The last NWSL matchday had everyone on edge. Angel City defender Savy King gave the entire soccer community a huge scare after collapsing on the pitch during a match against the Utah Royals. The game was halted for over 10 minutes as nine paramedics attended to her before she was eventually carted off. Although a positive update regarding her health was shared within the next 48 hours, fans remained unsettled until they heard directly from the affected star—and now, they finally have. King has spoken out for the first time since that heartbreaking incident.

The 20-year-old broke her silence through an Instagram post, where she shared a carousel of four pictures featuring herself from the hospital bed, as well as one with her boyfriend Haydeny Downs. Posing with a big heart-shaped pillow gift that she received from Cedar-Senai Hospital following her successful heart surgery and a big thumbs-up, the defender wrote a letter that would surely make everyone emotional.

“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 began in her message. “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 ACFC who saved my life and cared for me every step of the way.”

King seemingly couldn’t be more thankful for all the love and support, while also expressing her special thanks for receiving top-notch medical facilities. “I know God’s got me and I’m looking forward to recovering and getting back out on the field!” she concluded before adding, “‘For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.’ – Psalm 91:11”

On Sunday’s game vs Bay FC, the entire Angel City FC squad gave a special tribute to their young defender by donning black t-shirts that read “SK3”. As this heartfelt gesture was shared on the internet, Savy King took to Instagram stories to share her reaction by re-sharing it. Additionally, she wrote, “My girls forever…will be getting to all the messages soon.”

Again, thanking her teammates for keeping her in the thoughts of the entire team, she called them a “blessing”. However, on an unfortunate note, ACFC ended up losing the clash 2-0, that too, against King’s former suitors, Bay FC. Either way, the talking point remains the positivity that has made the defender even more delighted.

One has to give a special shoutout to the support shown by King’s fellow locker room teammates. Overall, it’s a relieving update from the center-back—one that will bring a sigh of relief to everyone. Meanwhile, as Savy gets discharged and begins the road to recovery, the authorities haven’t let what happened after she left the pitch slide so easily.

NWSLPA rallies behind Savy King for injustice!

Days after the unfortunate incident, the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association criticized the league’s decision to continue the match despite the seriousness of the situation. They pointed out that the game wasn’t suspended, with even the stoppage time matching the exact length of the delay.

“These moments demand humanity, sound judgment, and restraint,” the NWSLPA said in a statement compiled by ESPN FC. “Any medical emergency that requires the administration of life-saving care should bring play to an end. The match should not have continued.” The authority further expressed its determination to make this standard is set across the NWSL.

In fact, not just NWSLPA; even Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman insisted, “In no world should that game have continued,” as fans across the globe echoed similar sentiments of strong disapproval regarding how the situation was handled. Either way, the good thing is that Savy King is fine.