STATESBORO, Ga. –  South Georgia Tormenta FC have signed midfielder John Murphy Jr. to a one-year deal, with an option for 2024, pending league and federation approval. Murphy joins Tormenta FC after having spent 2022 with USL Championship side New York Red Bulls II.

“John is a guy we almost took on loan in 2021 and have been tracking ever since," Tormenta FC Head Coach Ian Cameron said. "Being super competitive, covering lots of ground, pushing the tempo of games are part of his soccer DNA. We aim to harness those attributes and adapt his game toward the positional play we will expect from players this season. John has the capacity to develop into a very strong box-to-box midfielder and we’re excited to get to work with him and add tools to his game.”

In 2022, Murphy appeared for Red Bulls II 30 times, scoring two goals and assisting thrice. Murphy also captained Red Bulls II throughout the season. Previously, Murphy spent time with Union Omaha in its title-winning season, appearing for the League One side eight times, assisting once.

“After speaking with Coach Ian and Tom [Morris], it was a no-brainer to come to Statesboro based on recent success and a very exciting style of play," Murphy said. "The owners have huge plans for this club, so I hope to contribute to the vision and have a positive impact here in Statesboro.”

Murphy is a New York Red Bulls Academy product having risen through the ranks and earning himself an academy contract for the New York Red Bulls II in 2018 in the USL Championship. Murphy has also spent time with Loudoun United FC during the 2019 USL Championship season, appearing in four matches.

A Clemson University alumnus, Murphy spent 2018 with the powerhouse program. In the fall of 2018, he scored a goal and recorded four starts over 11 matches at Clemson.

Murphy has been called up to represent the United States youth national team on the U-15, U-16 and U-17 levels, along with a call-up to represent the Ireland U-18 national team.