Former Rutgers goalkeeper Casey Murphy cites New Jersey roots ahead of FIFA Women’s World Cup
Rutgers women’s soccer will be represented at the FIFA Women’s World Cup this month by Casey Murphy. The goalkeeper, born in New Jersey, has been an influential part of the team over the past five years.
Born in Bridgewater, the 27-year old Murphy is one of the most accomplished players to ever be developed by the Rutgers soccer program. Currently a standout goalkeeper for the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL, Murphy made her international debut at the senior level in 2021 in a friendly at Australia.
Heading into the FIFA Women’s World Cup, she has 14 appearances with the national team. She played four years at Rutgers, with her final season in 2017 culminating with being a finalist for the Hermann Trophy, given to the top player in college soccer.
Murphy is likely the backup to incumbent starter Alyssa Naeher, although it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the New Jersey native get rolled out during the World Cup.
In a recent interview with North Carolina station WRAL, Murphy talked about this moment in her professional career as fulfilling a dream she has had from a young age.
“I remember watching the national team from a really young age. A lot of big names came out of New Jersey, and that’s where I was born and raised,” Murphy told WRAL.
“Now, being on that team, yeah, it’s pretty awesome.”
This is now the fifth straight World Cup where Rutgers women’s soccer has had an alum on the United States national team roster. The previous four World Cups, beginning in 2007, saw former Scarlet Knight Carli Lloyd as part of the selection.
As a goalkeeper, Murphy must be ready to not just spearhead the defense, but potentially face some pressure-packed moments on the world’s greatest stage for the sport. It is something she says she relishes.
She does so on a team that is favored to yet again win the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“It’s a lot of weight on your shoulders,” Murphy said during her interview. “You’re the last line of defense, and you don’t want to be the one to make a mistake.”
