Gotham captain Tierna Davidson makes first appearance since ACL tear last year

The defender's return only further strengthens Gotham's back line.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tierna Davidson, the 27-year-old captain and defender for Gotham FC, made her long-awaited return to the pitch in the team's home opener against North Carolina Courage on Saturday. Davidson had been sidelined for nearly a year after suffering an ACL tear during a match in March 2025. Her return was met with excitement from the record-breaking crowd of 10,796 fans at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

Why it matters

Davidson is a key player for Gotham FC, having led the team to a club-best regular season performance in 2024 and being named captain at the start of the 2025 season. Her return to the lineup will be a major boost for Gotham's defense as they look to defend their NWSL championship title.

The details

Davidson entered the match in the 61st minute, replacing rookie forward Jordynn Dudley. She took her spot as Gotham's center back, playing alongside Andrea Kitahata. Though Gotham controlled much of the first half, they were unable to capitalize on their chances and the match remained scoreless at halftime.

  • Davidson tore her ACL during a regular-season match against the Houston Dash in March 2025.
  • Davidson was officially taken off Gotham's season-ending injury list earlier this month in time for a closed-door preseason scrimmage against Orlando Pride.
  • Last week, Gotham opened the 2026 season with a win over Boston Legacy, but Davidson remained an unused substitute on the team's bench.

The players

Tierna Davidson

The 27-year-old defender and captain of Gotham FC, who made her return to the pitch after nearly a year out with an ACL injury.

Jordynn Dudley

The rookie forward for Gotham FC who was substituted out for Davidson in the 61st minute.

Andrea Kitahata

The Gotham FC player who subbed on for Kayla Duran alongside Davidson in the 61st minute.

Juan Carlos Amorós

The head coach of Gotham FC.

Emma Hayes

The head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team, who has expressed excitement for Davidson's eventual return to the national team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm really excited to be back on the field with the girls, to be doing something that I love. What's really nice about this group is, (because) we have so many leaders, to not feel pressure to have to be a leader immediately right away on the field, to know that I've got so much support around me, and, inevitably, as a returner, if I make a mistake, I've got amazing players around me to help support me.”

— Tierna Davidson, Defender, Gotham FC

“It was difficult, for sure, trying to find a way to contribute to the team when I couldn't contribute on the field tangibly. It required me to grow in really important ways and ways that will be helpful to me now being back on the field, and even beyond my soccer career later on in life.”

— Tierna Davidson, Defender, Gotham FC

“We both agreed and discussed the importance of making sure that it's done the right way — both for the player group, and for me individually. Because it's so hard to be in that environment at (your) best, so to make sure that I feel like I'm going to be able to give my a hundred percent and I feel confident in myself as a player, and it's the right time for the player group and selection processes and everything. It's not always perfect.”

— Tierna Davidson, Defender, Gotham FC

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Davidson's return to the Gotham FC lineup after nearly a year out with an ACL injury is a major boost for the team as they look to defend their NWSL championship title. Her leadership and experience will be invaluable as Gotham aims to maintain their strong defensive performances from the 2024 season.