Angel City defender Savy King got out of the hospital not too long after she collapsed on the field during a game and had to undergo surgery for a heart issue. King shared a pic on social media of herself in the hospital with a heart-shaped pillow, giving a thumbs up. In her post, she thanked everyone for their love and support, especially her family, teammates, fans, and the medical team at ACFC who saved her life. She expressed gratitude for the prayers and well wishes and mentioned that she’s looking forward to recovering and getting back in the game.
The incident occurred during a National Women’s Soccer League match between Angel City and Utah Royal on May 9. King, who is only 20 years old, collapsed during the second half and had to be treated on the field for over 10 minutes before being rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. After undergoing surgery to address the heart abnormality, she received a positive prognosis from the medical team. The whole soccer community was shaken by what happened, but the game continued, which later drew criticism from various parties.
The NWSL Players Association, along with others, expressed disapproval of the match continuing after King’s collapse, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing life-saving care in such situations. The league eventually acknowledged the error and regretted allowing the game to proceed. Angel City played their first match post-King’s incident against Bay FC, with both teams honoring her with ‘SK3’ shirts and a tribute before kickoff. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman addressed the situation at halftime, highlighting the need to review and adjust policies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
King, who was the second pick in the 2024 NWSL draft, previously played for Bay FC before being traded to Angel City. Her teammates and fans rallied around her during this challenging time, showing unwavering support for her recovery and eventual return to the field. Despite the scare and the adjustments that need to be made in the league’s protocols, there is a sense of unity and resilience within the soccer community as they come together to ensure the safety and well-being of all players.
