Sporting Kansas City added defensive cover with their second SuperDraft selection Thursday, adding J.T. Murray out of the University of Louisville.
Murray, 22, is a defensive prospect who played in all 87 games of his four-year career at Louisville from 2007-2010, starting every game from his sophomore through senior seasons. He recorded eight goals and seven assists, and after moving to defense for his junior season, helped the Cardinals set a school record with 13 shutouts. He was a Big East All-Tournament team selection during his senior season when he started all 24 games and helped the defense post eight shutouts in reaching the 2010 College Cup national championship against Akron.
Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes comments on 2nd round selection J.T. Murray.
About his qualities as a defender…
“We need someone on the left side as someone that can sort of build into that position. I think that he’s actually very, very good on the ball coming out of the back. Our outside backs are on the ball quite a bit. And we thought that him on the ball has been very good. We’ve seen him outside of the combine, and we think that’s he’s going to be a guy that has a good chance of working his way into our team over time.”
On his experience at Louisville…
“Again, I go back to, this guy has played in a lot of games, and has played in bigger games in college. And as I said, he’s pretty calm and cool on the ball. So when you’re talking about the way we play, he fits our style from a player that will help us build out of the back with his ability to make good decisions on the ball.”
About his versatility and transition from midfield to defense in college…
“I think that’s why it makes him so good on the ball. Having played in the midfield and being a guy that’s around the ball quite a bit, it gives him an opportunity then to be able to sit right back into the backline and when you’re facing the field, it’s easier to make decisions. So I think that’s been a big help for him, going into the back.”
J.T. Murray – 32nd Overall (2nd Round)
Position: Defender
Born: 08/04/1988
Height: 5-11
Weight: 165
College: University of Louisville
Hometown: Grove City, Ohio
Citizenship: USA
