Tierna Davidson, Gotham FC and USWNT star, out for year with torn ACL

Gotham FC provided a brutal injury update Wednesday morning on one of its star defenders.

Club captain Tierna Davidson suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee last week, Gotham announced Wednesday. She’ll be put on the NWSL’s season-ending injury list.

It’s a big blow to the team’s back line as Gotham has struggled to a winless start through three games.

“We are heartbroken for Tierna,” general manager and head of soccer operations Yael Averbuch West said in a statement. “Our club will do everything we can to support her through this recovery and rehabilitation process. We know she will come back stronger than ever.”

Davidson, 26, left Friday’s goalless draw against the Houston Dash with a left knee injury on a non-contact play in the 44th minute.

After the game, Gotham FC coach Juan Carlos Amorós called Davidson a “warrior” and said it was “devastating” seeing her leave the game with an injury.

“I know that whatever it is, we’re gonna be with her, we’re gonna support her,” he told reporters. “She’s in safe hands. We have a fantastic medical team, and I hope [the injury] is the minimum it can be because she’s been outstanding for us and outstanding for her country.”

Davidson was supposed to suit up for the U.S. women’s national team in its upcoming friendlies against Brazil, rematches of the 2024 Olympic gold-medal clash. U.S. Soccer announced Monday that Angel FC defender Gisele Thompson would replace Davidson.

This is Davidson’s second serious knee injury in three years.

Davidson suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in March 2022. She returned to the pitch in early 2023 but was left off the 2023 World Cup roster.

Davidson, one of the NWSL’s best center backs, joined Gotham FC in January 2024 after spending her first five seasons with the Chicago Red Stars, now known as the Stars.

She was an anchor for Gotham last season and helped them to one of their best defensive seasons in franchise history. Gotham set a team record for fewest goals conceded (20) and finished with a plus-21 goal differential, which was the league’s fourth-best mark in 2024.

Davidson has made 22 appearances for Gotham, including all three starts this season. She was voted to be the club captain for 2025 by her teammates.