By Nathan L. Redd

It’s been a long but productive road for J.T. Murray.  The former University of Louisville star joined the Louisville Lightning after his collegiate career, and now Murray finds himself with a shot at the highest level of American soccer.  The midfielder is currently in training camp with the Los Angeles Galaxy, where he shares the pitch with global superstar David Beckham. 

For Murray, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime after polishing his skills with the Lightning.  The Ohio native was originally drafted by Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City in the 2011 MLS Super Draft, and he hopes his experience will lead him to bigger things with the Galaxy.  Murray spoke with the Louisville Lightning from the Galaxy camp recently.

LL: Congrats on heading to the Los Angeles Galaxy for an opportunity to earn a spot on the team.  How did this come about for you?  

JT:  I tried to get out there last year but there were some timing issues for me.  This time it just worked out with some great help from my former University of Louisville coaches and my agent.

LL:  Do you know how long you will be in Los Angeles? When do you leave/return?

JT: I’ve been out here for nearly a week now.  If all goes well, I won’t return, which would be the best result and indicate that I am playing well!

LL:  What are you enjoying the most so far?

JT:  Being here on trial in Los Angeles, I get to play with some of the best players in the United States.  Hopefully I can learn from them and then be able to incorporate those skills into my game.

LL:  What do you like most about the idea of playing with the L.A. Galaxy?

JT:  It’s a city where I haven’t spent much time and it wont be snowing much!

LL:  What challenges do you anticipate with changing your game from indoor back to outdoor?

JT:  For me, playing in a back four again and just the tactics of the game will be challenging. You definitely get used to playing indoor and seeing things differently.  I’ll just have to hop back on the bike and hope I remember how to ride.

LL:  Major League Soccer announced recently that international superstar David Beckham will be returning to the Galaxy for the next two seasons. How do you feel about training on the same pitch as David Beckham?  

JT:  I think it will be awesome to play alongside superstars, and especially an icon like Beckham. I will be able to watch them up close and pick up things they do that makes them stand out.  Hopefully I can get some pointers along the way that will help me improve as a player.

LL:  How do you feel your strengths will match up with the current Galaxy squad?  Are there other players you look forward to meeting and playing alongside?

JT: To be honest everyone has a certain set of strengths and weaknesses and that is what the trial is all about.  You go and see if you mesh with the others and their individual styles.  For me, coming from the University of Louisville,  I like to keep the ball and play good soccer.  Maintaining possession was a big focus for us.  I feel that I will fit in better here than I may have elsewhere.  I’m looking forward to playing alongside guys that are playing at a higher level than I’ve been thus far. It is how a player progresses his career, so I’m looking forward to the challenge. 

LL:  Kenney Walker from the University of Louisville was selected by Los Angeles in the MLS Super Draft earlier this month.   What do you expect to see from that competition?  How many other players will be there trying out?

JT: There are a lot of players here, although I don’t know the exact number.  Of course the competition is going to be fierce.  Not only is this the highest level of American soccer, but the Galaxy are reigning MLS Cup Champions.  Everyone here is giving their all just to get a chance to play for this team.  

LL:  Other than potentially signing a contract, what would you like to get out of this trip?

JT: I’d like to win a car from ’The Price is Right.’  I need to get on that show and try my luck!

LL:  If you’re unable to make an MLS roster at this time, how do you feel this experience could help you as a Lightning player?

JT: Training at the next level can only make you better, and although I’m not thinking about not making it, I know I still have a lot of room for improvement, and very few players ever get the opportunity to do this.  It’s only going to strengthen my skills as a player. 

LL:  What do you like most about playing with the Louisville Lightning and if the right circumstances occur, would you return next season?

JT: It is a great group of guys and the owners really put their hearts into it.  You hear so much about other teams not treating players so well but our staff was great.  It’s a family organization but the operation of the franchise is very professional and organized.  We have great fan support, and it’s always exciting to step onto the pitch and hear the fans cheering for you.  I would certainly return to the Lightning if the opportunity is there.