Dane Murphy is the consummate professional, a player that has seen it all both here and abroad. He has a knack for playing with the most prestigious brands, having spent time at the legendary New York Athletic Club before a globetrotting career finally landed him with the New York Cosmos.
His time at NYAC was a defining moment, playing for an organization that has supported and produced Olympic athletes for over a hundred years. Since 1896, NYAC athletes have accumulated 230 Olympic medals, 119 of which have been gold.
“For me, it was good. It was special being part of their club,” Murphy remarked. “They taught me to represent the club as a professional. It was a very positive experience.”
He has literally done it all since then, having played in MLS and Germany before returning home to the New York and the NASL. And yes, he did get to play against Manchester United at Old Trafford as part of the Paul Scholes testimonial match.
This weekend’s Soccer Bowl still has to rank among the bigger moments of his career, playing for a resurrected Cosmos team that has so much history and tradition.
“I don’t think I appreciate it enough. I don’t think you can really do it justice; it’s such a storied franchise. You just have to be a positive professional and go out and win games. That’s what the team and the fans deserve.”
The Cosmos hope to add some more hardware to their expansive trophy case this weekend with a win against the Atlanta Silverbacks. Murphy will certainly play a role in a team full of stars. There is no Pelé, Beckenbauer, Chinaglia, or even Messing, but it is still a team of big names.
Take Marco Senna, the former Spanish international and Villarreal star, who was just announced as a member of the North American Soccer League 2013 Best XI. Or Carlos Mendes, a veteran of seven MLS seasons and 2006 Red Bulls Defender of the Year.
It’s still the Cosmos and Murphy is surrounded by greatness. The former NPSL star has a lot to live up to, whether it be the legends of yesteryear or the team’s current pros. It is a beautiful game, one that is even better with Murphy and the Cosmos.
