Chicago Red Stars defender Tierna Davidson will miss the remainder of the NWSL season after suffering a torn ACL during training last week.
An update from the Chicago Red Stars on Tierna Davidson https://t.co/5VYbYBTuI7 pic.twitter.com/SOG1xOosV7— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) March 28, 2022
An update from the Chicago Red Stars on Tierna Davidson https://t.co/5VYbYBTuI7 pic.twitter.com/SOG1xOosV7
The NWSL regular season is slated to begin April 29. With two games underway in the NWSL Challenge Cup, the Red Stars have one win and one loss. The defender played all 90 minutes of the first Challenge Cup game, a 3-1 win over the Houston Dash.
The 23-year-old started all 17 games for the Red Stars last season. She’s continued to improve every season since being drafted No. 1 overall by Chicago in the 2019 NWSL College Draft.
Davidson is also a member of the U.S. women’s national team, providing depth to the backfield through 48 appearances. Through her appearances, Davidson has notched seven assists and scored one goal. Her absence will leave a hole in the upcoming qualifying for the 2023 World Cup.
The Red Stars will need to fill holes defensively with the loss of Davidson. Sarah Gorden was traded to Angel City in the offseason while Casey Krueger is out on maternity leave. With Morgan Gautrat out with a left calf injury and Sarah Woldmoe also on maternity leave, the loss of Davidson leaves the Red Stars with limited options for her replacement.
Davidson is the third NWSL player to fall victim to a knee injury before the start of the regular season after Gorden suffered an injury during preseason and Orlando Pride midfielder Marta suffered an injury to a knee ligament during practice last week.