Gotham FC has been in the headlines this preseason for obvious reasons. Since the conclusion of last season, significant changes within the team—most notably, the mass exodus—have raised many red flags. Even ardent supporters have been left with no choice but to believe that something is wrong with the NWSL side. However, ahead of the new season, it looks like they have finally stepped up to nip things in the bud by making a major announcement!

By the looks of it, the New York-based club seems to be bucking the trend by having retained Midge Purce. The announcement came just hours ago after the USWNT forward decided her future with the Blues. As she entered free agency in her fifth year at the club, it turned out to be an unfortunate campaign for Purce; the star forward was subsequently sidelined with a season-ending knee injury. However, the 2023 NWSL Championship MVP is set to stay after she signed a year-long deal with Gotham.

“I’m back,” said the 29-year-old when asked about her future. “I’m excited to continue my journey with Gotham FC. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch to play with this team and for our incredible fans.” Well, it’s not like Purce has completely been given the green light to make a return on the pitch. The forward is undergoing a return-to-play protocol as the exact timeline of being fit is yet to be given.

After all, Purce is coming from an extended period of absence, owing to injuries; Gotham would be least interested in rushing over their star player’s return. In the meantime though, Midge will join her teammates at the preseason training camp in Marbella, Spain.

Notably, Purce has been a part of Gotham FC since 2021, having arrived via trade. The talented defender didn’t take much time to settle; aside from finishing second in the 2021 Golden Boot race, she earned MVP honors in the 2023 NWSL Championship. She etched her name in the history books by becoming only the second player in NWSL history to assist two goals in a final.

That proved crucial for Gotham to secure its first league title. In fact, that season, she also set a career-high with four assists in 15 matches, capping off a standout year. However, the remaining time has also seen her on the sidelines. Having torn her quad in April 2023, she then missed the 2024 with an ACL tear. That couldn’t have come at the worst place as she was reentering the U.S. women’s national team pool.

Then again, these setbacks don’t seem to have affected Purce’s aspirations. With the latest development, she has given a crucial boost to the club, which has been dealing with a lot lately.

Retaining Midge Purce is a much-needed relief for the Gotham FC fanbase

Since the off-season, shocking transfers have seen many big names leave Gotham. Lynn Biyendolo joined Seattle Reign, despite the USWNT veteran insisting that she “truly never thought” of leaving the Blues. Similar sentiments were echoed by Crystal Dunn, who mutually parted ways with the club to join Paris Saint-Germain. Additionally, Yazmeen Ryan, midfielder Delanie Sheehan, and goalkeeper Abby Smith all transferred to Houston.

Meanwhile, Hiatt and Maitane López moved to the Portland Thorns and the Chicago Red Stars, respectively. This mass exodus surely left fans uncertain about the club’s future. Although the club’s general manager and head of soccer operations, Yael Averbuch West, wrote a letter to soothe the supporters’ concerns, Purce’s return – and hopefully a long stay – turns the tide and marks the beginning of something new.

Certainly, she brings several valuable qualities to the team’s talented attacking group with her dynamism and experience. It will be interesting to see how things unfold for her at this stage – as well as for the team, which is finding its feet again.