FC Cincinnati have signed defender Ian Murphy and forward Nick Markanich to contracts through the 2022 season, with options through the 2025 season, the club announced today. FCC selected Murphy and Markanich with the 14th and 30th picks, respectively, in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas.
“Ian is a talented and physical left-footed center back,” said FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright. “He has all the tools to have a career in MLS, and we look forward to his continued development.”
FC Cincinnati selected Murphy with the 14th overall pick in the draft this offseason. He appeared in every Preseason game for the Orange and Blue, going 70 minutes in a 1-1 draw with the Philadelphia Union and 75 minutes in the 3-2 victory over Nashville SC.
Murphy, 22, started 64 of his 69 career matches for the Duke Blue Devils over four seasons, tallying 1,748 minutes in his final season in a Duke defense that allowed just 23 goals in 20 games. He earned third-team All-South region honors in 2021 and is a three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member.
He was named Duke’s Defender of the Year in 2021. The Redlands, California native tallied three goals and three assists during his career, all during his freshman season. Prior to Duke, he attended one semester of residency with the United States U17 Youth National Team.
“Nick has a high soccer IQ, and has quickly figured out what it takes to compete at this level” said FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright. “We look forward to his growth as a player at FC Cincinnati.”
Markanich, 22, was selected with the 2nd pick in the 2nd round of the draft. He appeared in four of five preseason games for the Orange and Blue, scoring a goal in a 4-0 win over St. Louis CITY SC and setting up two more over the course of camp with shots that turned into rebound goals for the Orange and Blue.
He was the top scorer in the NCAA in 2021, scoring 16 goals in his final season at Northern Illinois. A standout with the Huskies, Markanich earned Mid-American Conference Player of the Year honors in 2020 and 2021. The three-time first-team All-MAC honoree scored 39 career goals in 69 matches for the Huskies in addition to nine assists.
Markanich, a native of Bourbonnais, Ill., this past season earned College Soccer News All-America third-team recognition, was named to Top Drawer Soccer Best XI third team and earned United Soccer Coaches All-North Region first-team honors. He helped lead Northern Illinois to a MAC Tournament title and NCAA Tournament berth this past year when he was named the MAC Tournament Most Valuable Player for scoring both in the semifinals against Bowling Green and as he scored the golden goal in overtime in the 105th minute against Georgia State.
Nick Markanich’s twin brother, Anthony Markanich, was selected in the first round (No. 26 overall) by the Colorado Rapids.
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati have signed defender Ian Murphy to a contract through the 2022 season, with options through the 2025 season, on February 21, 2022.
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati have signed forward Nick Markanich to a contract through the 2022 season, with options through the 2025 season, on February 21, 2022.
IAN MURPHY
Position: Defender
Height: 6’ 2’
Birthdate: January 16, 2000 (22)
Birthplace: Redlands, California
Nationality: United States
How Acquired: Selected with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
NICK MARKANICH
Position: FORWARD
Height: 6’ 1”
Birthdate: December 26, 1999 (23)
Birthplace: Bourbonnais, Ill.
Nationality: United States
How Acquired: Selected with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
FC Cincinnati's 2022 schedule can be viewed, HERE. FCC’s 2022 home slate begins at TQL Stadium when the club hosts D.C. United in the home opener on March 5th. Fans can get the best tickets at the best price to the best matches all season long, including the home opener, by purchasing season tickets at fccincinnati.com/tickets or by calling 513-977-KICK, that’s 513-977-5425.
Fans can also purchase half-season ticket packages and single match tickets to any of FC Cincinnati’s 17 home games are available now.
FC Cincinnati begin their fourth season of MLS competition in 2022, and their second playing at TQL Stadium. For up-to-the-minute information about FC Cincinnati, visit the team’s official website at fccincinnati.com, or follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @FCCincinnati. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.
