United States women's national team goalkeeper Casey Murphy has agreed to terms with NWSL expansion side Boston Legacy FC, according to ESPN. The 29-year-old goalkeeper will join the Massachusetts-based club for their inaugural 2026 season after completing the current campaign with North Carolina Courage, ending a spell of four years with the club.
Getty Images SportCareer-defining move to Boston expansion project
The standout goalkeeper has chosen Boston as her next destination despite efforts from North Carolina to retain her services. ESPN reported the Courage made multiple contract offers to Murphy, whose current deal expires at the conclusion of the 2025 NWSL season. But the allure of becoming the foundational goalkeeper for an expansion franchise ultimately proved more compelling.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportInternational aspirations drive decision
After being the Courage's No. 1 goalkeeper since 2021, she has lost her place in August to Marisa Jordan. The move to the Legacy ensures a starting position with the expansion club. All of that is critical for her standing with the national team.
With 20 caps for the United States, she served as Alyssa Naeher's primary backup during both the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the USWNT secured the gold medal.
Her move to Boston also comes at a pivotal moment in the national team goalkeeper hierarchy. With Naeher now retired, a clear opportunity has emerged for Murphy to establish herself as the frontrunner for the starting role heading into the 2027 World Cup cycle. Murphy's last appearance for the national team came in October 2024.
Reflecting on time with Courage
Despite her recent benching, Murphy's time with the Courage has overall been successful. In her first season with the club, the 2021 campaign, she allowed just one goal per game – which catapulted her into the national team spotlight. She lifted the NWSL Challenge Cup in both the 2022 and 2023 season.
AFPBoston builds competitive roster for 2026 debut
Murphy's acquisition continues Boston Legacy FC's aggressive approach to roster construction under Sporting Director Kristine Lilly. The club has strategically targeted established international players alongside promising domestic talents as they build toward their 2026 debut season.