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

Angel City FC defender Savy King, 20, underwent successful heart surgery on Tuesday after collapsing on the field during a match against the Utah Royals last Friday. King received immediate medical attention on the field, including chest compressions, before being transported to California Hospital Medical Center and later Cedars-Sinai, where doctors discovered and addressed a heart abnormality. Her prognosis is reported as excellent, and she is currently recovering surrounded by her family, who expressed deep gratitude for the swift and exceptional care provided by medical staff and the support from the soccer community. The incident prompted an emotional pause in the match, which resumed after about 10-16 minutes, a decision that has drawn criticism from some players and coaches who questioned whether play should have continued. King, a recent trade acquisition and starter in all matches this season, is expected to fully recover, though her timeline for return remains unclear. The episode has sparked conversation around player safety protocols in the NWSL and the appropriateness of resuming play after medical emergencies.