Casey Murphy Joins Boston Legacy FC
Casey Murphy, the talented goalkeeper for the United States women’s national soccer team, is set to join Boston Legacy FC, an expansion team entering the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2026, according to multiple reports obtained by ESPN. Murphy is currently a free agent; her contract with the North Carolina Courage is due to expire as the current season wraps up. Sources indicate that North Carolina has attempted to negotiate a deal to retain her services, but she has chosen to move on.
International Experience and Career Goals
With 20 international appearances under her belt, Murphy served as the backup goalie to Alyssa Naeher during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympics, where the U.S. squad ultimately clinched a gold medal. Her transfer to Boston is seen as a strategic move for her career, as she aims to solidify her position on the national team leading up to the 2027 World Cup.
Performance with North Carolina Courage
Murphy has established herself as a key player for the Courage, taking on the starting goalkeeper duties since her arrival before the 2021 season. However, she has not seen action since August, leading to the deployment of Marisa Bova, who maintained a solid performance in the matches that followed. Over those four matches in September, Bova allowed four goals and made seven saves, helping her team earn seven points.
Breakout Year and National Team Debut
In her breakout year with the Courage in 2021, Murphy recorded an impressive 96 saves while allowing just one goal per game, which significantly boosted her profile and led to her inclusion in the national squad. She made her debut for the U.S. national team in November 2021, and by 2022, she was already vying for a starting position in key matches during World Cup and Olympic qualifiers against Naeher, a two-time World Cup champion who ultimately retained her place.
Notable Achievements and Future Prospects
Murphy has achieved a notable record, including 15 shutouts in her 20 international matches, with her last game for the USWNT being in October 2024. Recently, national team coach Emma Hayes has experimented with various goalkeepers as she looks for a new leading player in that position.
Previous Experience and Current Season
Prior to her tenure with North Carolina, Murphy had spent a year with the Seattle Reign FC and began her professional career in France, playing for Montpellier from 2017 to 2019. As for the Courage’s current season, Murphy has allowed 28 goals across 18 games, and they are currently in a tight race for a playoff spot, currently sitting ninth and just a point behind Racing Louisville FC. Their next match against Louisville is crucial for their postseason aspirations.
