After three frustrating results to open the season, NJ/NY Gotham FC found its breakthrough Sunday, edging out the North Carolina Courage 3-1 at Sports Illustrated Arena. Forward Esther González scored twice just before halftime, and rookie Lilly Reale added a third in the second half — her first professional goal.
However, the night’s loudest ovation was for forward Midge Purce, making her long-awaited return after 13 months on the sidelines. The 29-year-old stepped back onto the field in the 73rd minute to a cheer that outshined all three goals, a testament to her impact and the anticipation surrounding her comeback.
“I’m looking forward to winning a championship again,” Purce told The Athletic after the game. “I want to be a really important piece of that and contribute to that team. I want to score goals. I’m excited to be a part of a team that I truly believe, from the bottom of my heart, that can and will win this championship.”
The 2023 NWSL championship MVP tore her ACL in a match against the Portland Thorns in March 2024, sidelining her for the rest of the season and preventing her from competing in the Paris Olympics with the U.S. women’s national team. After entering free agency at the end of her previous deal, Purce re-signed with Gotham on a…
