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 win over Utah at BMO Stadium on Friday night.
Medical Response and Current Condition
Angel City assistant coach Eleri Earnshaw told reporters after the match that King was transported to a Los Angeles hospital, evaluated and is responsive. “Her family is with her, as is our medical staff, so she’s in good hands,” Earnshaw said.
Reaction from the Teams
Players were visibly shaken as trainers rushed to King’s side after she went down in the 74th minute. She was attended to for roughly 10 minutes before she was taken off the field. Utah’s Alex Loera prays with players after Angel City defender Savy King collapsed on the field during Friday’s game at BMO Stadium. (Luiza Moraes / NWSL via Getty Images)
Support from the League
Both teams gathered in a circle on the field after the match to pray for King, and teams throughout the National Women’s Soccer League, along with the league office, offered support for King via their social media channels.
Player Background and Game Details
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 has started in all eight games this season. Christen Press came off the bench in place of Claire Emslie in the 65th minute. Twenty-five seconds after stepping onto the field, Press outfoxed Madison Pogarch then curled the ball into the top left corner of the goal. Alyssa Thompson scored in second-half stoppage time. It was the first shutout of the season for Angel City (4-2-2). Utah (1-6-1) has lost six of its last seven matches.
Conclusion
The incident involving Savy King has brought attention to the importance of medical response and player safety in sports. Fortunately, King is receiving the necessary care and support from her team and family. The game’s outcome, while significant for Angel City’s standings, pales in comparison to the well-being of the players involved.
FAQs
What happened to Savy King during the game?
Savy King collapsed on the field during the 74th minute of the game between Angel City and Utah at BMO Stadium.
What is Savy King’s current condition?
According to Angel City assistant coach Eleri Earnshaw, King was transported to a hospital, evaluated, and is responsive.
How did the teams react to the incident?
Both teams showed support for King, with players gathering in a circle to pray for her after the match. The National Women’s Soccer League and its teams also offered support via social media.
What was the outcome of the game?
Angel City won the game 2-0, with goals from Christen Press and Alyssa Thompson, marking their first shutout of the season.
