St Louis CITY2 Head Coach Bobby Murphy Departs CITY SC to Lead USL Expansion Team’s Sporting Department 

St. Louis CITY2 Head Coach Bobby Murphy accepted a new role as sporting director and head coach for the Portland Hearts of Pine, a USL League One expansion team. Murphy will lead the newly established club as it enters its inaugural season 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. “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 was named head coach of St Louis CITY2 ahead of the 2023 season, guiding the team to the playoffs in his first year. Under his leadership this season, CITY2 reached the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Finals, setting new club records for most points in a single season (56) and most wins in the regular season (17). Murphy oversaw the transition of five CITY2 players making 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,” said Bobby 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’s plans for a new CITY2 head coach will be announced shortly.