Angel City defender Savy King, hospitalized after collapsing on the field during the team’s Friday match against the Utah Royals in Los Angeles, was responsive later in the evening, the team announced.
Medical personnel appeared to be administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation to King after she went down in the 74th minute of the game. She was carted off the field with an oxygen mask on her face.
Players from both teams gathered in a prayer circle, and the match was delayed 10 minutes.
Angel City tweeted postgame, “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.”
Angel City assistant coach Eleri Earnshaw said following the team’s 2-0 victory, “Her family is with her, as is our medical staff, so she’s in good hands.”
Utah coach Jimmy Coenraets said postgame, “In those moments, I’m not sure we should have continued the game. … Not only them, but also our players were just scared. I think that’s not the right position and not the right situation to be in.
“But in the end we played on, and that’s a decision that other people are making, which is fine. But I think it was a really tough moment.”
King, 20, has been a starter for Angel City in all eight matches this season. She has no goals or assists and two yellow cards.
The first-ever draft pick (second overall) of expansion Bay FC in 2024, King played 18 matches and made 12 starts last season for the San Jose-based club. She had two assists and one yellow card last year.
The Southern California native played for the University of North Carolina before entering the NWSL. She also made numerous appearances for the U.S. youth national under-17 and under-20 teams.
–Field Level Media
