Angel City defender Savy King is reported to be responsive and is undergoing medical evaluation at a hospital following her collapse during the second half of the team`s 2-0 victory against the Utah Royals on Friday.
The incident occurred in the 74th minute when King collapsed on the field. Medical staff attended to her for approximately 10 minutes before she was substituted and transported to a local hospital for additional assessment.
Angel City released a statement Friday confirming, “Savy was transported by EMS to the hospital following a medical event on the field.” The club added, “She is responsive and undergoing further evaluation. We thank everyone for their concern and support.”
The NWSL followed up with its own statement Saturday, stating King remained under evaluation. The league also indicated it might review its policies regarding game stoppages after the match was allowed to resume.
The NWSL statement detailed: “Following a medical event on the field last night, ACFC’s Savy King was transported by EMS to the hospital.” The league noted she “left the field in stable condition, and currently remains stable and will be undergoing further evaluation.” They affirmed league protocols were followed medically and operationally, thanking the medical teams involved. The statement concluded by expressing concern for King, her family, and the entire NWSL community, adding, “As always, the NWSL will review and determine if changes to that protocol need to be made.”
The NWSL faced backlash for allowing the game to continue after King`s substitution, which occurred ten minutes after her collapse. While resuming play isn`t against current rules and is common in soccer, the league`s future regulations (2025) include provisions for pausing or canceling games due to `serious incident, injury or fatality… or other medical concern.` Among those critical of the decision was Utah Royals head coach Jimmy Coenraets, who felt the match should have been stopped.
Following the match, Coenraets commented, “In those moments, I’m not sure if we should have continued the game.” He explained the emotional impact: “not only them, but also our players were just scared. That’s not the right situation to be in.” Despite his reservations, the game proceeded. He reflected on the priority after such an event: “what do you want to focus on after the game?… you want to make sure people feel safe, healthy, and good, and I think that was the focus after the game for us.”
Trinity Rodman, a prominent player for the U.S. women`s national team and Washington Spirit, echoed this view on Instagram the following day.
Rodman posted, “Prayers for [King] as well as her loved ones and the players that were on that field.” She explicitly stated, “In no world should that game have continued…”
Scary Situation on the Field
Eleni Earnshaw, Angel City`s assistant coach filling in for the suspended interim head coach Sam Laity, confirmed that the team`s medical staff and King`s family were with her at the hospital. Earnshaw praised King`s teammates for their calm reaction during the incident.
During her post-match press conference, Earnshaw highlighted the role of Megan Reid, a trained paramedic: “I just gave a shoutout in our locker room to Meg Reid… She just stepped into paramedic mode and helped calm the group, which was massive.” She also mentioned Christen Press and others helping teammates support each other. Earnshaw recounted how Reid, upon seeing King being moved to a stretcher, reassured the team it was a positive sign. Despite the fear, Earnshaw`s message to the team was to stay united, communicate, maintain focus, and send positive energy to Savy.
After the final whistle, players from both Angel City and the Utah Royals formed a circle at midfield. The gathering was initiated by Utah`s Alex Lorea, a former teammate of King`s at Bay FC.
Earnshaw confirmed the initiative came from a Utah player, stating, “It was one of the Utah players that suggested it, that we get together.” She described the scene: “Some people prayed, some people shared their energy. Just to show unity in that moment in support of Savy…” Earnshaw acknowledged the severity, saying, “It was obviously a scary situation to be in and, at that point, it was much bigger than football.” She expressed gratitude for the opponent`s gesture of solidarity.
Specific details regarding King`s current condition and her potential return to play remain unavailable.
Adrian Whitmore