Gotham FC’s two leading goal scorers will be extending their stays in New York/New Jersey, the club announced Thursday.
Gotham has re-signed both Margaret Purce and Ifeoma Onumonu to a two-year and one-year deal respectively — and in doing so have retained one of the NWSL’s most effective attacking duos for the 2022 NWSL season.
In a pair of statements, Coach Scott Parkinson sang the praises of both strikers and their importance to the squad.
“[Purce is] a smart and intelligent footballer that can defend from the front for 90 minutes and is a constant threat when we have the ball,” said Parkinson. “She’s a tough player for teams to silence and we are ecstatic she wants to play her football here in NJ and NY.”
Of Onumonu, Parkinson noted that she has all of the qualities you look for in a No. 9 in the NWSL.
“Across goals and assists, she was one of the most productive players in the league,” he said in a statement.
Purce and Onumonu were the driving force of Gotham’s offense last season and helped lead the club to its first playoff appearance since the NWSL’s inaugural season. Purce, who finished second in the league’s golden boot race and third in MVP voting, netted nine goals and one assist on the season — even after a quad injury left her off the team sheet for six games.
Onumonu had a breakout season for Gotham in 2021 — keeping the team in playoff contention while Purce was injured. The 27-year-old scored eight goals and four assists, making herself undroppable from the starting XI.
“I’m really excited to re-sign with Gotham FC,” Onumonu said of her new contract. “From the beginning, this organization has been really good to me and I’m looking forward to fighting for a championship this upcoming season with the excellent group that we have. Can’t wait to get it started!!”
The striking duo will report to New Jersey for the league’s pre-season on Feb. 1.
Midge Purce, Ifeoma Onumonu, and the rest of the Gotham squad return to the field for the 2022 Challenge Cup on March 19th. Visit the club’s website for more information including ticketing and schedule release dates.