Tierna Davidson, a defender for the U.S. Women`s National Team, tore her ACL in her left knee during a game for NJ/NY Gotham FC. This injury complicates USWNT coach Emma Hayes` plans to develop new players for the 2027 Women`s World Cup.
Davidson was injured in the 44th minute of Friday`s game against Houston Dash. It was a non-contact injury to her left knee. She walked off the field with some assistance, visibly upset, and was comforted by Gotham`s goalkeeper coach, Michelle Betos, before leaving the field.
This injury is a significant setback for Gotham FC, whose strong defense, built by coach Juan Carlos Amoros, is key to their game. Davidson has been a starting center-back alongside Emily Sonnett. Mandy Freeman replaced Davidson in Friday`s game and is a possible replacement.
Davidson previously tore her ACL in her right knee in 2022 while playing for the Chicago Stars, missing the entire 2022 season. She returned in 2023 but missed the 2023 World Cup roster. She later rejoined the national team and became a starter with Naomi Girma for the 2024 Olympics, where they won gold.
USWNT to Test Defensive Depth
While long-term injuries are always unfortunate, Davidson`s injury occurs when Coach Hayes planned to experiment with the team. Hayes is using the post-Olympics period to try out new players and tactics, which she will likely continue throughout 2025.
Fans will see Hayes` new approach soon when the USWNT plays Brazil in a two-game series this month. Hayes is missing both starting center-backs from the Olympics, as Girma is also injured. However, she has options like veteran Sonnett and less experienced players Alana Cook, Tara McKeown, and Emily Sams.
Cook, a member of the 2023 World Cup team, may play her first minutes under Hayes. Sonnett and McKeown started in two SheBelieves Cup games in February, and Sams played with Davidson in another. Sonnett also replaced Davidson during the Olympics when Davidson had a minor injury.
Girma and Davidson are expected to be starters for the 2027 World Cup, assuming they are healthy. This period of experimentation will help Hayes identify potential replacements.
Davidson is one of many experienced USWNT players who will be sidelined for a while since the Olympics. Only 10 players from the Olympic gold-winning team are currently in camp, and Hayes has not been able to train with her full team since the Olympics.
Dominic Ashworth