A National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) game between Angel City FC and the Utah Royals was marred by a distressing medical incident involving Angel City defender Savy King, leading to her hospitalization and casting a pall over the Friday night match. The incident occurred in the 74th minute, abruptly halting the game and leaving players visibly shaken.
King collapsed on the field, prompting immediate attention from medical personnel. For approximately ten minutes, she received on-field treatment, a period punctuated by growing concern among players, coaches, and fans alike. Reports indicate that CPR was administered, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) was used, suggesting the severity of the situation. The extended period of on-field care underscored the gravity of King’s condition.
The game was temporarily suspended as medical staff worked diligently to stabilize King. Eventually, she was carefully transported off the field on a cart, her departure leaving a palpable sense of unease and worry throughout the stadium. The sight of King being stretchered off, coupled with the earlier emergency interventions, amplified the emotional impact on everyone present.
Following the game, both teams, Angel City FC and the Utah Royals, along with their respective staff members, united in a poignant display of solidarity and concern. They gathered together in prayer, offering support and hope for King’s recovery. This act of unity transcended the competitive nature of the sport, highlighting the shared humanity and empathy within the NWSL community.
Angel City FC released a statement providing an update on King’s condition. The statement conveyed that King had been transported by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to a local hospital following the medical event on the field. Significantly, the statement also indicated that she was responsive and undergoing further evaluation. The news that King was responsive offered a glimmer of hope amidst the anxieties surrounding her condition. Angel City FC expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of concern and support from fans and well-wishers.
Alex Loera, a player for the Utah Royals and a friend of Savy King, played a significant role in the aftermath of the incident. She was asked to lead both teams in prayer, a request she readily accepted. Loera’s willingness to lead the prayer underscored the sense of community and mutual support that exists within the NWSL. Loera acknowledged her friendship with King, emphasizing the personal impact of the situation. "Those moments are always so scary," she said, adding that everyone was sending their thoughts and prayers to King’s family. Loera’s heartfelt words reflected the deep concern and empathy felt by her and her teammates.
Utah Royals head coach Jimmy Coenraets expressed his reservations about continuing the game after the incident. He stated that he was not sure whether the game should have been resumed, emphasizing the emotional toll the situation had taken on everyone involved. "I’m not sure we should have continued the game… it was a really tough moment," Coenraets said, adding that many people were "scared." His comments highlighted the psychological impact of witnessing a medical emergency on the field and raised questions about the appropriateness of proceeding with the match under such circumstances. The Royals ultimately lost the game 2-0.
Savy King, 20 years old, is a promising young talent in the NWSL. She was the second overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft, selected by expansion team Bay FC. King played 18 games for Bay FC before being traded to Angel City FC in February. Since joining Angel City, she has quickly established herself as a key player, starting in all eight games for the team this season. Her rapid ascent in the league underscores her potential and the high expectations surrounding her career.
The incident involving Savy King serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands and inherent risks associated with professional sports. It also highlights the importance of having well-trained medical personnel and emergency protocols in place to respond effectively to on-field medical emergencies. The NWSL, like other professional sports leagues, has invested significantly in player safety and medical care, but incidents like this underscore the need for continuous improvement and vigilance.
The outpouring of support for Savy King from her teammates, coaches, fans, and the broader NWSL community demonstrates the strong bonds and shared values that exist within the league. The collective prayers and well-wishes offered to King and her family reflect the human side of professional sports, where compassion and empathy often transcend the competitive rivalries on the field.
As Savy King undergoes further evaluation at the hospital, the entire NWSL community anxiously awaits updates on her condition. The hope is that she will make a full recovery and be able to return to the sport she loves. In the meantime, her teammates, coaches, and fans will continue to offer their support and prayers, standing in solidarity with her during this challenging time. The incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of health and well-being, both on and off the field, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The league and its players will likely be reflecting on this incident for quite some time as they prioritize player safety and support.
