After that game, after the heartbreaking early departure of Megan Rapinoe, after back-and-forth goals, after the chaotic drama of Goatham FC goalkeeper Mandy Haught’s red card and field player Nealy Martin’s emergency stint in goal to finish out the dregs of stoppage, Midge Purce faced yet another challenge. Speaking to journalists with a champagne-drenched uniform and an NWSL championship medal around her neck, ski goggles were perched on her forehead. They hadn’t worked.
“It’s cheap s— so (champagne) got in my eye,” Purce said. She couldn’t stop beaming.
Purce was the fulcrum around which that game pivoted – a thrilling, dramatic 2-1 win over OL Reign that delivered Gotham FC the 2023 NWSL title. Both Gotham goals came off Purce assists, to Lynn Williams and Esther. She led all players in successful dribbles with five, all originating along the right flank she dominated throughout the 90-plus minutes. Her performance was enough to net Purce an additional piece of hardware: Championship MVP.
“Midge is incredible on the ball,” Martin said after the game. “She does so much for us at times. I turn around, she’s playing center back and then we win the ball and she’s attacking. So there’s really nothing she can’t do.”
Purce’s first assist dazzling,…
