**Savy King Released from Hospital After Heart Surgery**
Angel City defender Savy King has been discharged from the hospital just over a week after collapsing during a match and undergoing surgery for a heart abnormality. King shared a photo on social media from her hospital bed, holding a heart-shaped pillow and giving a thumbs up. In her post, she expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from her family, teammates, fans, and the medical staff at ACFC, stating, “I know God’s got me and I’m looking forward to recovering and getting back out on the field!”
The 20-year-old player collapsed during the second half of a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match against the Utah Royals on May 9. After receiving on-field treatment for over ten minutes, she was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where doctors identified a heart abnormality that required surgery. The team reported that her prognosis is positive.
The incident left players and fans shaken, and the decision to continue the match was met with widespread criticism. The NWSL Players Association stated that any medical emergency necessitating life-saving care should halt play, emphasizing the need for humanity and sound judgment in such situations. Following the backlash, the league acknowledged its mistake in allowing the game to proceed and committed to prioritizing the health and well-being of the NWSL community in the future.
In a show of solidarity, Angel City faced Bay FC in their first match since King’s collapse. Before the game at San Jose’s PayPal Park, both teams donned shirts emblazoned with ‘SK3’ in tribute to King, and Angel City captain Sarah Gorden held up King’s jersey during the team photo.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman addressed reporters at halftime, stating, “All we could do is learn from the experience and conclude that in a future situation, we will ensure that our policies and protocols do not allow the game to continue.”
Savy King was the second overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft by expansion Bay FC and played 18 games for the club before being traded to Angel City in February, where she has started in eight games this season.
**FAQ**
**What happened to Savy King during the match?**
Savy King collapsed on the field during a match against the Utah Royals, leading to her hospitalization and subsequent surgery for a heart abnormality.
