ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - St. Louis City SC announced Thursday afternoon that Bobby Murphy, who has been the head coach for City2 team, has left to become the sporting director and head coach for the Portland Hearts of Pine, a USL League One expansion team who will begin play in 2025.
“On behalf of everyone at St. Louis CITY SC, I want to extend our thanks to Bobby for his many contributions during his time with us,” said Lutz Pfannenstiel, Sporting Director of St. Louis CITY SC in a press release. “This season's success, including our run to the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Finals, is a testament to his professionalism and his ability to connect with the players. We are grateful for his hard work and dedication and wish him nothing but the best in this exciting new chapter of his career.”
Murphy became the head coach for the City2 team in 2023 and under his leadership, CITY2 made the playoffs the past two seasons, including reaching the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Finals this past season.
Under Murphy, five CITY2 players would eventually go on to make appearances in MLS, with four of them eventually signing first team contracts.
“I owe a debt of gratitude to so many people at this club and in this city, but especially to my staff and players,” Murphy. “Watching these young men grow has been one of the greatest joys of my career, and I stand by their accomplishments both on and off the field. I leave St. Louis knowing that I gave my best for the club, the fans, and the players, and I hope we made everyone proud.”
St. Louis CITY says their plans for a new CITY2 head coach will be announced shortly.