Mar 3, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; United States defender Jenna Nighswonger (3) shoots the ball during the first half of the Concacaf W Gold Cup quaterfinal game against Columbia at BMO Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been a tough few years for Jenna Nighswonger since joining Arsenal in 2024. Following winning an Olympic gold with the USWNT that year, the defender moved to Arsenal in 2025, a move that promised to give her experience in the Champions League. Instead, she found limited playing time with the London club and went on loan with Aston Villa which had an option to transfer her permanently. The team declined and Arsenal found her a transfer to Bay FC.
Nighswonger made two appearances for the USWNT last year but has not played internationally this year. Kennedy Wesley, Lilly Reale, and Giselle Thompson have all seen time at left back in recent callups so there is competition for Nighswonger whenever she returns to the national team. The USWNT will take on Spain in a pair of friendlies in October so she has plenty of time to make an impression down the stretch in the NWSL.