Gotham FC defeats Bay FC 1-0 behind Purce's early goal
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Gotham FC defeats Bay FC 1-0 behind Purce's early goal

Midge Purce scored in the second minute as Gotham FC won 1-0 at Bay FC on Wednesday, extending the team's unbeaten streak to five matches.

11:03 AM

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Gotham FC earned a 1-0 road victory over Bay FC on Wednesday night, with forward Midge Purce scoring the game-winner just two minutes into the match at PayPal Park.

Purce's early goal proved decisive as Gotham FC held on for the clean sheet. Goalkeeper Shelby Hogan recorded her second shutout in as many starts this season. The victory extended Gotham FC's unbeaten streak to five NWSL matches.

The scoreline matched Gotham FC's result when the teams last met at PayPal Park during the 2025 NWSL Championship. Purce's goal marked her second score inside the first five minutes of a match in consecutive games.

Acting head coach Shaun Harris praised his team's performance after the match. "Being on the road, we're happy to get the three points and the clean sheet," Harris said. "That was first and foremost a priority, and we had the performance to back it up."

Purce, who suffered an ACL injury during a 2024 match against the Thorns, has remained healthy throughout the 2026 season. She returned to play in 2025 following over a year away from the lineup and recorded over 35 crosses along with a goal and assist during that championship campaign. This season, she has continued as a strong ball handler for the league-leading Gotham FC.

Bay FC made roster moves ahead of the match. Defender Abby Dahlkemper returned to the field after maternity leave, making her first NWSL appearance since June 2025. Activated from maternity leave earlier Wednesday after welcoming her first child in February, Dahlkemper entered the match in the 84th minute as a substitute for defender Joelle Anderson. She became the fifth NWSL player to return from maternity leave this season.

Midfielder Taryn Torres also returned for Bay FC after an ACL injury, appearing on the available roster for the match.

"I feel like just an immense amount of gratitude," Dahlkemper said postgame. "I feel like when you have a child, your whole life kind of changes, and soccer isn't everything, but I'm just appreciative to be a part of this."

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