeeper Coach. 

Frankie Heyduk - "Frankie played in three World Cups and three Olympics for the USA; not sure if anyone could make that claim for any country.   Had an amazing engine and was on the move non-stop for 90 minutes.  He was also a real character: his off-season workout plan consisted of surfing all winter in Southern California." Currently is the "Brand Ambassador" for the Crew.

Carlos Llamosa - "A smooth, technical player that could also shut down opponents defensively. A very intelligent defender. Was on the 2002 US team that went to the WC quarter finals in Japan-South Korea."  Currently Portland Timbers Assistant Coach. 

Robin Frasier - "Robin was the leader of the 2004 Columbus Crew team that won the MLS Supporter's Shield.  Have always felt that team never got the credit they deserved as it was a great side. Robin was another intelligent, technical player who could get stuck in when required. A true leader and not surprised he has done so well as a coach." Currently Colorado Rapids' Head Coach. 

Pablo Mastroieni - "Pablo is a talent that I feel would have been straight to a top European team if we had a more open international transfer system like we do today. Could play center back, or center midfield equally well.  A tremendous competitor that played even better the bigger the game." Current Houston Dynamo Assistant Coach. 

Leo Alvarez - "Leo was a true winner and played at the highest levels of the game before joining MLS in 1996.  He scored the winning penalty kick in the Copa Libertadores (South American Champions) for Atlético Nacional in 1989 and also appeared in two World Cups for Columbia. A tenacious ball winner and leader in every team he played with."  Former Columbian National Team coach in 2011.

John Harkes - "John had an amazing energy and humor that he carried over to the way he played the game. Featured in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups for the US, played in England for Derby and Nottingham Forest as well as winning two MLS Cups with DC United." Current Head coach of League-1 outfit Greenville Triumph SC. 

Andy Williams - "An amazingly gifted player that again would have been overseas at an early age with today's aggressive transfer market. Powerful shot and tremendous range of passing, he played in the 1998 World Cup for his native Jamaica."  Currently a scout for Real Salt Lake.

Steve Ralston - "Perhaps the best wide player ever to play in MLS.  He was a true play maker from a wide position and linked well with Taylor Twellman and Pat Noonan at New England. Would rip defenders and teams apart in 1v1's at his peak." Currently an Assistant Coach U-23 at U.S. Soccer Federation.

Eric Wynalda - "Known today from his TV work, Waldo was an excellent striker who made his name in Germany before scoring the first goal in MLS history at San Jose in 1996. Eric had excellent balance, so he could hold defenders off or spin off in behind; very tough to play against. A tremendous personality, he has worked in multiple media outlets and several coaching posts since retiring."  

Jeff Cunningham - "Jeff was a good as any attacker who has ever played in MLS, and perhaps the most talented player I ever worked with. Just a tremendous skill set of technique speed and intelligence.  Explosive and unpredictable, he was unplayable when he was on his game." 

Super Subs:
Edson Buddle
Simon Elliott
Juergen Sommer
Joe Max Moore
Wolde Harris

A position-by-position breakdown of Coach Murphy's Drafted XI follows:

Bouna Coundoul - "Bouna joined Colorado in 2005 via a Discovery pick as a raw, athletic project. He spent the first season as a third stringer, but by year two, he was challenging to be the starter. By the end of his career, he featured in the Finnish and Cyprus leagues and was the Captain Senegal National Team (29 appearances in total).  He had just amazing reflects and instincts." 

Kosuke Kimara - "I was watching a college match in Chicago and this small, technical player was running the game as the attacking central midfielder.  Drafted #35 in the 2007 MLS draft, we converted him to a right back and played seven years in MLS as the league's first Japanese player. An amazing engine and concentration levels helped him win MLS Cup in 2008."

Chad Marshall - "In the 2004 draft, I was still working for New England before transferring over to my new role with the Columbus Crew.  The Crew picked Chad as the second overall pick that day and he went on to be one of the top center backs in MLS during a sixteen year career.  Has to be one of the best central defenders this country has ever produced. Imposing and unstoppable in the air, he was a weapon on attacking set pieces." 

Jordan Harvey - "Drafted in the ninth in the first round of the 2007 MLS draft, Jordan is still going strong today for LAFC.  One of the longest serving players currently in league with over 300 professional appearances."

Sharlie Joseph - "We drafted Sharlie fourteenth in the 2002 Draft even though his agent threatened to take him to Italy.  He eventually came back and went on to be possibly the best players the Revs have ever had, playing in 261 games in nine seasons.  6-3 and technical, he could run the game from the center of the midfield with intelligence and power."  Current Grenada National Team Coach

Colin Clark - "After signing him to the developmental contract in 2006, Colin used this opportunity to grow initially in the reserve squad.  He eventually became a first team regular, and earned one US 'cap'. Colin was a left footed attacker with a tremendous engine and skill set.  Tragically passed away last year; it was very difficult news to take at the time."

Jacob Petersen - "Jake just retired in 2018 as a long and successful career in MLS.  Drafted 21st in the second round of the 2006 MLS draft, Jacob made an impact right away as a young player.  He was a very fast winger and center forward who could pull defenses all over the place with his movement." Currently the Color Commentator for Sporting Kansas City.

Clint Dempsey - "The day we drafted Clint (the 8th overall pick in 2004) was my last day with the Revs so sadly, never got a chance to work with Clint.  But I coached against him many times and saw him develop up close.  From those early days, Clint has gone on to be a top five player in the history of our country. Played for Fulham in England and is still a club legend. Just a tremendous attacking player with a great two way mentality."

Pat Noonan - "Pat has to be one of the best natural talents I have ever seen.  Drafted 9th in 2003, came in second in the Rookie of the Year balloting and just pushed on from there. Had a knack for scoring goals and could do all the little things to create chances for himself and others; a very clever player." Currently serves as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Union.

Omar Cummings - "Drafted 31st in 2007, Omar played six seasons in MLS and represented Jamacian national team 35 times.  Just a crafty, explosive striker who played on the last defender's shoulder. He was so unpredictable that he was very difficult to deal with in the final third."

Taylor Twellman - "A bit biased, but I feel he is the best center forward the league has seen up to this point.  Concussions sadly shortened his career, but in his prime, was a predatory force in the box." 

Super Subs:
Danny Gargan
Nick Labrocca
Hunter Freeman
Stephen Keel 
Greg Dalby