Things took a turn during NWSL Matchday 20 when Racing Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo suddenly collapsed less than 30 minutes into the game against Seattle Reign at Lumen Field. Despite receiving on-field medical attention, the 27-year-old was rushed to the hospital, forcing the match to be postponed. Hours later, reports confirmed that DeMelo was “stable and alert” and continues to recover, though she remains on the thoughts of many—including her NWSL rivals.

Earlier today, the Utah Royals hosted Racing Louisville for their Matchday 21 clash at America First Field. Of course, the away team was without Savannah DeMelo, who continues to recuperate. Sadly, Louisville endured a rough and close 3-2 defeat. After the game, Royals skipper Paige Monaghan was taken aside for a brief interview with the CBS Sports team. But before answering any of the questions regarding the game, she decided to give a special mention to the sidelined Louisville midfielder.

“Before we go on to the interview with me, I just wanted to say that on behalf of Utah, our thoughts and prayers are with Savannah DeMelo,” she began. “We’re so grateful that she’s doing well…just wishing her well. There are bigger things in soccer. So before I talk about myself, I just wanna put it out there that we’re sending love and prayer to her and to her family and the team that was there…shoutout to Seattle’s and Racing Louisville’s medical team for being able to help her,” added Monaghan.

Quite a heartfelt gesture and melting words from Paige Monaghan, which certainly resonated with the Racing Louisville fans and, more importantly, Savannah DeMelo herself. The USWNT midfielder would be grateful to see her NWSL rival take the time to give her flowers. Perhaps after hearing this, DeMelo will surely take her time to extend her gratitude to Monaghan for her words.

Notably, after Savannah was rushed to the hospital, both Louisville and the NWSL shared a convincing update regarding her health. Even the league followed the protocol this time regarding the decision to abandon the game. “Our first priority is her health and safety… The NWSL remains committed to ensuring that the highest standards of medical care and emergency response are in place at every match,” said the statement.

This decision follows a worrying rise in players collapsing on the pitch, sparking serious concerns about the causes and what can be done to prevent them. The most recent case came on May 9, 2025, when Angel City’s Savy King suffered a heart attack and collapsed just minutes before full-time in their Matchday 8 clash against the Utah Royals at BMO Stadium.

Thankfully, the 20-year-old made a strong recovery after the frightening incident. Since then, the NWSLPA took matters into its own hands and urged the league to take crucial precautions. As in the case of Savannah DeMelo, well, believe it or not, she has faced a similar scare herself before!

Savannah DeMelo was already predisposed to health scares

Having been with the club since 2022, Savannah DeMelo’s health challenges have followed her along the way. Back on March 22, she was forced off early in a match against Bay FC after experiencing chest pain and dizziness. Later that year, in an interview with ESPN.com, the former USC star revealed that she had been diagnosed with Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that triggers hyperthyroidism, a condition that speeds up body processes and can cause symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, something DeMelo experienced during that Bay FC game. Since her diagnosis, the 27-year-old midfielder has been managing the illness through daily medication, routine blood work, and regular consultations with her endocrinologist.

Surgery on her thyroid has been discussed, though she hopes to avoid it given the risks, something even club doctor Dr. Jennifer Daily has acknowledged. Still, with her once again forced off the pitch due to the same issue, it’s evident that DeMelo requires ongoing monitoring and must take every precaution to protect her long-term health.