Medical scare overshadows match between Angel City FC and Utah Royals

Angel City defender Savy King was hospitalized after collapsing on the field during Friday’s match between Angel City FC and the Utah Royals at BMO Stadium on Friday night.

It occurred in the 74th minute. According to video review, after clearing a ball, King sat down on the field, then laid down, and the players on the field quick summoned the medical staff onto the field, and the staff appeared to be doing chest compressions on King. King was eventually carted off the field and taken to a local hospital, the situation took about roughly 10-15 minutes.

Angel City first assistant coach Eleri Earnshaw, who was acting as head coach due to interim head coach Sam Laity serving a red card suspension, stated in the post-game press conference that King was transported to a local hospital, where she was “evaluated, responsive and in good spirits.”

“Her family is with her as well as our medical staff, so she is in good hands,” Earnshaw said.

After the match, both teams gathered in a circle on the field. 

“From my recollection, it was one of the Utah players [Alex Loera] who suggested that we get together and some people pray, some people share their energy, but just to show unity in that moment, in support of Savy without knowing the update at that time. It’s a scary situation to be in, and at that point, it’s much bigger than football. I am really grateful to her for doing that.”

The situation overshadowed the match, which Angel City won 2-0. Christen Press gave Angel City the lead in the 67th minute when Alanna Kennedy played Christen Press into the penalty area, Press deked Madison Pogarch to the ground, took a quick touch, then perfectly curled a ball off her left foot that sailed over the outstretched left hand of keeper Mandy McGlynn and into the back net at the far post to put Angel City in the lead.

“I have a horrible memory for how I score, which is generally a good thing,” Press said. “I do remember we won the ball high up and I thought why aren’t I running. So then I took off.”

Angel City wrapped up the three points in stoppage time. Press dribbled into the penalty area and tried to pass to Riley Tiernan, but Kherrington Ream cut off the pass and attempted to dribble out of the penalty area, but Madison Hammond stole the ball back from Ream to regain possession for Angel City. Alyssa Thompson got the ball, immediately dribbled the ball back inside the 18 and fired a right-footed shot that got past McGlynn, bounced off the far post and crossed the goal line.