Angel City Football Club said defender Savy King underwent surgery on Tuesday for a heart abnormality following a “thorough” examination by doctors, after collapsing during Friday night’s game against the Utah Royals.
The club said King, 20, was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Saturday morning after being treated at California Hospital Medical Center on Friday night.
“She is now resting and recovering surrounded by her family, and her prognosis is excellent,” the team said in a statement. “We are incredibly thankful for the outstanding medical care she has received and the overwhelming support from our community. We kindly ask for continued respect for Savy’s privacy as she focuses on healing.”
King collapsed during the second half and was immediately treated by the team’s training and medical staff. The game was delayed and eventually finished despite the situation. Angel City went on to win the game, 2-0.
After the game, Angel City coach Eleri Earnshaw said King was responsive.
The King family also issued a statement, thanking the medical staff and support from the soccer community.
“On behalf of our entire family, along with Savy, we have been so moved by the love and support from Angel City players, staff, fans and community, as well as soccer fans across the country. We are blessed to share that Savy is recovering well and we are looking forward to having her home with us soon.
“We want to thank the incredible Angel City medical staff and players who acted swiftly as well as the medical teams that have given her such exceptional care. We will never forget the kindness and care you’ve shown, our gratitude is endless. In moments like these, we’re reminded of God’s constant presence and protection. Thank you all for lifting Savy up in your prayers.”
King, who attended Agoura High, was the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft out of North Carolina by Bay FC. She was traded to Angel City during the offseason and earlier this season she talked about having a chance to play at home.
“It’s awesome to play in front of a home crowd in my hometown,” she said in March. “It’s awesome to be back in L.A.”
In a statement Saturday morning, the NWSL said that “league protocols were followed from both a medical and game operations perspective.”
However, many around the league, including Utah coach Jimmy Coenraets said that he didn’t think the game should have continued.
“In those moments, I’m not sure if we should have continued the game,” he said following Friday’s game. “Emotionally, not only them (Angel City), but also our players are just scared. I think that’s not the right position or right situation to be in, but in the end, we played on. So, that’s a decision other people are making, which is fine, but I think it was a really tough moment.”
In the 2025 Competition Rules, it states the decision to continue the game is on the league office. “NWSL recognizes that emergencies may arise which make the start or progression of a Game inadvisable or dangerous for participants and spectators. Certain event categories automatically trigger the League Office into an evaluation of whether delay or postponement is necessary.”
The one item that seemingly would have applied to this situation is point No. 3: “serious incident, injury or fatality to a player, coach, official, team representative or spectator or other medical concern.”
Angel City resumes its NWSL schedule on Saturday with a road game against Bay FC.
King played in 18 games last season with Bay FC and eight so far this season for Angel City.
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