MLS Defender Max Murray of NYCFC Shops at Banana Stand

19/03/2026

When a National Champion walks through your door at Banana Stand you remember it! University of Vermont’s own Max Murray recently stopped by Banana Stand in Burlington, Vermont for a personal shopping experience. New England born and raised in Kennebunkport, Maine, Max Murray & Sydney Wathua (Colorado Rapids) are the only two active MLS first team players that are UVM Alumni. Murray is currently playing for NYC FC and was drafted _ by them in the first round. Here’s the story of how our paths crossed with Murray, why this visit meant so much, and what Murray is up to now.

How Banana Stand Connected with Max Murray

Murray first discovered Banana Stand when his mother was visiting him at parents weekend during his freshman year at UVM. During his most recent shopping trip, he mentioned picking up a pair of vintage ’90s Nike athletic shorts that have since become a go-to, from swimming to workouts and everything in between. The pattern and material are unmistakably nostalgic, capturing that bold ’90s energy we all love. (Banana Stand curates shorts like these regularly!)

Our growth at Banana Stand has paralleled with Murray, when he was a freshman, we had just finished our first year opening the store in Burlington. It was great to show Murray all of the hard work we've put into the store over years to make Banana Stand a unique experience for all. It sure looks a lot different from his first experience stepping inside the shop!

As Murray reached year 4, his senior year at UVM, Banana Stand had expanded its product development and started production on our winter outerwear products. Murray came in for his personal shopping experience just after he became a NCAA National Champion. He admitted he wouldn't get to experience the parade because he was already being sent to NYC FC for tryouts and training as the MLS Draft took place only 4 days after the NCAA National Championship game.

One thing we picked up right away was that, although it had been a warm winter the year prior, Murray came in ill prepared without a coat and just wearing a hoodie. We showed Murray the new winter apparel and he was in love. We got Murray in the Banana Stand Heavy Weight winter puffer jacket that is good for temperatures as low as negative 10 degrees.

Just a few days after his visit, Max reached out to us on Instagram to say he had fallen asleep on a flight in his jacket, and confirmed it was extra cozy.

As the MLS season moved forward, he was on the road traveling and training with the team, preparing for the next level of play. Between building chemistry and adjusting to the intensity of MLS, Max quickly got used to the league’s demanding schedule, traveling across the country week after week to compete against some of the best players in the world.

CAREER HONORS

1.) NCAA National Champion (2024)

2.) 17th overall pick in MLS Draft to NYC FC

3.) America East Academic Honor Roll (2023-24, 2024-25)

4.) America East All-Conference First Team (2022)

5.) Murray's first game in the MLS was against Lionel Messi and the ever hot Inter Miami team.

Murray’s Visit: A Personalized Shopping Experience at Banana Stand

Since Murray had been in-store before he knew his way around the store and found his way to our ever enticing "Grail" rack, where he found a never been worn 90's Nike Urban Jungle T-Shirt. (Yes, still fresh with the original tags from the 1995 the Spike Lee release. This isn’t your average thrift find. It’s the kind of nostalgic ’90s piece you only come across in a shop owned by true collectors, which is exactly what we are at Banana Stand. Max tried it on, and instantly knew it was the piece he had to take home.

As the 2026 MLS season kicks off, we’re wishing Max Murray the best of luck with New York FC and continuing to cheer him on from Banana Stand. Cheers!