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.[2]
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.[4]
Los Angeles FC
Murphy joined MLS side Los Angeles FC on March 2, 2018, ahead of their inaugural season.[5] 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.
Murphy signed a two-year contract with Detroit City on January 25, 2024.[11] Detroit declined his contract option following their 2024 season.[12]
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.
^Bernstein, Jason. "James Murphy of Scotch Plains is named Gatorade New Jersey Boys Soccer Player of the Year", The Star-Ledger, February 13, 2014. Accessed August 10, 2016. "On the soccer field Scotch Plains' James Murphy has the ability to anticipate just about anything that comes his ways. Despite an already lengthy list awards, he did not expect to be named the 2013–14 Gatorade New Jersey Boys Soccer Player of the Year."