Angel City’s Savy King Recovering After On-Field Collapse, Sparks NWSL Policy Change

Angel City defender Savy King is back home after a frightening collapse on the field during a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) match against Utah Royals on May 9. The 20-year-old underwent successful surgery to address a heart abnormality and was released from the hospital nine days later. King shared her gratitude on social media, posting a photo with a heart-shaped pillow and a thumbs-up, crediting her family, teammates, fans, and the Angel City medical team for their unwavering support. "God’s got me, and I’m ready to recover and return to the pitch!" she wrote.

The incident, which saw King treated on the field for over 10 minutes before being rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, sparked widespread concern. The decision to continue the match drew sharp criticism from fans and the NWSL Players Association, who argued that play should have stopped after such a serious medical emergency. "Humanity and sound judgment should prevail," the NWSLPA stated, emphasizing that life-saving care demands an immediate halt. The league later admitted its misstep, with Commissioner Jessica Berman vowing to revise protocols to ensure games are abandoned in similar situations moving forward.

Angel City’s next match against Bay FC was marked by a heartfelt tribute to King. Both teams wore shirts with ‘SK3’ printed on them, and captain Sarah Gorden held up King’s jersey during the team photo. King, a second-overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft, has been a key player for Angel City since her trade from Bay FC in February. Her resilience and the outpouring of support highlight the tight-knit spirit of the soccer community.