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Defender Savy King of Angel City FC is on the road to recovery after undergoing heart surgery following a concerning incident during a National Women’s Soccer League match. The team announced her surgery after she collapsed on the field while playing against the Utah Royals.
King was promptly transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where medical professionals identified an abnormality in her heart. The surgery took place on Tuesday, following the alarming incident that occurred in the 74th minute of the game.
After the match, King’s family expressed gratitude for the care and support they received. They released a statement saying, “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 Savy is recovering well and we are looking forward to having her home with us soon.”
Angel City FC also provided updates about King’s condition, stating she is resting and that her prognosis is excellent. This incident not only raised concerns for King but also highlighted the importance of medical preparedness in sports.
Medical Response and Safety Measures
The incident warranted a serious medical response, with personnel attending to King for approximately 10 minutes before she was transported off the field on a stretcher. The NWSL acknowledged that such emergencies necessitate a review of existing policies to ensure player safety during games.
The league is now tasked with evaluating whether additional protocols should be implemented to better handle medical emergencies. In a statement, they noted that, “emergencies may arise, which make the start or progression of a game inadvisable or dangerous for participants and spectators.” This underlines the necessity for protocols to ensure the safety of athletes during games.
A Look at the Match
Despite the serious situation unfolding on the field, the match continued after 12 minutes of stoppage time were added to the clock. Angel City FC managed to secure a 2-0 victory over the Utah Royals. This win showcases the resilience of the team in the face of adversity.
King’s Journey in the NWSL
Before her season with Angel City, Savy King was selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft by Bay FC after a standout career at North Carolina. She made her mark by participating in 18 matches for Bay FC before her trade to Angel City during the offseason.
As of this season, King has played in eight matches for her new club, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport. Her performance has been an integral part of Angel City’s lineup, and her absence will be felt as she focuses on her recovery.
Looking Forward
The incident that occurred during the match has sparked conversations around athlete safety and the protocols surrounding medical emergencies in sports. As Savy King recovers, the focus shifts to strengthening the measures in place to protect players from similar incidents in the future.
The love and support from the soccer community have been evident since the incident. Fans have rallied around King, demonstrating the strong bond within the sport. As she recovers, both players and fans look forward to seeing her back on the field, contributing her skills and passion to the game she loves.
In the coming weeks, much attention will be devoted to King’s progress and the review of NWSL emergency protocols. The league’s commitment to player safety remains paramount as they navigate the aftermath of this frightening event.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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