Tierna Davidson, a key defender for the U.S. Women`s National Team, will unfortunately miss the 2025 NWSL season. She sustained a torn ACL in her left knee while playing for NJ/NY Gotham FC on Friday.
The injury occurred in the 44th minute of Gotham`s game against the Houston Dash. Davidson went down without contact and, visibly upset, was helped off the field. She received support from Gotham`s goalkeeper coach, Michelle Betos, before heading to the locker room.
This is a significant setback for Gotham FC, whose strong defense, built around Davidson and Emily Sonnett, has been central to their game plan under coach Juan Carlos Amoros. Davidson had started all three games this season. Mandy Freeman is a potential replacement, having already filled in during Friday`s match.
Davidson has unfortunately experienced an ACL tear before, in her right knee in 2022 while with the Chicago Stars. That injury sidelined her for the entire 2022 season. Although she returned in 2023, she missed the World Cup roster that year. However, she successfully returned to the national team, securing a starting position alongside Naomi Girma for the 2024 Olympics, where they won a gold medal.
USWNT to Test Defensive Depth
While any long-term injury is unwelcome, this comes at a time when USWNT coach Emma Hayes was already planning to experiment with the team. Hayes intends to use this post-Olympics period to broaden the player pool and introduce new tactical approaches, likely continuing throughout 2025.
Fans will get an early look at Hayes` strategies in the upcoming two-game series against Brazil this month. Neither of her starting Olympic center backs will be available, as Girma is also currently injured. However, Hayes has several options, including veteran Emily Sonnett and less experienced players like Alana Cook, Tara McKeown, and Emily Sams.
Cook, a member of the 2023 World Cup squad, could see her first national team minutes under Hayes. Sonnett and McKeown started two SheBelieves Cup matches in February, and Sams partnered with Davidson in the other. Sonnett also previously substituted for Davidson during the Olympics when she had a minor injury.
Girma and Davidson, both expected to be under 30 by the 2027 World Cup, are still considered the likely starting center backs for that tournament, assuming they are fit. In the meantime, this period will give Hayes the opportunity to evaluate other defensive options.
Davidson joins a growing list of experienced USWNT players who are facing extended absences since the Olympics. Only ten players from the gold medal-winning Olympic team are in camp this month, highlighting the challenges Hayes faces in working with a full squad.
