Tierna Davidson, a key defender for the U.S. Women`s National Team, has unfortunately torn her ACL in her left knee. This injury occurred during a National Women`s Soccer League game while playing for NJ/NY Gotham FC. This setback complicates USWNT coach Emma Hayes` plans as she aims to broaden the team`s player pool and establish a new core group in preparation for the 2027 Women`s World Cup.
Davidson was injured in the 44th minute of Friday`s match against the Houston Dash. It was a non-contact injury to her left knee. Despite being able to walk off the field with some assistance, she was visibly upset. She received support from Gotham`s goalkeeper coach, Michelle Betos, a former teammate, before heading to the locker room.
This injury is a significant setback for Gotham FC. Their strong defense, built under coach Juan Carlos Amoros, is central to their playing style. Davidson has been a consistent starter at center back alongside Emily Sonnett for all three of Gotham`s games this season. While Mandy Freeman is a potential replacement, having already stepped in during Friday`s game, Davidson`s absence will be felt.
This is not Davidson`s first ACL injury. In 2022, she tore her ACL in her right knee during a training session with the Chicago Stars, her club at the time. That injury sidelined her for the entire 2022 NWSL season. She returned in 2023 but missed the USWNT`s World Cup roster that year. However, she rejoined the national team after the tournament, eventually securing a starting position with Naomi Girma for the 2024 Olympics, where they won a gold medal.
USWNT to Assess Defensive Options
While any long-term injury is unwelcome, Davidson`s injury occurs during a period when Coach Hayes was already planning to experiment with the USWNT lineup. Hayes has stated her intention to use this post-Olympics period to evaluate a wider range of players and implement new tactical approaches, which is expected to continue throughout 2025.
Fans will get an early look at Hayes` strategies in the upcoming two-game series against Brazil this month, starting on Saturday. Notably, Hayes is currently without both of her starting center backs from the Olympics, as Girma is also recovering from a short-term injury. However, Hayes has several defensive options available. Emily Sonnett offers veteran experience, while less seasoned players like Alana Cook, Tara McKeown, and Emily Sams are also with the team.
Alana Cook, a member of the 2023 World Cup squad, could see her first playing time for the national team under Hayes` leadership. Sonnett and McKeown both started in two of the USWNT`s SheBelieves Cup matches in February, and Sams partnered with Davidson in the other match. Additionally, Sonnett previously filled in for Davidson during the Olympics when Davidson had a minor injury.
Girma and Davidson are still expected to be key players for the 2027 World Cup, provided they are fit. This period of experimentation will be valuable for Hayes to identify and develop the next line of defenders for the USWNT.
Davidson joins a number of experienced USWNT players who will be out for an extended period following the Olympics. Only ten players from Hayes` gold medal-winning Olympic team are currently in camp this month, highlighting the team`s recent challenges in maintaining consistent player availability.
Adrian Whitmore