Savy King collapses on field during match, undergoes surgery
- Savy King collapsed during a match on May 9 and was treated for a heart abnormality.
- The match continued despite the incident, prompting criticism from the league and players.
- King has since been released from the hospital and is focused on recovery and returning to soccer.
On May 9, 2025, Savy King, a 20-year-old defender for Angel City, collapsed during the second half of a National Women’s Soccer League match against the Utah Royals. King received treatment on the field for over ten minutes before being transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where doctors diagnosed her with a heart abnormality and performed emergency surgery. Her prognosis was reported to be good following the operation, and the incident deeply affected both players and fans, raising concerns about the league's policies regarding medical emergencies during games. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the match continued after King was taken from the field, a decision that sparked significant backlash from numerous players and organizations within the league, including the NWSL Players Association. The association emphasized the necessity for a pause in play whenever a medical emergency occurs, highlighting the need for humanity and sound judgment in such circumstances. In a statement, the NWSLPA insisted that any future incidents requiring life-saving care should halt the game, reiterating the importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of players. Following the incident, King expressed her gratitude for the support received from her teammates, fans, and medical staff through social media, sharing her determination to recover and return to the field. On the subsequent game against Bay FC, a tribute was held for King, where players wore shirts with 'SK3' in her honor, demonstrating the solidarity and concern the soccer community has shown towards her well-being. The team captain, Sarah Gorden, made a poignant gesture by showcasing King’s jersey during the team photo, further emphasizing the close-knit nature of the community. In the aftermath, NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman addressed the issue, affirming that the league would reassess its protocols to prevent similar situations in the future. Berman's acknowledgment of the need for policy reform indicates a step towards ensuring player safety and addressing the criticism regarding continuity of play during medical emergencies. The league now faces heightened scrutiny regarding existing practices, pushing for necessary changes to maintain athlete safety for the long term.