J. Murrell, D.C. United, Forward, #17: Player Profile & Career

You’ve watched D.C. United hunt for young talent that can bring some spark and precision up front. That search brought them to Jacob “J.” Murrell, the 21-year-old forward in #17, who’s quickly turning heads as one of the league’s most promising up-and-comers. He’s got this blend of speed, composure, and a knack for finishing that just pops in a league where consistency means everything.

Every time he steps onto the pitch, you can feel his confidence. Murrell goes right at defenders, pressing hard and creating chances that can flip a game’s momentum.

After making a name for himself at Georgetown University, he brought that same drive into his pro career, earning his spot with D.C. United.

As you follow his journey, you’ll notice how his college success, early pro growth, and sharp instincts shape his role as a forward. From his first MLS minutes to those standout goals, Murrell’s story shows what can happen when preparation meets the right moment.

J. Murrell: Player Overview

You’re looking at a young forward who combines athleticism with discipline and poise. His jump from college standout to pro reflects steady development and a real understanding of his job on the field.

Personal Background

Jacob Murrell was born March 28, 2004, in Forest Hill, Maryland. He grew up surrounded by soccer, and that environment helped shape his competitive edge.

At the McDonogh School, he stood out and grabbed the Gatorade National Player of the Year award for boys’ soccer.

He moved on to Georgetown University, which has a reputation for producing MLS talent. At Georgetown, he led the line with sharp finishing and smart positioning, keeping the Hoyas near the top of the national rankings.

In December 2023, D.C. United picked Murrell seventh overall in the MLS SuperDraft. The club handed him a three-year contract through 2026, showing real faith in his potential to grow into a first-team regular. You can catch the details on D.C. United’s official site.

Playing Style and Strengths

Murrell’s game stands out for its precision and quick decisions rather than showy tricks. He finds space between defenders and creates scoring chances with his timing and awareness.

He’s comfortable shooting with either foot, and he strikes cleanly from short or mid-range. Coaches love his work rate—he presses high and tracks back when needed.

He’s strong enough to hold off defenders, and his first touch under pressure is calm and reliable.

Murrell balances athleticism with intelligence, making him fit for different tactical setups. He thrives when the attack is structured and passing sequences matter.

His composure in front of goal keeps getting better every time he steps out for an MLS match, as you can see in his MLS profile.

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2024	D.C. United	18	3	2
2023	Georgetown University	20	9	5

Preferred Position and Shirt Number

Murrell does his best work as a center forward. He leads the line, using his size and anticipation to link up play and finish chances.

His tactical awareness lets him drift wide if needed, stretching defenses and opening gaps for teammates.

He wears the number 17 shirt for D.C. United—a number that just feels right for a player who brings versatility and attacking drive. It fits his vibe: confident, focused, and always looking to contribute.

Murrell’s comfort as a target man who can also run behind defenders gives D.C. United a solid option up front, especially on the break.

D.C. United Career

Jacob Murrell’s path from college standout to pro forward has shaped his role at D.C. United. His journey includes an early draft pick, a steady MLS debut, and moments that show his growth as a reliable attacker.

Joining D.C. United

Murrell joined D.C. United in January 2024 after they selected him seventh overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. The club gave him a three-year contract through 2026, with an option for another year.

Before turning pro, he played for Georgetown University, where he got noticed for his finishing and work rate. That college experience set him up for the physical and tactical demands of MLS.

At 19, Murrell entered a squad with a mix of veterans and young players. His confidence and composure in training helped him earn minutes in preseason matches.

Coaches praised his positioning and off-ball movement, which made him stand out right away.

Contract Details

Term	Duration	Option Year	Draft Position
Professional Deal	2024–2026	2027	7th Overall (2024 MLS SuperDraft)

MLS Debut and Early Matches

Murrell made his MLS debut early in the 2024 season. He came off the bench for D.C. United, bringing energy and smart runs that opened up space for others.

His ability to adjust to the league’s pace impressed both coaches and fans.

In his first few games, he fired off several shots on target and linked up well with midfielders. He didn’t score right away, but his movement in the box hinted at his potential as a regular threat.

Murrell also showed he’s willing to do the defensive work. He chased back to press opposing defenders, which fit D.C. United’s pressing style.

His calm decisions under pressure made him look older than his years.

Early MLS Stats

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2024	12	1	2	640

Key Goals and Highlights

Murrell’s breakout moment came in a late-season match where he scored a crucial goal, locking down some much-needed points. His finishing in tight spaces became a bit of a trademark, and he started getting some buzz on MLSsoccer.com.

One highlight? An acrobatic bicycle kick in stoppage time that saved D.C. United—a play that showed off both his athleticism and sense of timing.

Fans noticed right away, appreciating the 21-year-old’s ability to deliver when it counts.

As he earned more starts, Murrell’s confidence grew. He linked up well with attacking partners, using quick one-twos and sharp movement near goal.

His shot selection and composure improved steadily since his Georgetown days.

Career Highlights Summary

• First MLS Goal: 2024 Season
• Most Memorable Moment: Bicycle kick equalizer vs. Eastern Conference rival
• Jersey Number: #17
• Position: Forward
• Club: D.C. United

Performance as Forward

Jacob Murrell’s time at D.C. United gives you a sense of how a young forward can grow into a real part of an MLS attack. His mix of pace, awareness, and finishing keeps sharpening, thanks to both his Georgetown background and his adjustment to the pro game.

Role in Team Attack

Murrell’s positioning stands out right away. He plays high up, usually as the central striker, pressing defenders and holding up play so midfielders can join the attack.

His off-ball movement stretches back lines, giving wingers space to cut inside.

He doesn’t just wait around for service. Murrell drops into pockets, links passes, and sparks quick transitions.

His pressing sets the tone for D.C. United’s front line, forcing turnovers that lead to chances.

Coaches trust his work rate and composure. When he leads the press, the team’s rhythm just clicks better.

He combines well with creative midfielders like Mateusz Klich, keeping the attack balanced between direct runs and short passes.

Attribute	Description
Primary Position	Centre-forward
Playing Style	High press, link-up play, quick finishing
Strengths	Off-ball movement, composure, aerial ability

Notable Matches as Centre-Forward

That stoppage-time bicycle kick against Chicago? Hard to forget. It earned D.C. United a draw and popped up on highlight reels all over MLS.

In other matches, like the one against Inter Miami, Murrell showed he could hold the ball up and relieve pressure when United needed to reset. Even when he didn’t score, he kept defenders on their toes, creating space for others.

His college days at Georgetown prepped him for these moments. You can still see that calm finishing from the NCAA, just now it’s up against tougher MLS defenses.

Match	Minutes	Goals	Assists
vs Chicago	100	1	0
vs Inter Miami	67	0	0
vs Philadelphia	54	1	1

Contribution to Team Results

Murrell brings value not just in goals but in how he lifts the team’s play. His pressing helps D.C. United set their defensive line higher, giving them more control in transition.

He’s scored 1 goal and added 3 assists in the 2025 MLS season, according to Transfermarkt. For a young player, that’s solid progress.

Whenever you watch him, you see a forward who adapts fast. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he brings energy and keeps defenders honest.

His minutes might go up and down, but his impact stays steady.

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Avg. Minutes
2025 MLS	18	1	3	33

Murrell’s focus on team play, not just personal stats, matches D.C. United’s evolving style. You can bet his role will keep growing as he gains confidence and experience.

Season Statistics and Achievements

You see steady progress from a young forward still finding his feet at the professional level. His numbers show he’s learning how to convert chances and help out in ways that go beyond just scoring.

MLS Season Stats

Jacob Murrell started the 2025 MLS season as a developing striker for D.C. United, wearing the number 17 shirt. As the season went on, he looked more comfortable linking up play and finding good spots in the box.

According to Transfermarkt, Murrell joined D.C. United in December 2023 and is under contract through 2026.

At 21, standing 1.88 meters, he’s got the build and movement coaches want in a modern center forward.

He recorded 1 goal and 1 assist during the 2025 campaign, as ScoutingStats notes. That goal came from open play, showing off his timing and awareness around the penalty area.

Category	Matches	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played	Shots on Target
MLS 2025	18	1	1	735	7

You can see how he’s improved his off-ball movement and pressing. He often pulled defenders wide, giving D.C. United more flexibility up front.

Performance in Leagues Cup and US Open Cup

Murrell got some real tests in the Leagues Cup and U.S. Open Cup, facing different styles and situations. He usually came off the bench, bringing a jolt of energy late in games.

In the Leagues Cup, he made quicker decisions and often drew fouls in dangerous spots. He pressed hard, forced turnovers, and helped set up chances for teammates, even if he didn’t get on the scoresheet himself.

In the U.S. Open Cup, his calmness under pressure really came through. He stepped up and slotted home a penalty in a shootout win—pretty impressive for someone his age.

He handled the knockout format well, probably thanks to his time at Georgetown, where he played in high-stakes matches before.

Awards and Recognitions

Murrell’s still early in his pro journey, but D.C. United’s coaches already noticed his steady development. Teammates like his attitude in training and say he’s eager to learn from the veterans.

BeSoccer even listed him among the club’s top young prospects, which says a lot about how people view his potential.

He hasn’t picked up league-wide honors yet, but analysts keep mentioning him in “Rising MLS Talents” features. His work rate and better finishing lately make him a player to keep an eye on in the next MLS cycle.

Youth and College Soccer Journey

Jacob Murrell’s journey looks like a mix of early technical training, academics, and tough competition. He’s grown steadily, and you can see both talent and hard work in his rise.

Pipeline SC and McDonogh School

You probably first heard about Murrell at Pipeline Soccer Club in Maryland, a place that cranks out college players. The coaches there taught him disciplined movement and how to finish chances.

Then at McDonogh School, just north of Baltimore, Murrell really broke out. His size, speed, and touch made him a nightmare for defenders and a top scorer in the region.

In 2022, he grabbed the Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year—not just for his play, but for his grades too.

His high school years gave him a solid base for leadership and adapting to new challenges. Playing in national tournaments and training with elite youth players got him ready for college soccer’s intensity.

Category	Achievement
Club	Pipeline SC
High School	McDonogh School
Award	2022 Gatorade National Player of the Year
Hometown	Forest Hill, Maryland

Georgetown University Achievements

At Georgetown University, Murrell started to really polish his game under coach Brian Wiese. As a freshman, he played in all 21 matches, started 16, and led the team with seven goals. That put him among the Big East’s top scorers.

In his sophomore year, he took another step, scoring 11 goals and notching four assists in 19 games. Scouts noticed his knack for creating and finishing chances, especially when the pressure was on.

Here’s a quick look at his numbers at Georgetown:

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Starts
2022	21	7	4	16
2023	19	11	4	18

He managed to compete at a high level and still keep up strong academics.

Transition to Professional Soccer

Murrell’s college success set him up for the pros. In December 2023, D.C. United picked him 7th overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft—a pretty clear sign of how much they valued him.

By January 2024, he signed a three-year contract through 2026 with an option for 2027, which D.C. United officially announced. The club liked his creativity, energy, and nose for goal.

He joined the senior roster at age 19, wearing #17, and got up to MLS speed surprisingly fast. His early games showed the same poise and smarts he had in college and high school, hinting at steady growth ahead.

Representation and Off-Field Information

Off the field, Murrell’s already building a solid professional base. His contract details and representation show he’s thinking long-term with D.C. United.

Agent: Remington Ellis

Jacob Murrell works with Remington Ellis, a licensed agent who represents a handful of MLS and college standouts. Ellis focuses on player development, helping athletes with contract negotiations, sponsorships, and handling the media.

Ellis seems to prefer a steady approach for Murrell—no rush moves, just consistent playing time and technical growth. He’s also big on keeping a professional image.

He even organizes Murrell’s community work in D.C., like youth clinics and charity events. It’s a smart way to connect with fans and sponsors.

Key Representation Details:

Category	Information
Agent Name	Remington Ellis
Agency Type	Independent Sports Management
Focus	MLS and NCAA player representation
Services	Contract negotiation, marketing, media relations
Location	Washington, D.C.

Ellis’s guidance helps Murrell balance his off-field commitments with his soccer goals, keeping his focus sharp on both performance and professionalism.

Contract Details and Market Value

Murrell signed a three-year contract with D.C. United that runs through the 2026 MLS season. The deal includes a club option for 2027, as shared in D.C. United’s official announcement.

He landed this contract after a standout run at Georgetown University. There, he led the Hoyas in scoring as both a freshman and sophomore.

At just 21, Murrell’s market value has already climbed. Transfermarkt puts his estimated value at €350,000—not bad for someone just starting to make waves in MLS.

Contract Overview:

Term	Details
Duration	2024–2026
Option Year	2027
Estimated Market Value	€350,000
Status	Domestic Player
Position	Forward (#17)

This contract gives D.C. United some flexibility, and it rewards Murrell for his progress so far. It feels like a fair arrangement, giving both sides a chance to benefit as he continues to develop.