Angel City’s Savy King has heart surgery after collapsing during NWSL game

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Angel City FC Defender Savy King Undergoes Heart Surgery After On-Field Collapse"

Angel City’s Savy King has heart surgery after collapsing during NWSL game analysis cover image The Guardian 8.6
Image Source: https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/6f3f7dd1437633bbd30c83abb4b52e50646e3e43/1303_816_5251_4200/master/5251.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctZGVmYXVsdC5wbmc&enable=upscale&s=cb02de34d7bc868fa150673740147bd7
Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/may/14/savy-king-angel-city-collapse-soccer
View Raw Article Source (External Link)
Raw Article Publish Date:
AI Analysis Average Score: 8.6
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

Savy King, a defender for Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), is recovering from heart surgery after collapsing during a match against the Utah Royals. The incident occurred in the second half of the game, specifically during the 74th minute, prompting immediate medical attention on the field. After being evaluated by medical personnel, King was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where doctors identified a heart abnormality that necessitated surgery. The team announced that King is now resting comfortably with her family and is expected to make a full recovery. Her family expressed gratitude towards the medical staff of both the team and the hospital, as well as the support from the community and fans, emphasizing how moved they have been by the outpouring of love during this challenging time.

The NWSL community reacted with concern, highlighting the emotional toll the incident took on players and spectators alike. Following the collapse, players from both teams were visibly shaken as they awaited updates on King’s condition. The league acknowledged the situation and stated that it would review its emergency protocols to ensure player safety in the future. The match continued after a significant delay, with a total of 12 minutes of stoppage time added, and Angel City ultimately secured a 2-0 victory. King, who was the second overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft and had recently joined Angel City, had started every game for her team this season. This unfortunate incident has sparked discussions about the importance of player safety and the protocols in place for dealing with medical emergencies during games.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The incident involving Savy King has brought significant attention to health and safety protocols within sports, particularly in women's soccer. This article highlights the urgency of medical responses in sports settings and the emotional impact on players and fans alike. The broader implications of this event touch on community support, health awareness, and league governance.

Health and Safety Awareness

The article emphasizes the importance of health protocols in sports by detailing the swift medical response to King’s collapse. The mention of her heart surgery following the discovery of an abnormality underscores the necessity for regular health checks for athletes. This incident may prompt leagues, teams, and players to advocate for improved health screenings and emergency response procedures, thereby raising awareness about athlete health.

Community Response and Support

The statements from King’s family and her teammates reflect a strong sense of community within the Angel City team and the larger soccer community. The expression of gratitude towards medical staff and the emotional support received highlight the solidarity that exists among players and fans. This communal response can foster a deeper connection within the sport, encouraging ongoing support for players’ well-being.

Potential Policy Changes

The NWSL's commitment to reviewing its policies in light of this incident indicates a proactive approach to ensuring player safety. This could lead to significant changes in how the league addresses emergencies during games, potentially altering the framework of game-day operations. Fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how the league responds, as any changes could enhance safety measures in the future.

Public Perception and Emotional Impact

The emotional nature of the incident, as expressed by players like Trinity Rodman, indicates that such events can have lasting effects on athletes' mental health and public perception of the sport. The league's acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation suggests an awareness of player welfare that could shape future narratives around athlete safety.

Manipulation and Media Framing

There is a potential for manipulation in how such stories are presented. While the article focuses on recovery and community support, it also subtly positions the league as responsive and caring. This framing may be an attempt to bolster the league's image, especially in light of past criticisms regarding player safety and well-being. The language used emphasizes gratitude and support, which can create a positive perception of both the team and the league.

Overall Credibility

The article appears to be credible, as it includes statements from medical professionals, players, and family members. The factual recounting of events and the responses from involved parties lend authenticity to the narrative. However, the potential for underlying motives regarding league image enhancement should be considered.

The analysis presents a multifaceted view of the implications surrounding Savy King's incident, highlighting the need for continued dialogue about health and safety in sports while recognizing the emotional and communal bonds that emerge in response to such crises.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/may/14/savy-king-angel-city-collapse-soccer

Angel City defender Savy King was recovering from heart surgeryfollowing her collapseon the field during a National Women’s Soccer League match on Friday night.

King was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after the emergency in the second half of Angel City’s match against the Utah Royals. Doctors who evaluated King discovered a heart abnormality, and she underwent surgery on Tuesday.

“She is now resting and recovering surrounded by her family, and her prognosis is excellent,” the team said in a statement.

King’s family released a joint statement thanking the team’s medical staff, King’s fellow players and the hospital medical staff for her care.

“On behalf of our entire family, along with Savy, we have been so moved by the love and support from Angel City players, staff, fans and community, as well as soccer fans across the country,” the statement said. “We are blessed to share Savy is recovering well and we are looking forward to having her home with us soon.”

Players on both sides were visibly shaken as trainers rushed to King’s side after she went down in the 74th minute of Friday’s match. She was attended to for 10 minutes before she was stretchered off the field and taken to hospital.

“We are grateful to the Angel City medical staff as well as to local paramedics who handled this difficult situation seamlessly,” theNWSLsaid in a statement on Saturday.

In an Instagram story, Washington Spirit national team forward Trinity Rodman offered prayers for King and her family, adding: “In no world should that game have continued.”

The league said in its statement that it would review its policies to determine if changes needed to be made. NWSL rules for 2025 state that the league “recognizes that emergencies may arise which make the start or progression of a Game inadvisable or dangerous for participants and spectators. Certain event categories automatically trigger the League Office into an evaluation of whether delay or postponement is necessary.”

Sign up toSoccer with Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson brings expert analysis on the biggest stories from European soccer

after newsletter promotion

There were 12 minutes of stoppage time added to the match. Angel City won the game 2-0.

King, 20, was the second overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft by expansion Bay FC and played 18 games for the club. She was traded to Angel City in February and had started in all eight games for the team this season.

Back to Home
Source: The Guardian