Midge Purce confirms torn ACL, will miss remainder of NWSL season

The forward will undergo surgery and miss out on selection with the USWNT for the Olympics

In yet another blow to NJ/NY Gotham FC’s injury list, forward Midge Purce will be placed on the season-ending injury list with an ACL tear and will undergo surgery.

The forward picked up a knee injury on Sunday during the team’s season opener away at Portland Thorns. Purce first announced the injury on her social channels, saying, “It’s a reality I’m still struggling with and has left me with not too much to say.”

Purce featured for the U.S. women’s national team during the Concacaf W Gold Cup and played in only two matches for her club team before the injury.

Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós has been vocal in his displeasure of the timing of the tournament which occurred only days after the NWSL’s preseason began.

“We lost Midge during the game which for me is a bittersweet flavor,” Amorós told reporters after Sunday’s game. “By the way, it’s another player that came from the Gold Cup. Last week, it was Debinha. We are paying the consequences of a tournament that shouldn’t have happened.”

It is no secret that 2024 boasts an extremely congested schedule with club games, international competitions, and friendly tournaments adding to a significant number of games for players around the world. Such a packed schedule has led to concerns over player safety. Women’s soccer has recently seen a number of players with significant injuries, with ACL tears being particularly prevalent.

Gotham’s roster has been significantly impacted by injuries since last season. The club has yet to see Lynn Williams or Rose Lavelle play in 2024 after the pair came back with injuries from the W Gold Cup. Gotham additionally still has three players on SEI from last season: McCall Zerboni, Abby Smith, and Taylor Smith.

Purce, who now joins Gotham’s ever-growing injury report, will certainly be missed for both club and country. The 2023 NWSL Championship MVP has been a critical player for Gotham and was poised to make her case for inclusion on the USWNT Olympic roster at this summer’s games in France.

“Midge has done a really good job and has a very specific skill set,” said USWNT interim head coach Twila Kilgore on Tuesday morning following Purce’s absence from the SheBelieves Cup roster. “She could absolutely be called on again in the future.”

UPDATE:

“Midge has been instrumental to the success of this team and will continue to be,” said Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós. “I am extremely sad to hear about the severity of her injury. She is an excellent player, and even better person, who will be very much missed on the pitch. Gotham FC will support her in every way possible to come back as the exciting player that she is.”