The NWSL Matchday 20 featuring Seattle Reign and Racing Louisville went anything but as expected. While the game kicked off at its usual time and place, the match was abandoned within half an hour after Louisville star Savannah DeMelo suddenly collapsed during play. While the incident left everyone shaken, awaiting anything but positive, the USWNT midfielder herself stepped up to share a crucial update about her health.

Medical staff quickly rushed to her aid after she fell on the ground before transporting her to a local hospital. Later that day, Louisville confirmed that DeMelo was “stable and alert,” offering some relief to the soccer community. Now, for the first time since the incident, it was only natural for Savannah to thank everyone who was concerned for them and what’s her future game update.

“I’m lucky to have my family with me while I’m waiting for test results to come back. I’m extremely thankful to our whole medical staff for the quick response. They’ve been with me every step of the way. The support from everyone has truly meant the world to me, and I’m excited to cheer on the girls this week,” she said, as per the statement shared by the club.

Many of you must be thinking that Savannah DeMelo is talking about next weekend’s game. But for those unaware, earlier, the NWSL shared an update for the Seattle Reign vs. Racing Louisville clash that was halted at halftime. It has been decided that the game will be restarted from the second half on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET at Lumen Field.

The score will remain 0-0, with the match played behind closed doors but available via live stream. This would mean that ardent fans who had bought tickets for the game on Sunday would have to catch the remaining of the action on their devices from the comfort of their home. Rest assured, count Savannah DeMelo in, who, while recuperating from her health scare, will be cheering for her teammates.

The decision to halt the game after any major life-threatening incident was implemented by the stakeholders of the league under pressure from the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association, ever since Angel City star Savy King collapsed during the NWSL Matchday 8 clash against Utah Royals at BMO Stadium on May 9, 2025, due to a heart attack.

The NWSLPA said, “Incidents of this severity must prioritize our collective humanity and should automatically trigger suspension of the match. The Players Association is committed to making this the standard in NWSL.” In fact, it wasn’t just Savy King—Savannah DeMelo had faced a similar scare earlier.

The Louisville midfielder, with the club since 2022, collapsed during a March 22 game against Bay FC after dealing with chest pain and dizziness, which led to her early exit in the first half. This latest incident explains why the NWSL took extra safety precautions this time around.

They even added, “We recognize the concern this incident may cause, particularly in light of recent conversations around player safety. The NWSL remains committed to ensuring that the highest standards of medical care and emergency response are in place at every match.”

Then again, the more important thing to focus on here is what exactly seems to be the problem with Savannah DeMelo that caused her to face this predicament for the second time in her career.

Here’s what has been troubling Savannah DeMelo!

Interestingly, former USC standout Savannah DeMelo revealed to ESPN.com last fall that she had been diagnosed with both Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism. After battling health concerns late in the 2024 NWSL campaign, doctors officially confirmed her condition. For context, Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism.

Simply put, it is a condition that speeds up body processes and can lead to issues like a rapid heartbeat, which DeMelo experienced in the match against Bay FC. No wonder, since the diagnosis, the 27-year-old midfielder has managed her health through daily medication, frequent blood tests, and ongoing consultations with her endocrinologist.

Though surgery on her thyroid is a potential option, she has expressed her hope to avoid it, with even club doctor Dr. Jennifer Daily admitting it has certain downsides involved. However, with her once again leaving the field due to the same condition, it has become clear that she needs continued evaluation and must take every possible precaution moving forward.