Tierna Davidson's return to the USWNT is good for the team and Gotham FC | OneFootball

When Tierna Davidson tore her ACL last year, NJ/NY Gotham FC and the United States women's national team clearly lost a top talent. In the case of the Bats, they were lucky to have a strong backline, so the team continued to be one of the best defensive sides in the NWSL.

Still, the center-back was missed, and fans could only wonder whether the NJ/NY side would have finished higher in the NWSL standings. One can only wonder, but they still won the NWSL Championship despite being in the last playoff spot. The Bats can only get better defensively now that Davidson is back, for she has been playing limited minutes since her season debut against the North Carolina Courage.

Gotham FC's Tierna Davidson is back with the USWNT

While the defender is slowly making her way back to 100% game fitness, that did not stop the USWNT from calling her up for the current international window. And, Davidson made her official return to the national team when she came on as a substitute in Tuesday's loss against Japan.

She played extremely well, as did the entire team, regardless of the one goal allowed. Her defense and the level she played were similar to how she has been playing with Gotham. In other words, Emma Hayes felt comfortable in bringing Davidson back while she is still building up her minutes.

This highlights the talent of the player. It also shows the respect and belief both her national team coach and Juan Carlos Amorós have for her. It speaks to the type of player she is and her fantastic effort.

Truthfully, it was slightly interesting that she was called up. It is clear she would be limited in her playing time in the international window. At the same time, perhaps the Bats agreed to this since it would allow her to get some game time and continue on the path of recovery.

At the same time, Davidson continues to improve. Seeing her play with the USWNT means that she is getting closer to the player everyone knows her to be.

Gotham FC might be having a rough start to the season based on the 1-2-2 record and scoring issues. But that does not mean that Davidson's return means nothing. The squad is talented, and they should be in the top four in the standings. Hopefully, this is just one of those slow starts to the season that will end well for the Bats. Nevertheless, the return of the captain to the USWNT creates hope for the NWSL side.