OAKLAND, Calif. – Oakland Roots Sports Club announced on Friday the club had signed current United States U-19 National Team center back Drew Murray to his first professional contract ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Murray was born and raised in San Jose, Calif., and was most recently called up to the United States U-19 National Team this January. The 17-year-old joins fellow United States youth international Ethan Kohler in joining Oakland for the new season.

“We are pumped to be adding another local young standout talent,” said Roots SC Technical Director Jordan Ferrell. “Drew has shown his high-level potential already and we look forward to integrating him into our set up in this next phase of his career.”

Murray competed for the San Jose Earthquakes II in MLS NEXT Pro this past season, making two appearances for the South Bay side in 2022. In the Summer of 2022, he was also named to the MLS NEXT All-Star team representing the Western Conference.