Gotham FC defender Tierna Davidson made her long-awaited return to the pitch for the United States women’s national team in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Japan.
Though the loss snapped the Americans’ 10-game winning streak, Davidson being back in Emma Hayes’ plans is a big boost for the USWNT and Gotham FC.
“I think Tierna looked like she hadn’t been away,” Hayes said during her post-match press conference. “I thought, wow, that’s going to be a tough game for her to go into, and [she] didn’t show that.”
What Davidson’s Return Means for USWNT and Gotham FC
speaks to the media. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Soccer/Veritone)
Davidson has played a total of 118 minutes across four matches for Gotham since returning from a 358-day absence due to her recovery from a torn ACL.
The 27-year-old center-back entered the match as a 65th-minute substitute. She played for 26 minutes and hit several long balls to spring her teammates on attacking runs.
“I am so happy to be back out on the field,” Davidson said in the mixed zone following the match. “Playing with this group of girls, what more could I ask for? It’s so exciting to step out onto a field and have so many weapons that I can help use and hope to exploit [the opposition].”
Davidson Continues Comeback, Pushes for Gotham Starting Place
When Davidson is fully up to speed, she is one of the most composed and technically proficient defenders on the planet. She will be leaned on by Hayes in the lead-up to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and is the most likely candidate to start alongside Naomi Girma in central defense next summer in Brazil.
Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós has spoken highly of Davidson’s abilities, and her presence will be vital to the Bats’ chances of pulling off another NWSL and Concacaf W Champions Cup trophy double.
“Tierna’s such a special player that when she’s on the pitch, she’s probably one of the most technical players that play in the backline, probably in the world,” Amorós said earlier this season. “On top of that, she’s left-footed, which is also even more rare. She’s a great leader on and off the pitch. I think she’s so calm on the ball, but I think she’s just a different player for me.
“I would say – I don’t want to put pressure on her – but I think she’s probably the best left-footed center-back on the planet for the way I see the game.”
Hayes Is Managing Davidson’s Minutes Carefully
Davidson last played for the United States on February 26, 2025. It was her first match for the Stars and Stripes in 412 days.
“I really rate Tierna Davidson as a football player,” Hayes said earlier this month. “I value those qualities, especially as a left-footed center-back. “What a long journey she’s been on. [She’s] shown once again not just her resilience but her determination to bring her back to a great level.”
Hayes previously stated that Davidson will play in “a limited capacity” across the USWNT’s three-match international friendly series against Japan. The final match will take place on Friday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.
Gotham teammates Lilly Reale, Emily Sonnett and Jaedyn Shaw started the match. Rose Lavelle was an unused substitute after she recorded one goal and one assist in last Saturday’s 2-1 victory at San Jose’s PayPal Park.
Friday’s match in Colorado is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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