Gotham captain Tierna Davidson makes first appearance since ACL tear.

Tierna Davidson entered Gotham’s home opener in the 61st minute for her first public competitive appearance since tearing an ACL in March 2025.

Tierna Davidson returned to play for Gotham at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday night. She entered in the 61st minute of the home opener, replacing rookie Jordynn Dudley. It was her first public competitive appearance since tearing an ACL in March 2025. Gotham had taken her off the season-ending injury list earlier this month and she had participated in a closed-door preseason scrimmage. Key facts: - Davidson entered the match in the 61st minute, coming on for Jordynn Dudley, as part of Gotham’s home opener attended by 10,796 fans. - She had been out nearly a year after an ACL tear sustained in a March 2025 regular-season match against the Houston Dash. - Gotham removed Davidson from its season-ending injury list earlier in March and included her in a closed-door scrimmage against Orlando Pride. - Davidson was named club captain at the start of the 2025 season and signed a contract extension in July that runs through 2027. - Her international résumé includes World Cup and Olympic appearances; she and coach Emma Hayes have discussed a gradual approach to returning to national-team consideration. Summary: Her appearance reunited an experienced central defender with Gotham’s lineup and added depth to the club’s back line at the home opener. Coach Emma Hayes and Davidson have agreed her return to national-team involvement should be gradual. Undetermined at this time.