D.C. United have announced the hiring of Dane Murphy as the club’s new Technical Director. Murphy, formerly of Real Salt Lake, will assist Dave Kasper, United General Manager and VP of Soccer Operations, with the D.C. United first team in addition to building the roster of the Black-and-Red’s new United Soccer League (USL) side, Loudoun United FC.
"I started my professional career with D.C. United and I'm excited to return to the club, it’s fans, and this wonderful city as a part of the technical staff," Dane Murphy, said. "It's a transformative period with the birth of Audi Field, the opening of a new training ground and announcing Loudoun United FC as our USL affiliate. I'm eager to start working to help the club continue on their upward trajectory in 2019."
He will work closely with coaching and technical staff to identify talented players domestically and globally in an aim to supplement the D.C. United first team roster and help develop the Black-and-Red's new USL affiliate.
“We are excited to add Dane to our technical staff after impressive roles with Real Salt Lake, and the New York Cosmos,” Dave Kasper, United General Manager and VP of Soccer Operations, said. “He has a deep understanding of the game and the nuances of MLS, which will elevate our scouting platform, and add great value to D.C. United and Loudoun United FC."
Murphy started his professional career with D.C. United and was a part of the squad that lifted the 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. He went on to play in 2. Bundesliga for VFL OsnabrĂĽck from 2009-2010 before returning to the US to play for the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL). He made eight appearances for the Cosmos from 2013-2014.
After his playing career, Murphy became the Head Scout for the New York Cosmos before transferring his skills over to Real Salt Lake in January 2017. The 32-year-old became the Technical Director for RSL a year later in December and held the position throughout the 2018 MLS regular season.