Tierna Davidson is out for the rest of 2025 after Gotham FC player suffers ACL tear | OneFootball

Last Friday, NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Houston Dash played to an uninspiring 0-0 draw. As such, the Bats are winless in their first three games, and a lot was left to be desired from the match.

However, many fans would have taken the draw or even a loss if it meant that Tierna Davison was not injured. The center-back went down toward the end of the first half in serious pain, grabbing her left knee area. It was obvious that she suffered a bad injury, but there was hope it would not be those three letters that every fan of every sport dreads.

Gotham FC's Tierna Davidson is out for the year

Unfortunately, any hope was shattered on Wednesday when Gotham FC announced that Davidson would be out for the rest of the year and was placed on the season-ending injury list due to a torn ACL.

This is just another hurdle for the captain, for she has battled injuries throughout her career. What makes this worse is that this is Davidson's second ACL tear in three years. She missed the majority of the 2022 season with Chicago Stars FC when she tore her ACL in March of that season.

Plus, she was expected to continue her impressive season from last year. Davidson and Emily Sonnett are one of the best center-back pairings in the NWSL. Hence, fans will not be able to see the two pair up for the rest of the season because of this devastating news. The center-back will also not feature for the USWNT for the rest of 2025, so Emma Hayes will have to continue her experimentation with the backline.

Nevertheless, injuries happen. Yes, they suck, especially ACL tears. However, teams, including Gotham FC, must be ready for this. Jess Carter and Mandy Freeman can both slot in next to Sonnett, and Juan Carlos Amorós can further tinker with the backline. There is plenty of talent, and while Davidson will be missed, it is difficult to see the rupture of the Bats' defense.

Rather, the issue at hand is the depth and number of defenders. Many thought the club should have signed another defender or two. Instead, they are down to five true defenders.

If another player were to miss time, then Gotham's defense would truly be in trouble. There is no question the team must sign a defender when the summer transfer window opens on July 1.

Losing Davidson will be a test. The backline is strong, but the depth is slim. Only time will tell whether Gotham FC can survive the first half of the year down a center-back.