Sky Blue FC Vs OL Reign: 3 things we learned

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 10: Margaret Purce #30 of the U.S. National Team controls the ball against Lixy Rodriguez #12 of Costa Rica at TIAA Bank Field on November 10, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

1. Midge Purce isn’t a defender

One of the biggest offseason signings for Sky Blue FC was the acquisition of Margaret ‘Midge’ Purce from Portland for a 2021 first-round draft pick and midfielder Raquel Rodriguez. In 2019, Purce ended the season with eight goals and one assist in 22 appearances. For a side like Sky Blue who finished dead last in goals scored last year, her talents are more than welcome in the club.

However, she started this match as a right full-back, a questionable move given her track record of scoring goals. Sky Blue was able to generate a couple of quality chances after building from the back but that final finish eluded them.

There is no way to be certain if Purce would have completed those chances, but it makes much more sense playing her in a position higher up the field rather than in a full-back role. She is an offensive-minded player who can hurt opposing defenses. Having her remain in a wide defensive role seems like a waste.

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It was only the first game for Purce and Sky Blue, but her performance in a new position showed us where she belongs: in the box scoring goals.

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