Tierna Davidson, a key defender for the U.S. Women`s National Team, has unfortunately torn her ACL in her left knee. This happened during a National Women`s Soccer League (NWSL) game while playing for NJ/NY Gotham FC. This injury complicates USWNT coach Emma Hayes` plans as she aims to broaden the team and develop a fresh core group for the 2027 Women`s World Cup.
During Friday`s match against the Houston Dash, Davidson had to leave the game in the 44th minute. It was a non-contact injury to her left knee. Although she could walk off the field with some assistance, she was visibly upset. Gotham`s goalkeeper coach, Michelle Betos, who used to play with Davidson, comforted her before she went to the locker room.
This injury is a significant setback for Gotham FC. Their strong defense, built under coach Juan Carlos Amoros, is a key part of their game. Davidson has been a starter in all three of Gotham`s games this season, playing alongside Emily Sonnett. Mandy Freeman replaced Davidson in Friday`s game and is a possible option to fill Davidson`s position.
Davidson has experienced an ACL tear before, in her right knee in 2022 during training with the Chicago Stars. That injury caused her to miss the entire 2022 NWSL season. She returned in 2023 but was not selected for the USWNT`s 2023 World Cup team. However, she rejoined the national team after the tournament and secured a starting position with Naomi Girma for the 2024 Olympics, where they won a gold medal.
USWNT to Test Defensive Depth
While any long-term injury is unwelcome, Davidson`s injury occurs at a time when Coach Hayes was already planning to experiment with the team. Hayes has stated her intention to use this period after the Olympics to assess more players and introduce new tactical strategies, which she is expected to continue throughout 2025.
Fans will get a glimpse of Hayes` new approach soon. The USWNT is playing Brazil in two games this month, starting on Saturday. 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 players available, including veteran Emily Sonnett and less experienced players like Alana Cook, Tara McKeown, and Emily Sams.
Alana Cook, who was on the 2023 World Cup team, might play her first minutes for the national team under Hayes. Sonnett and McKeown started two of the three SheBelieves Cup matches in February, and Sams played alongside Davidson in the other match. Additionally, Sonnett substituted for Davidson at the Olympics when Davidson had a minor injury.
Girma and Davidson, both under 30 as of the 2027 World Cup, are still expected to be the starting center backs for that tournament, assuming they are fit. At the very least, this period of testing will allow Hayes to determine the next players in line for these crucial defensive roles.
Davidson joins a growing list of experienced USWNT players who will be sidelined for a significant period since the Olympics. Only ten players from Hayes` Olympic gold medal-winning team are in the current camp, and Hayes has not had the opportunity to work with her full team since their return from Paris.
