Gotham FC captain Tierna Davidson makes 'daunting' comeback after 11-month injury layoff

Davidson worked through a long rehab process to return to the field for the defending NWSL champions

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:22pm

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Gotham FC defender Tierna Davidson was activated off the season-ending injury list earlier this month, marking her return to the field after an 11-month absence due to a knee injury. Davidson said the comeback process has been a learning curve, as she works to reintegrate herself with the team and regain her form. While physically she feels good, Davidson knows there are still more steps in her recovery journey before she's fully back to her best self.

Why it matters

Davidson's return is a major boost for Gotham FC, the defending NWSL champions, as they look to defend their title. The team went on an inspired playoff run in 2025 without their captain, and now must integrate Davidson back into the lineup. Davidson's leadership and experience will be crucial as Gotham aims to repeat as champions.

The details

Davidson tore the ACL in her left knee last April, sidelining her for the majority of the 2025 season. She was finally activated off the season-ending injury list earlier this month, making her return to the field. Davidson said she feels physically good, but noted there is still a learning curve as she works to reintegrate with her teammates and regain her form. Gotham strength and conditioning coach Eric Gorman has been pivotal in helping Davidson navigate her return-to-play process.

  • Davidson tore her ACL in April 2025.
  • Davidson was activated off the season-ending injury list in March 2026.
  • Davidson made her first appearance as a substitute in Gotham's season-opening win over the Boston Legacy on March 18, 2026.

The players

Tierna Davidson

The captain of Gotham FC, who missed most of the 2025 season due to a knee injury.

Eric Gorman

The Gotham FC strength and conditioning coach who has been pivotal in helping Davidson with her recovery and return-to-play process.

Rose Lavelle

A Gotham FC teammate of Davidson's who has dealt with a long-term injury and can empathize with Davidson's experience.

Emily Sonnett

A Gotham FC teammate who Davidson says will be there to support her as she works to regain her form.

Jess Carter

A Gotham FC teammate who Davidson says will be there to support her as she works to regain her form.

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What they’re saying

“What's so important is even after you get cleared and you're off the SEI [season-ending injury] list and you're able to play, it's part of the recovery journey is then getting played back in and feeling like yourself and connecting with your teammates again and learning their tendencies and being able to play 30 minutes and then 45...”

— Tierna Davidson, Gotham FC Captain

“Sometimes, especially during the rehab process, you do have to slow down and be like, 'Alright, what can I do today? What can I achieve today?' And maybe that's not going to be perfect and maybe it's not even going to be great but you have to keep moving forward.”

— Tierna Davidson, Gotham FC Captain

“Something that I am definitely not worried about is the support that I have. Sometimes it can be daunting going back out and being worried about playing well or making mistakes or being not quite the player that you want to be. But really just looking at my team and seeing the type of people and players that I have around me, I'm like, 'Oh my gosh, if I make a mistake, I have [Emily] Sonnett, and I've got Jess [Carter] ... all of these people right around me that will cover me like no problem.”

— Tierna Davidson, Gotham FC Captain

What’s next

Davidson is eager to get back on the pitch with her Gotham FC teammates and continue her recovery process. The team's next home game is on March 25, 2026 against the North Carolina Courage, where Davidson will look to play an increased role after making her return as a substitute in the season opener.

The takeaway

Davidson's comeback journey highlights the mental and physical challenges professional athletes face when recovering from major injuries. While she is physically cleared to play, Davidson knows there is still work to be done to fully regain her form and connection with her teammates. Her perseverance and the support of her Gotham FC family will be crucial as she looks to help the defending champions defend their NWSL title.