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NWSL acknowledges Angel City-Utah match should have been stopped after Savy King collapsed on field

One week after Savy King collapsed during an NWSL contest between Angel City FC and the Utah Royals, the league is acknowledging that the match should not have continued after the incident.

"Having reviewed our protocols and how they were implemented, and in listening to feedback from our stakeholders, the Angel City vs Utah game last Friday night should not have continued," an NWSL spokesperson said to The Athletic. “The health and well being of the entire NWSL community remains our top priority, and in any similar situation going forward the game should and would be abandoned.”

King, 20, fell to the turf during the match's 74th minute and required immediate attention from team trainers and teammates. After being treated for approximately 10 minutes, she was taken from the field on a stretcher while wearing an oxygen mask.

The NWSL released a statement saying King "left the field in stable condition" and was "responsive" upon arriving at California Hospital Medical Center. After being transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, she was diagnosed with a heart abnormality and underwent surgery to correct the issue. Her prognosis was described as "excellent."

However, the league was criticized following the game by players and coaches for resuming the match after a 16-minute delay to treat King, which included administering chest compressions, and take her to an ambulance.

“Our players were just scared. That’s not the right situation to be in but in the end, we played on," Utah coach Jimmy Coenraets told reporters. “That’s the decision other people have taken, which is fine. It was a really tough moment.”

"In no world should that game have continued," Washington Spirit and U.S. women's national team star Trinity Rodman said on social media.

"These moments demand humanity, sound judgment, and restraint," the National Women's Soccer League Players Association said in a statement. "Any medical emergency that requires the administration of life-saving care should bring play to an end. The match should not have continued."

More than 12 hours after the incident, the NWSL released a statement saying its protocols had been followed. League rules state that "emergencies may arise which make the start or progression of a Game inadvisable or dangerous for participants and spectators. Certain event categories automatically trigger the League Office into an evaluation of whether delay or postponement is necessary."

Such emergencies include "a serious incident, injury or fatality to a player, coach, official, team representative or spectator, or other medical concern."

On Wednesday, the NWSL said its protocols regarding player safety would be reviewed in light of what occurred.

“Player safety is paramount to the NWSL,” said a league statement, via the Associated Press. "The seriousness of this incident requires a deliberate process that is careful and methodical. That process is underway, and will include necessary revisions that prioritize the consideration of player, staff and fan well-being."

Angel City FC continues its season on Saturday versus Bay FC at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.

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