Introduction to the Incident
Angel City defender Savy King was recovering from heart surgery following her collapse on the field during a National Women’s Soccer League match on Friday night.
King was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles following the medical event in the second half of Angel City’s match against the Utah Royals.
Medical Evaluation and Surgery
Doctors who evaluated King discovered a heart abnormality, and she underwent surgery Tuesday. “She is now resting and recovering surrounded by her family, and her prognosis is excellent,” the team said in a statement.
Response from the Team and Family
King’s family released a joint statement thanking the team’s medical staff, King’s fellow players and the hospital medical staff for her care. “On behalf of our entire family, along with Savy, we have been so moved by the love and support from Angel City players, staff, fans and community, as well as soccer fans across the country,” the statement said. “We are blessed to share Savy is recovering well and we are looking forward to having her home with us soon.”
The Incident During the Match
Players on both sides were visibly shaken as trainers rushed to King’s side after she went down in the 74th minute of Friday’s match. She was attended to for some 10 minutes before she was stretchered off the field on a cart. Angel City said King was transported to the hospital but was responsive and undergoing further evaluation.
League Response and Review
“We are grateful to the Angel City medical staff as well as to local paramedics who handled this difficult situation seamlessly,” the NWSL said in a statement on Saturday. In an Instagram story, Washington Spirit national team forward Trinity Rodman offered prayers for King and her family, adding: “In no world should that game have continued.” The league said in its statement that it would review its policies to determine if changes needed to be made.
Current Rules and Future Changes
NWSL rules for 2025 state that the league “recognizes that emergencies may arise which make the start or progression of a Game inadvisable or dangerous for participants and spectators. Certain event categories automatically trigger the League Office into an evaluation of whether delay or postponement is necessary.” There were 12 minutes of stoppage time added to the match. Angel City won the game 2-0.
Player Background
King, 20, was the second overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft by expansion Bay FC and played 18 games for the club. She was traded to Angel City in February and had started in all eight games for the team this season.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of prioritizing player health and safety during matches. The swift response from the medical staff and the support from the soccer community are commendable. As the league reviews its policies, it is essential to consider the well-being of players in emergency situations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FAQs
- Q: What happened to Savy King during the match?
A: Savy King collapsed on the field during a National Women’s Soccer League match and was taken to the hospital, where she underwent heart surgery. - Q: What is Savy King’s current condition?
A: According to the team, Savy King is recovering well and her prognosis is excellent. - Q: How has the league responded to the incident?
A: The NWSL has stated that it will review its policies to determine if changes are needed regarding emergency situations during matches. - Q: What are the NWSL rules regarding emergencies during games?
A: The NWSL rules recognize emergencies that may make the start or progression of a game inadvisable or dangerous and have procedures for evaluation and potential delay or postponement. - Q: How old is Savy King and what is her background in soccer?
A: Savy King is 20 years old, was the second overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft, and has played for Bay FC and Angel City.
