Angel City defender released from hospital following health scare

The National Womens' Soccer League has made headlines recently this month. One of the league's budding young stars, Savy King, collapsed during a match on May 9 against the Utah Royals.

Days later, she underwent surgery for an abnormality in her heart. Angel City FC has since reported that King is in good spirits and expected to make a full recovery.

In the 2024 NWSL draft, King was selected by expansion Bay FC, where she played 18 games for the team. She was traded to Angel City in February. King has started in eight games this season before her health scare.

Why the incident sparked controversy among the league and fans

Many fans were upset that the game continued on May 9. With King going down and the severity of the situation, several individuals commented and expressed the league fumbled and should have called an end to the game.

Similar reactions to the late-season primetime NFL game two seasons ago between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals. Safety Damar Hamlin was hit in the chest cavity by a helmet from an opposing player.

Hamlin collapsed moments later, and medical staff stepped in, transporting Hamlin to a nearby hospital. He was treated overnight in Cincinnati, then later released. He did not return to football until Week 4 of the 2024 NFL regular season.

"These moments demand humanity, sound judgment, and restraint. Any medical emergency that requires the administration of life-saving care should bring play to an end. The match should not have continued. The health and well-being of the entire NWSL community remains our top priority, and in any similar situation going forward, the game should and would be abandoned."

NWSLPA statement

Instead, the game was called and play did not resume. The NFL instantly recognized the situation, unlike the NWSL.

Angel City FC ended up winning 2-0 against Utah but lost their next match, 2-0, against Bay FC. While there is no immediate timeline for King's return, their next game is during Memorial Weekend against Racing Louisville.

"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."

Jessica Berman, NWSL commissioner

Currently, Angel City FC sits in the 7th spot as they have scored 15 goals while allowing 16 scores. Their home games are actually played at BMO Stadium where LAFC plays their home games.