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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><ul><li>NWSLPA asks league to chance protocols after Savy King incident</li><li>Angel City defender collapsed on field</li><li>Play resumed after the defender was taken for treatment</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

NWSL Players Association calls for protocol change in wake of Angel City's Savy King on-field incident, continuation of match

NWSL

Washington Spirit

Utah Royals

Bay FC

Angel City FC

<p>The NWSLPA has called for a change in league protocols following last week’s incident in which Angel City's Savy King collapsed on the pitch and required medical treatment.</p><p>King suffered a medical event on-pitch and, after approximately 10 minutes of treatment, was transferred to a local hospital via EMS. Angel City said this week that King underwent <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/angel-city-defender-savy-king-undergoes-heart-surgery-after-on-field-collapse-in-nwsl-match-team-says-prognosis-excellent/bltb483d7c82c6896fb" target="_self">successful heart surgery on Tuesday</a> to address a heart abnormality, adding that her prognosis is "excellent."</p><p>Friday's match, a 2-0 victory for Angel City, resumed after King was transported off the field. Players from both teams were visibly shaken, and post-match, gathered at the center of the pitch as they locked arms in a prayer for the 20-year-old defender.</p><p>The NWSLPA issued a statement Wednesday saying, "The match should not have continued."</p><p>"These moments demand humanity, sound judgment, and restraint," the NWSLPA 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. Incidents of this severity must prioritize our collective humanity and should automatically trigger suspension of the match. The Players Association is committed to making this the standard in NWSL.</p><p>"Our members are elite, world class competitors who have proven they can perform under unimaginable conditions. That does not mean they should have to."</p><p></p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJpfI_lo-IQ/?img_index=3&amp;igsh=ZXNvaXY2dzYxdmdl" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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WHAT HAPPENED?

<p></p><p>After Friday's game, Utah Royals manager Jimmy Coenraets suggested the match should have been stopped.</p><p>“In those moments, I’m not sure if we should have continued the game,” Coenraets told reporters after the match. “You’re emotionally - not only them but also our players were just scared. That’s not the right situation to be in but in the end, we played on. That’s the decision other people have taken, which is fine. </p><p>"It was a really tough moment. It’s the same after the game. Like, what do you want to focus on after the game? Yes, you have the result of the game but you want to make sure people feel safe, healthy and good and I think that was the focus after the game for us.”</p><p>Washington Spirit and U.S. women's national team forward Trinity Rodman offered prayers for King and her Family on social media as well, posting on her Instagram story adding: “In no world should that game have continued.”</p><p>The NWSL had said in a statement on Saturday that "league protocols were followed from both a medical and game operations perspective," and that it would further evaluate its processes.</p><p>On Wednesday, the NWSL released an additional statement: "Player safety is paramount to the NWSL. 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. Please continue to respect Savy's privacy."</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The NWSLPA also said the focus remains on King's recovery. </p><p>"Our focus remains on supporting Savy during her recovery, and we ask that her and her family's privacy continue to be respected during this time. We are deeply appreciative of the swift, professional response from the medical staff, emergency personnel and others on site who ensured Savy's safety Friday night."</p><p>King joined Angel City from Bay FC ahead of the 2025 NWSL season from Bay FC.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Having won two straight games, Angel City will play Bay City Saturday at 10 p.m. ET at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR ANGEL CITY

NWSL Players Association calls for protocol change in wake of Angel City's Savy King on-field incident, continuation of match | Goal.com

The NWSLPA has asked the NWSL to re-evaluate the league&apos;s processes and abandon matches in which a player requires life-saving treatment

NWSL Players Association calls for protocol change in wake of Angel City&apos;s Savy King on-field incident, continuation of match

Next matches