What Midge Purce’s ACL tear means for Gotham FC

(Photo credit: Amber Searls | USA TODAY Sports)

Midge Purce means so much to NJ/NY Gotham FC. From her MVP-winning performance in the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League championship to her frequent call-ups to the U.S. women’s national team, Purce is a star who brings her passion for the game to the equally passionate fans of the NJ/NY side.

With the announcement of Purce’s season-ending ACL injury Wednesday, Gotham is missing a crucial player on the roster, a forward who has dazzled fans with her dribbling, created chances, notched assists and scored goals.

Purce’s impact at Gotham (formerly Sky Blue FC) goes beyond what happens on the field. In fact, her impact at the club dates back to 2020, when her name first appeared on Sky Blue’s roster. A young Purce’s versatility and high ceiling tantalized fans, giving hope to a club that more often then not found itself at or near the bottom of the NWSL— and Purce delivered.

Since Purce joined Gotham, the club has made two NWSL Challenge Cup playoff runs, appeared in two Challenge Cup finals, made the NWSL postseason twice and won a coveted NWSL championship. Purce’s signing marked a new era for NJ/NY, and the loss of her this season will create a hole both in play and in leadership that the team will need to fill.

“On and off the field, she’s such a great leader,” said Jenna Nighswonger. “She’s such a great teammate and such a hard worker. Obviously, everyone’s gutted. We’re wishing her the best and hoping for the best recovery.”