NEED TO KNOW:
• MF Jonathan Jimenez finished with eight goals and five assists in 21 games for the University of the Pacific
• DF Carter Manley joins RGV FC after two years with Minnesota United FC
• MF James Murphy returns to the United States after one year in the Scottish Championship with Arbroath FC
EDINBURG, Texas – (Thurs., July 9, 2020) – Rio Grande Valley FC announced today that the club has signed midfielder Jonathan Jimenez, defender Carter Manley and midfielder James Murphy prior to the restart of the USL Championship season.
“First and foremost we are excited and feel fortunate that we can resume the season later this month. We sincerely appreciate all the hard work from the players and staff over the last four months during these uncertain times,” said RGV FC General Manager Nick Kowba. “We are pleased to add these three players and strengthen the roster ahead of the restart of the congested schedule that lies ahead.
Jimenez was selected by Chicago Fire FC with the 26th pick in the first round of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. The midfielder played under RGV FC head coach Gerson Echeverry from 2016-2017 at Seton Hall University. Jimenez started in 28 of 29 games played for the Pirates and finished with four goals and nine assists. He finished his collegiate career at the University of the Pacific, where he totaled eight goals and five assists in 21 games for the Tigers.
“Jimenez is a left-footed player that can play in the back or midfield,” said Echeverry. “He is a strong player that thrives in the wide areas and can cross dangerous balls.”
Kowba also lauded Jimenez’ versatility and familiarity with Echeverry. The general manager added “he has pace, power and an engine to get up and down the flank. He’s a player who Gerson is very familiar with and both are excited to be reunited.”
Manley brings two years of MLS experience to the Toros after beginning his professional career with Minnesota United FC. The defender was selected with the 23rd pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft and finished with nine appearances for the Loons. The defender made 52 starts in 58 appearances over for years at Duke University, primarily at outside back.
“Manley is a solid versatile defender who brings a wealth of experience from playing in MLS,” Kowba said. “When we were informed he was available we jumped at the opportunity to sign him right away and are happy he will bolster the back line.”
The 24-year-old could fit across the backline according to Echeverry, who is also seeking flexibility as he navigates a congested schedule.
“When you see what he brings to the team, Manley can play in all three spots in the back line,” the RGV FC head coach said. “He brings experience to the back line which will help with our tight schedule.”
Murphy, who has represented the United States with the U-18 and U-20 national teams, returns to America after a season in the Scottish Championship with Arbroath FC. The midfielder appeared in 22 games for Arbroath across all competitions after earning a contract as a trialist. He began his professional career in the United Kingdom in 2016 when he signed with Sheffield Wednesday. The New Jersey native was signed by LAFC in 2018 and featured in a friendly against Borussia Dortmund on May 22, 2018 before spending the 2018 season with the Las Vegas Lights FC where he tallied an assist in seven appearances.
“James Murphy was with us in pre-season last year and we tried to sign him but he had ambitions to get back to Europe which we understood,” Kowba said. “He’s an industrious ball winner and has the ability to control the tempo of a game from the center of the park. His distribution in tight spaces and over distance is something that will benefit the team.”
The USL Championship regular season was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic after the first round of fixtures. The Toros will return to action in Group D as part of the Western Conference alignment for the resumption of the 2020 season.
With the addition of Jimenez, Manley and Murphy the Toros have 24 players on the roster.
TRANSACTION: Rio Grande Valley FC signs MF Jonathan Jimenez, DF Carter Manley and MF James Murphy.
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