Murray, a two-year captain with oodles of accolades for his play all over the pitch, has never scored a goal at the high school level. He’s sniffed a few, but shots have either sailed wide or high, crosses have just missed his foot.

Murray’s positions in the back third during his high school career haven’t helped, either. A right halfback last year, he replaces the graduated Jason Wells at sweeper this season, giving Murray even less opportunities to find the back of that net.

No matter, Murray just wants to win matches.

"If [I score], that’s great, but my main goal is to make my teammates better and hopefully the wins will follow," says Murray, who is only the second MHS two-year captain to play for Jack Weber during his 23-year tenure.

Murray joins Cameron Hartsfield in the exclusive club. Hartsfield captained Montclair’s 2000 squad to a sectional title as a senior, the most recent for the program. Will the symmetry lead to another Mountie championship?

"The team has gotten better during each of my three years, so hopefully that will continue," Murray says. "We are strong all over the field, and I think in terms of chemistry, this is the best we’ve had to start the season."

The promising chemistry has a lot to do with Murray, according to Weber.

"Trent is dealing with a big group this year, but the guys are comfortable with his style of leadership from last season," says Weber. "He’s can get in your face if he needs to, but it hasn’t happened because the guys really respect him. He is also someone who is going to build up rather than tear a guy down."

In terms of play, Murray is unlike Wells, who had all eyes on him every time he was near the ball due to his speed and aggressiveness. Murray will sneak up on opponents, and forwards won’t know he’s picked their pocket until he’s already cleared the ball or started a run upfield. Smooth and seemingly always under control, Murray can get into the middle third with ease before dishing off to a teammate.

"He’s one of the guys who is so skilled, you almost lose track of what he’s doing or take for granted that he just does everything right," Weber says. "That doesn’t show up on the scorecard, but he doesn’t need to in order to take over a game."

THREE YEARS AND COUNTING

While Murray always defers to Weber, the duo shares a bond not found in most player-coach relationships. Weber will bounce ideas off Murray; a right he has earned for his play and maturity. It’s also a right Murray is honored to possess.

"It’s been a great three years with Coach Weber, and that’s a big part of what makes this year special for me," says Murray. "He values my opinion when we talk soccer, so it’s important for me to really pay attention to what’s going on all over the field. Hopefully my observations will help the team improve."

Murray has received strong interest from Felician College and Drew University, but isn’t ready to make a decision on where he will play in college.

"I’m interested in the medical field, maybe nursing, so I will see what comes my way as the year goes on. Coach Weber wants to grab me to take his economics class; I don’t think that’s happening," laughs Murray.

Murray does hope his team advances past the semifinal round in North 1, Group 4, the round Clifton ousted the Mounties in last year.

"I don’t want this season to end like last year’s, so we are going to work harder to go deeper in the State tournament," Murray says. "A title would be the best ending to my four years."

Even better than scoring a goal.