Angel City FC defender Savy King was released from a Los Angeles hospital on Saturday and was resting at home with her family Sunday as she continues her recovery from heart surgery last Tuesday.
King collapsed on the field during a match against the Utah Royals on May 9. Doctors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center discovered a heart abnormality and performed the surgery.
King, 20, said Sunday that she’s thankful for the life-saving help and looking forward to returning to soccer during her first public comments since the medical emergency.
“I’m still finding the words to express just how much your love and support have meant to me over these past few days,” King said in a statement. “What I do know is that I wouldn’t be getting through this without my incredible family by my side, my amazing teammates who have shown up for me and prayed for me, the fans, the entire soccer community, and the outstanding medical team here at (Angel City FC) who saved my life and cared for me every step of the way. I know God’s got me and I’m looking forward to recovering and getting back out on the field!”
Angel City also released a statement Sunday regarding King’s situation.
“On behalf of Angel City FC and Savy’s family, we are so grateful for the expert medical care she received by the world class providers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in consultation with our medical staff,” the team said. “Angel City is prepared to support Savy as she continues her recovery.”
King collapsed in the 74th minute and medical personnel appeared to be administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation to her on the field. She was carted off the field with an oxygen mask on her face and taken away via ambulance.
Players from both teams gathered in a prayer circle, and the match was delayed 10 minutes.
There was also criticism that the match resumed at all. In response, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said the league will examine its procedures.
“Our focus was really on making sure that the player was cared for during the game, and so we were quite relieved and pleased that she had the resources and that Angel City’s medical team really managed her care effortlessly and amazingly,” Berman told reporters. “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.”
King started each of Angel City’s eight matches prior to the injury. She has no goals or assists and two yellow cards.
The first-ever draft pick (second overall) of expansion Bay FC in 2024, King played 18 matches and made 12 starts last season for the San Jose-based club. She had two assists and one yellow card last year.
The Southern California native played for the University of North Carolina before entering the NWSL. She also made numerous appearances for the U.S. youth national under-17 and under-20 teams.
–Field Level Media
