USWNT defender Davidson comes off with injury vs. Germany

The U.S. women’s national team suffered a potentially major loss against Germany on Sunday, as defender Tierna Davidson left the Olympics match just before halftime with an injury.

Davidson was involved in a 40th-minute collision with Germany’s Jule Brand, who clattered into the center back and made what appeared to be knee-to-knee contact.

The USWNT bench quickly got Emily Sonnett up and ready as soon as it became clear Davidson would not continue.

On the USA Network broadcast, announcer Jon Champion quoted a USWNT press officer as saying Davidson has suffered a “lower leg” injury.

The Gotham FC defender limped off and was replaced by her club teammate Sonnett in the 44th minute, just before the U.S. scored to increase its lead to 3-1.

The USWNT would go on to win 4-1 , sealing progression to the quarterfinals.

Should Davidson be forced to miss any time, it would be a significant blow to the USWNT’s gold medal hopes. The 25-year-old has formed an effective partnership with Naomi Girma in central defense, regaining her starting role after missing a long period with a torn ACL suffered in 2022.

If head coach Emma Hayes is forced into a roster change, Emily Sams appears to be the clear like-for-like option. The Orlando Pride defender has been named as an alternate and, per a new roster rule , could swap in on a game-by-game basis.

Davidson is not the only injury concern on the USWNT roster, as attacker Jaedyn Shaw missed her second straight game on Sunday with a foot injury.

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