Rookie Report: Dane Murphy
05/19/2008 10:16 AM by Dane Murphy
Dane Murphy is currently in the midst of his first year with D.C. United. Signed to a developmental contract on March 28, The midfielder/defender writes periodically for Behind The Badge, offering insight into being a rookie in MLS.
Hello to all the D.C. United faithful, both young and old, and welcome to the Rookie Report. I am Dane Murphy, a recently signed first year midfielder/defender from the University of Virginia. Periodically, I will give the readers of Behind the Badge an insider’s perspective as to the goings-on at D.C. United both on and off the field. Portions will include lighthearted commentary on my interaction with teammates, fans, and others within the United family. Other segments will discuss my take on the state of the team in practice, approach to the game, and first team/reserve matches.
To begin with, I am honored and feel privileged to be a D.C. United player. The name speaks for itself and, as Kevin Payne reminds us frequently, we have more championships than the rest of the league combined. My most exceptional experience, so far, is the rise in the level of soccer I am participating in. Training everyday with the likes of Marcelo, Jamie, and Martinez (and even Tino) has enhanced my knowledge and appreciation for the game tremendously. Just looking at their resumes and hearing about the experiences they have had warrants an unquestionable respect. I have tried to soak up everything I can from them (except for Martinez’s wardrobe) because I know it will only make me a better player. Playing with them creates a different kind of motivation in that you want to be able to play at their level and avoid any extra rookie ridicule that may come your way. Off the field they are great friends and always try to offer a laugh for the younger players. But their on the field demeanor is completely different, and that is what makes them great. They are ultra competitors and if you are not helping them improve or win then you will hear about it. Although it takes getting used to it is more than worth it in the end.
In practice I love playing heads up against Marcelo when I am in my natural defensive mid position. It is like a chess match trying to figure out what he is going to do next and where he is going to do it. He brings the best out of me in every practice and is helping my game grow. When I am playing central defender against Jamie it offers a different challenge. He literally tries to meg me every other time he gets the ball in practice. Sometimes he even calls it before he tries. And for those who will say “Just keep you legs closed” I’d like to see you defend him when his eyes look one way, his hips are faced another, and the ball ends up in a third direction. Gonzalo Martinez is undoubtedly the wisest defender on the team and as I am learning a new position at center back I try to emulate everything he does on the field. Although we don’t play against each other a lot he makes me laugh with his outlandish Spanish phrases in full voice and his villain-like laugh (he also messes with Fred a lot). I firmly believe there is not a better group of veterans in the league for a young player to learn from and play with.
In closing I will leave you with a couple predictions. The first team has had a rough go of it so far this season but look for us to get things rolling in the right direction against Toronto on Wednesday with a 2-1 victory. As for the reserves, we are currently 1-1 and have two games (victories) against Toronto this week. That’s all for now and I hope you enjoyed the first edition of the Rookie Report. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated – feel free to drop a note in the comments below. Stay classy District of Columbia and Go United.
Comments
5 Comments
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05/19/2008 11:28 AM by Bree
I haven't been to a reserves game yet but am hoping to make it this sunday. Thanks for posting!
05/19/2008 5:29 PM by Joe Public
You are living the dream. Enjoy every minute!!!
05/20/2008 12:04 AM by love DCU
dane murphy is such a hottie
05/20/2008 10:21 AM by rooting from ridgies
Great post! You should be on the first team!
05/25/2008 7:45 PM by KJS
Hey Dane - I remember when you were at IMG! Congratulations on your success - I'll try to get over to see a few games this summer... Good luck.