USWNT and NJ/NY Gotham FC winger Midge Purce has suffered a torn ACL, ending her hopes of participating in this summer’s Olympics.
Purce suffered the injury in Gotham’s 1-0 win over the Portland Thorns on Sunday. The 28-year-old was not named to the USWNT roster for the SheBelieves Cup, which was announced two days after she suffered the injury.
Purce departed the match in first-half stoppage time, moments after falling awkwardly after trying to dribble away from Sophia Smith.
However, an 11th minute collision with Sam Coffey may also be involved, with Purce showing clear signs of pain and being consoled by members of both teams. Purce returned after three minutes of treatment from that incident, but after the second incident could be heard on ESPN2’s broadcast telling the Gotham bench “I’m out, I’m out” before being substituted.
In a statement posted on her social media channels, Purce announced the news herself.
“I’ve torn my ACL. It’s a reality I’m still struggling with and has left me with not too much to say,” wrote the Maryland native. “I’m heartbroken to no longer be available for my season with Gotham FC or for Olympic selection with the USWNT — know I’m rooting for you both all year long.
“Though you may not see it, I’ll be doing everything I can to get back on the field. Like my Dad always says, ‘You gotta put a little grind behind that prayer.'”
— Midge Purce (@100Purcent) March 27, 2024
Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós expressed his dismay over the timing of the recent Concacaf W Gold Cup, which Purce participated in, linking the competition to injuries on his own squad as well as elsewhere in the NWSL.
“We’re talking about protecting the players, [who shouldn’t] go to play an international competition after one week of preseason,” Amorós said after the match. “We’ve seen the consequences now. We’ve got Rose [Lavelle], Lynn [Williams], last week it was Debinha in Kansas [City], and now we have Midge.”
Lavelle and Williams both participated in the W Gold Cup final on March 10, but have not played since. Lavelle’s prognosis is unknown beyond being a lower-leg issue, while on the Good Vibes FC podcast she co-hosts with former USWNT midfielder Sam Mewis, Williams said she won’t be out for very long with what she called a hamstring strain.
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