NFL
By: Ashmere Prasad
May 18 — On Saturday evening, the NWSL Commissioner, Jessica Berman, met with the press for the first time since Savy King collapsed last week during Angel City’s match. A press conference was held during halftime of the Bay FC vs Angel FC matchup at PayPal Park.
King, 20, collapsed in the 74th minute of the Angel City vs Utah FC match last week. She required chest compressions and received care from Angel City’s medical staff for several minutes before being taken to the California Hospital Medical Center by ambulance. The game was paused for about 10 minutes and then resumed, including extra time, until the final whistle was blown.
“As we regrouped internally, we of course came to the conclusion that that game should not have continued. We were and are committed to ensuring that in a similar situation moving forward that it wouldn’t happen again.”
Since the incident King underwent a successful surgery addressing a heart abnormality, the team announced.
King was a part of Bay FC’s inaugural roster last season and was traded to Angel FC earlier this year. Both clubs showed their support for King by wearing black ‘SK3’ shirts prior to the match. Angel City also wore black bands on their arms. Earlier this week the teams worked together with the front office to create the shirts and show their support for King’s healthy recovery.
Coach Albertin Montoya said the club was fairly shook up when they heard the news about their former teammate. “Knowing that she’s now back in recovery, everyone’s relieved. When we found out it took a toll on all of us. I’d like to believe that we all played for her there, both teams. I’m very thankful that she’s getting better.”
Berman said the league is learning together and planning on adjusting the policies regarding stoppage time for future matches. “We wanted to make sure our focus was on resources that they need in order to process and digest what they (players and fans) all experienced. Everything that we do every season gives us an opportunity to learn and be better, and that’s what we’re committed to do going forward.”
