In recent developments within the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Angel City defender Savy King has been discharged from the hospital after undergoing successful heart surgery. This health crisis occurred during a game against the Utah Royals on May 9, where she collapsed on the field. Following public outcry regarding the NWSL’s decision to continue the game amid a medical emergency, the league has announced a policy change aimed at prioritizing player safety in future situations.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Heart Procedure and Discharge |
| 2) Incident During Match |
| 3) Public and League Response |
| 4) Changes in NWSL Policies |
| 5) Community Support and Team Solidarity |
Heart Procedure and Discharge
On May 17, officials from Angel City FC confirmed that defender Savy King had been successfully discharged from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The announcement indicated that she is now resting at home with her family, commencing the next phase of her recovery. In a statement shared by the club, they expressed immense gratitude towards the medical professionals whose skill and care facilitated her surgery. This successful procedure was particularly significant given the abrupt nature of her medical event, and it brings a sense of relief to both her family and team members.
Incident During Match
The medical emergency unfolded on May 9 during a match where Angel City faced off against the Utah Royals. In the second half of the game, Savy King unexpectedly collapsed while on the pitch, prompting immediate medical attention. For approximately ten minutes, medical staff administered aid at the scene before she was substituted and transported to a nearby hospital in Los Angeles. Subsequent medical evaluations revealed a heart abnormality that required surgical intervention.
Public and League Response
The decision to continue the match despite the unfolding medical emergency has drawn sharp criticism. Voices from various corners, including Jimmy Coenraets, head coach of the Utah Royals, and prominent players such as Trinity Rodman from the U.S. women’s national team, voiced their disapproval.
“In no world should that game have continued,”
stated Rodman, highlighting the general sentiment among players and fans that player safety should always take precedence over the game itself. Following this incident, the NWSL Players Association expressed the necessity for policy amendments to address how medical emergencies should be handled during matches.
Changes in NWSL Policies
In response to the widespread criticism, the NWSL publicly acknowledged their misstep in allowing the match to continue. Their statement on Friday reaffirmed their commitment to player safety, prompting the NWSL to amend its protocols on medical emergencies.
“The Angel City vs. Utah game last Friday night should not have continued, and we regret that it did,”
said the NWSL in their statement. The league clarified that under similar circumstances in the future, games would cease until any immediate health concerns are resolved. NWSL Players Association executive director Meghann Burke emphasized that safety protocols must prioritize life-saving measures during games, preventing situations like Kings’s from happening again.
Community Support and Team Solidarity
Upon returning to competition on Saturday against Bay FC, King’s teammates demonstrated their support in a remarkable manner. The Angel City squad arrived wearing black shirts adorned with “SK3,” representing King’s initials and her player number. This gesture of solidarity underscored the strong bond within the team and brought greater awareness to the gravity of King’s medical situation. Notably, Bay FC players echoed this sentiment by wearing similar shirts before their match commenced. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, who attended the match, remarked on the importance of learning from such incidents, affirming the league’s commitment to creating safer environments for players moving forward.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Savy King successfully underwent heart surgery and is now recovering at home. |
| 2 | King collapsed during a match on May 9, galvanizing immediate medical response. |
| 3 | The league faced backlash for continuing the match despite the medical emergency. |
| 4 | NWSL has updated its safety protocols to handle future medical emergencies effectively. |
| 5 | Angel City players showed solidarity for King by wearing commemorative shirts during their next match. |
Summary
The recent events surrounding Savy King highlight significant challenges regarding player safety and health within the NWSL. The embrace of new protocols aims to foster a culture where player well-being is paramount, marking a critical step forward for the league. King’s path to recovery and the unwavering support from her teammates signify not only personal courage but also communal resilience in the face of adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What medical condition did Savy King experience during the match?
Savy King collapsed due to a heart abnormality, which was diagnosed and later required surgical intervention to correct.
Question: What changes did the NWSL implement following this incident?
The NWSL announced that moving forward, games will be stopped immediately if there is a medical emergency requiring life-saving measures for any person on the field.
Question: How did the community and players express their support for Savy King?
King’s teammates wore shirts with her initials and number during their subsequent match to show solidarity, further emphasizing the strength of their community.
