USWNT's Midge Purce will miss Olympics, NWSL season with torn ACL: 'I'm heartbroken'
USWNT forward Midge Purce will miss the entire NWSL season and the upcoming Paris Olympics with an ACL injury.
"I’ve torn my ACL. It’s a reality I’m still struggling with," Purce, 28, wrote in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday. "I’m heartbroken to no longer be available for my season with Gotham or for Olympic selection with the USWNT."
Purce, who was named the championship game MVP after leading NJ/NY Gotham FC to a 2023 NWSL title, suffered the injury during Gotham's season-opener against the Portland Thorns on Sunday. She went down during first half stoppage time after battling for the ball with the Thorns' Sophia Smith. Purce instantly grabbed her left knee and said "I'm out," before limping off the field.
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Purce expressed gratitude to everyone who has showed support following her season-ending injury and promised to do "everything I can to get back on the field."
"I am so blessed. Since my last game, so many friends, teammates and even players I’ve only ever competed against, took the time to extend their supports, concern and love," she wrote. "Your messages have meant so much to me throughout this process, you have consoled what, for a moment, felt inconsolable. Thank you for reminding me that our football world is not only full with incredible talent but also, incredible kindness."
Purce played her first match for the USWNT as a defender in November 2019. She was called up as a forward two years later and helped the U.S. win the SheBelieves Cup in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Purce reportedly was being considered for the USWNT's 2023 World Cup team, but suffered a torn quad in April.
She was part of the USWNT team that won the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup in February. In total, she has made 30 appearances for the national team and has scored four goals with five assists.
Purce missed most of the 2023 NWSL league with the quad injury, but was instrumental in Gotham's championship playoff run. Purce assisted both goals in Gotham's 2-1 win over OL Reign, now called Seattle Reign FC.