Matchweek 8 of the NWSL witnessed a horrific start. On Friday night, Angel City star Savy King collapsed during a game against the Utah Royals, halting play for 10 minutes before being carted off the field — a moment that sent shockwaves through the entire soccer community. Although a reassuring update was later shared regarding the 20-year-old’s condition, King remains in the prayers of many. Most recently, even rival teams Seattle Reign and Houston Dash paid her a special tribute.

Both sides are currently underway for an action-packed match at Lumen Field. Sunday night surely remains a moment for either team, but they didn’t forget about the unfortunate tragedy involving the Angel City star. Interestingly, before the kick-off, as the captains of both the Reign and Dash came for a toss over choosing the side or kick-off, the home side brought their own club’s jersey with Savy King’s name and number on it.

Both skippers of the team, alongside the match officials, all posed together while holding the jersey. Remarkably, the moment was shared on X with a heartwarming caption saying, “As we take the field today alongside Houston Dash, our thoughts are with Savy King, her family, and our friends at Angel City. 💙”

A simple yet powerful show of support for the affected NWSL starlet. Both sides certainly have the approval of Angel City and its fanbase. In fact, the gesture garnered a quick acknowledgment from ACFC co-founder and president, Julie Uhrman, who took the comments of the tweet and wrote: “Thank you 🖤.”

Following the incident involving Savy King, an outpouring of love and support swept across the internet, with countless heartfelt messages wishing the young center back a swift recovery. In fact, the showcasing of solidarity wasn’t just limited to the internet.

Players and members from both Angel City and the Utah Royals gathered in a large circle at BMO Stadium, linking arms in a powerful moment of prayer for King’s well-being. Either way, it’s good to see that she remains in the thoughts of everyone. Speaking of which, what’s the update on her health condition?

An update on Savy King and more from NWSL

Savy King had everyone holding their breath after the terrifying moment on the pitch. Despite her side’s 2-0 win over Houston Dash, the win was marred by this unforeseen event. More than nine paramedics quickly responded to the scene, bringing in an AED and performing CPR on the field. After a tense 10-minute pause in the game, King was stretchered off to a round of applause and taken to the hospital for further examinations.

Later, the club issued a statement confirming that the 20-year-old had been transported to the hospital by EMS and was in a stable and responsive condition upon leaving the field. They added that she would continue to undergo further evaluation. Acting coach Eleri Earnshaw also offered a reassuring update, saying King was in “good hands.”

Meanwhile, the National Women’s Soccer League further elaborated on the events that transpired on Friday night, assuring that all league protocols were properly followed, both medically and operationally. “We are grateful to the Angel City medical staff as well as to local paramedics who handled this difficult situation seamlessly.”

“As always, the NWSL will review and determine if changes to that protocol need to be made. We share everyone’s concern about Savy, and our thoughts are with her, her family, the Utah Royals players and staff, and the Angel City players, staff and community,” read the statement.

Further expressing the heartbreak of the night was the hero of the night, Christen Press. Having ignited the win by coming off the bench in the 65th minute to score a brilliant goal inside 23 seconds, the veteran insisted the moment had affected everyone. “This game had been very emotional, very tough… she is in our hearts.”

Similar is our take on this incident. Hoping to see Savy King make a quick bounce back!