Angel City's Savy King ‘responsive’ after collapse
King’s Collapse during Match Raises Questions about NWSL Protocols
Angel City defender Savy King is currently responsive and receiving further medical attention after collapsing during the NWSL’s 2-0 victory over Utah Royals. The incident occurred in the 74th minute of the match, leading to a delay as medical professionals provided on-field assistance for about ten minutes before King was substituted for Megan Reid and transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
In a statement released by Angel City, they confirmed, “Savy was transported by EMS to the hospital following a medical event on the field. She is responsive and undergoing further evaluation. We thank everyone for their concern and support.”
On the following Saturday, the NWSL reiterated that King was still undergoing exams, hinting that the league might review their policies regarding such incidents. There has been criticism regarding the decision to continue the game post King’s substitution, with even Jimmy Coenraets, the head coach of the Utah Royals, expressing that the match should have been halted. “In those moments, I’m not sure if we should have continued the game,” Coenraets mentioned after the match.
The NWSL’s 2025 rules permit postponement for serious incidents or injuries, but this event has sparked dialogues on player safety and game protocols. Several voices, including Trinity Rodman, have echoed concerns about how the match proceeded, noting it was an inappropriate situation to continue amidst such emotional distress for the players on the field.
Eleni Earnshaw, the Angel City assistant coach, praised her medical team and also acknowledged the support shown by the players during such a tense moment. She complemented Megan Reid for stepping in as a paramedic, which proved crucial for calming the situation on the field.
After the match, players from both teams came together in support of King, highlighting the community spirit and unity in times of distress. As of now, specific details about King’s condition and her return timeline remain unclear.
