May 15 – Angel City FC defender Savy King is recovering in hospital following emergency surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after collapsing on the field during last Friday’s US National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match against the Utah Royals.
King, 20, underwent surgery on Tuesday following comprehensive medical evaluations. Her family has released a statement expressing gratitude for the care she’s received.
“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 read. “We are blessed to share Savy is recovering well and we are looking forward to having her home with us soon.”
The frightening incident occurred in the 74th minute of the match, with players from both teams visibly distressed as medical staff attended to King for approximately 10 minutes before she was stretchered off the field.
Controversially, the match resumed shortly thereafter, with Angel City ultimately securing a 2-0 victory.
The decision to continue play has drawn criticism from within the league. Washington Spirit and U.S. national team forward Trinity Rodman voiced her concerns via Instagram, offering prayers for King while asserting: “In no world should that game have continued.”
The incident has inevitably drawn comparisons to Danish star Christian Eriksen’s collapse during Euro 2020. In that situation, players were given just two options after Eriksen was stabilised: resume play that evening or kick off at noon the following day.
The match restarted with players from both Denmark and Finland visibly traumatised by what they had witnessed.
“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.
Current NWSL regulations for 2025 state that the league “recognises 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.”
The league’s handling of King’s medical emergency may prompt a review of these protocols and how they’re implemented in real-time crisis scenarios.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1747314777labto1747314777ofdlr1747314777owedi1747314777sni@r1747314777etsbe1747314777w.kci1747314777n1747314777