Introduction to the Incident
Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field and medical staff appeared to do chest compressions on her before she was carted off during a 2-0 victory over Utah on Friday night at BMO Stadium.
Angel City first assistant coach Eleri Earnshaw, who was filling in for interim coach Sam Laity, told reporters after the match that King, 20, was transported to a local hospital, evaluated and is responsive.
Initial Response and Support
“Her family is with her, as is our medical staff, so she’s in good hands,” Earnshaw said. Both sidelines cleared and gathered around the medical staff as King was being treated and teams throughout the NWSL along with the league office offered support for King via their social media channels.
The Game Continues
On Superhero night, Christen Press came off of the bench, unfurled her cape and saved Angel City, but the goal and the victory took a distant back seat to King’s frightening situation. Press, who entered the game in the 65th minute, scored 25 seconds after taking the field to give Angel City (4-2-2, 14 points) the lead. Press, moving down the left wing, made a cut inside, losing defender Madison Pogarch, and curled a left-footed shot over the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Amanda McGlynn into the top left corner of the goal. The goal was the first for Press since her comeback last season from four ACL injuries.
The Incident and Aftermath
The excitement from Press’ goal left the stadium in the 74th minute when King went down and was quickly administered to by the training staff. After a lengthy period, King was eventually put on the stretcher and carted away. Video review showed King kicked a ball away from a Utah attacker, then she sat down on the turf and laid back. Both teams joined in a prayer circle after the game for King. The game was restarted after a near 15-minute real time break.
King’s Background and Recovery
King, who is from Agoura High, joined Angel City in a trade with Bay FC in the offseason. This is her second season in the NWSL. She quickly settled into the center back spot, alongside Sarah Gorden this season. “It was one of the Utah players that suggested it (postgame prayer circle) that we get together,” Earnshaw said. “Some people prayed, some people shared their energy. Just to show unity in that moment in support of Savy, without knowing the update at that time, obviously it was a scary situation to be in and at that point, it’s much bigger than football.”
Conclusion of the Game and Season
Angel City put the game away midway through the 12-minute stoppage time on Alyssa Thompson’s goal, handing Utah (1-6-1, four points) its sixth loss in the past seven games. The win is the second in a row for Angel City and its first shutout of the season vaults the club into third place, but with two days of Week 7 games still to be played. Angel City returns to action next Saturday in Northern California against rival Bay FC.
Conclusion
The incident involving Savy King was a stark reminder of the risks involved in sports and the importance of immediate medical attention. The outpouring of support from the teams and the league is a testament to the solidarity and camaraderie within the NWSL. As Angel City moves forward, they will undoubtedly be keeping King in their thoughts and looking forward to her recovery.
FAQs
Q: What happened to Savy King during the game?
A: Savy King collapsed on the field and medical staff appeared to do chest compressions on her before she was carted off.
Q: What is Savy King’s current condition?
A: According to the latest reports, King is responsive and being evaluated at a local hospital.
Q: How did the game proceed after the incident?
A: The game was restarted after a near 15-minute real time break, and Angel City went on to win 2-0 against Utah.
Q: What is next for Angel City?
A: Angel City returns to action next Saturday in Northern California against rival Bay FC.
Originally Published: May 9, 2025 at 10:31 PM PDT
