The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has admitted that the Angel City vs. Utah Royals game should not have continued following Savy King’s on-field collapse. A league spokesperson confirmed this after reviewing protocols and listening to feedback from stakeholders.
King, 24, collapsed around the 74th minute of the game at BMO Stadium last Friday. She received medical attention on the field before being taken off the field and transported to a hospital. The match was suspended for 16 minutes and then resumed, with King undergoing successful surgery to address a heart abnormality.
The NWSL has since acknowledged that the game should have been abandoned. “The health and well-being of the entire NWSL community remains our top priority,” said the league spokesperson. “In any similar situation going forward, the game should be abandoned.”
The Utah head coach and the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) also expressed support for the decision to abandon the game. The players association stated that any medical emergency requiring life-saving care should bring play to an end.
The league is now reviewing its protocols for handling serious medical incidents on the field, with the final say resting with the commissioner in overruling any protocol. However, the NWSLPA welcomed the league’s acknowledgment and commitment to adopting a new protocol, saying it represents “a meaningful step forward” in prioritizing player safety.
King’s family expressed gratitude for the love and support from Angel City players, staff, fans, and the wider soccer community, saying they are “blessed” that Savy is recovering well.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6361142/2025/05/16/angel-city-utah-royals-savy-king-collapse-nwsl