Angel City defender Savy King was reported as `responsive` and transported to a hospital for further medical evaluation after collapsing during the second half of her team`s 2-0 victory against the Utah Royals on Friday.
The incident occurred in the 74th minute. King received on-field medical attention for approximately 10 minutes before being substituted for Megan Reid and subsequently taken to a local hospital for assessment.
In a statement issued Friday, Angel City confirmed King was `responsive and undergoing further evaluation,` adding thanks for the concern and support received.
The NWSL released its own statement Saturday, also confirming King was still being evaluated and indicating the league would review protocols regarding game continuation after such incidents.
The NWSL`s statement elaborated that King was transported by EMS in stable condition and remained stable while undergoing evaluation. The league stated that medical and game operations protocols were followed and expressed gratitude to the Angel City medical staff and local paramedics. They concluded by reiterating their concern for King and extending thoughts to all involved, including both teams and her family, and confirmed they would review protocols for potential changes.
The decision to continue the match after King`s departure, although not explicitly against current rules or uncommon in football, drew criticism. Critics pointed out that NWSL rules for 2025 *do* allow for game postponement or cancellation in the event of a `serious incident.` Among those questioning the decision was Utah Royals head coach Jimmy Coenraets, who felt the game should have been stopped.
Royals head coach Jimmy Coenraets commented after the game, `In those moments, I`m not sure if we should have continued the game… You`re emotionally — not only them, but also our players were just scared. That`s not the right situation to be in.` He described it as a `really tough moment` and emphasized that the focus after the match for his team was ensuring people felt `safe, healthy, and good,` prioritizing well-being over the game`s result.
U.S. women`s national team and Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman echoed this sentiment on Saturday via Instagram Stories.
Rodman wrote, `Prayers for [King] as well as her loved ones and the players that were on that field. In no world should that game have continued…`
Scary situation to be in
Angel City assistant coach Eleni Earnshaw, filling in as head coach, stated that the club`s medical staff and King`s family members were with her at the hospital. Earnshaw praised King`s teammates for their reaction during the collapse.
In her post-match press conference, Earnshaw specifically highlighted the role of defender Meg Reid, who is a trained paramedic. She noted that while teammates like Christen Press helped rally the group, Reid noticed Savy being moved onto a stretcher – a positive sign – and used her medical knowledge to help calm the team during the distressing moment. Earnshaw stressed the importance of the team staying together and focused after the incident.
Following the final whistle, players from both Angel City and the Utah Royals formed a circle at midfield, initiated by Utah`s Alex Lorea, a former teammate of King`s at Bay FC.
Earnshaw explained the post-match gathering: `It was one of the Utah players that suggested it… to show unity in that moment in support of Savy.` She described it as a `scary situation` that felt `much bigger than football` and expressed gratitude for the gesture of support from the Utah player.
Specific details on King`s current condition or potential return timeline were not available at the time of reporting.
Dominic Ashworth