United States Women and Gotham FC star Midge Purce has been ruled out for several months after confirming an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.
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Purce injured in first NWSL game of seasonUSWNT forward has confirmed torn ACLShe will miss the 2024 Olympics in ParisWHAT HAPPENED?
The forward was substituted after she went down during Gotham's NWSL win against Portland Thorns on Sunday. She has since confirmed the diagnosis of an ACL injury and will not be able to feature at the Paris Olympics this summer. Gotham have confirmed that Purce will have an operation in the injury.
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"I've torn my ACL," she wrote in an Instagram post. "It's a reality I'm still struggling with and has left me with not too much to say."
She added: "I'm heartbroken to no longer be availbale for my season with Gotham FC or for Olympic selection with the USWNT – know I'm rooting for you both all year long."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Purce's injury sparked outrage from Gotham coach Juan Carlos Amoros, who blamed the USWNT's busy fixture schedule for the latest blow for his side, who are already without Rose Lavelle and Lynn Williams due to injury.
"We are paying the consequences of a tournament that shouldn’t have happened,” Amoros said of the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, which took place for the first time between February 20 and March 10 this year.
USA Today Sports WHAT NEXT FOR PURCE?
Purce will begin her recovery from the injury while her team look to battle for the NWSL title. Gotham's 1-0 win against Portland was their first game of the season.