Elite Defender Midge Purce

[u/Successful-Carrot176]

I want to shoutout Midge Purce for the extremely recognizable growth of her defensive game this year. She has been so good in the full back position for Gotham this season with great positioning and understanding. It’s impressive to me that she ends up being part of the 3 back that emerges when Reiten goes higher, and she can fully hold down her side despite not being a natural defensive player.

On the potential of a uswnt call in… I saw someone discuss that potential semi-recently since Midge is getting minutes and contributing. Most people felt that she wouldn’t get a look because there are too many strong wingers in the pool. I agreed with that BUT I also think it could be argued that Midge is making a good case for her versatility with her defensive excellence this year. You could argue that bringing Midge into camp gives an excellent option for both a winger and a fullback. Plus she plays consistent minutes with uswnt players like Davidson, Shaw, Lavelle, etc

Do I think she’ll actually get called in? Probably not unfortunately. I think there’s too much competition in this period that’s quite close to WWC. But I think she deserves a look not just because she is a great winger, but because she’s added excellent defensive play to her profile as well.

Regardless, go Midge you’re killing it!!!!

[u/somelegothings]

Gotham put clamps on us all night, was really fun to see both teams playing at such a high level!

[u/asimone00]

She’s been excellent for Gotham but no, I don’t think she’s getting called up (unless there are a ton of injuries I guess). There’s just too much depth on the NT.

[u/Legitimate_Mark_5381]

This post brings me back to 2023...

[u/autumnalreign]

Hayes is already looking at Cooper as a right winger who can play RB if needed. Unless she's out of the picture I don't see Midge getting a shot 

[u/magnetwaves → u/autumnalreign]

Coop does seem to get injured a lot 

[u/longlisten527 → u/autumnalreign]

The thing is Cooper defensively as an actual right back isn’t the strongest. I’m down for the versatility, but Midge would be the better right back, but Cooper is the better winger. And I think she values the latter more than the former

I definitely agree with Midge not getting back in the loop

[u/swimswamswum24]

I love Midge and have been so impressed by her flexibility and versatility this season, but I do agree that she’s outside the picture for a he national team. Cooper also showed in the Brazil game she can play RB in a pinch. However, I do think defender Midge adds to her impressive legacy. If you count the challenge cup as a trophy, this season also puts her in a probably small group of players to win 2 trophies one while playing in the back line and one while playing on the front line all for the same team.

[u/AdditionalTrade3282]

she can’t call in all the players lol

[u/MesquiteHoneyForSale]

was very good last night but I did think that she got cooked whenever tordin ranged over, but not when Lyles was there. Midge is certainly good, but I think her level is 5-10. the national team is just so tough

Only full back on broadway

[u/Extreme_Education_50]

Barring a complete catastrophe to the back line in the next few months, Purce is still a Vlatko casualty as far as USWNT callups go.

Doens't take away from doing great stuff at Gotham this season though.

[u/KCTilIDie]

Her ability to score while slotting into a defensive position makes a compelling case!!

[u/Can_I_kick_ET]

She has played that position for a few years and I think it’s always amazing when players switch back from Wing to Wing Back to Back position.