During a women’s soccer league match on Friday night, there was a serious incident when a player had to be hospitalized. Angel City defender Sabby King experienced a “medical event” while playing against the Utah Royals.
King collapsed on the field during the 74th minute and lay there for about ten minutes before being taken off, visibly affecting her teammates. Reports indicate that CPR was performed, and an AED was utilized. The match was paused for a few moments as medical personnel attended to her.
Eventually, she was stretchered off, and after the game concluded, both teams gathered to pray for her. Fortunately, there were positive updates from the club following the match.
Angel City reported, “Savy was taken to the hospital by EMS after a medical event on the field. She is responsive and has received further evaluations. We appreciate your concerns and support.” In a poignant moment, Utah’s Alex Loera was asked to lead both teams in prayer, stating, “Of course I’m going to do that.”
Loera shared that King is a close friend, expressing how frightening such situations can be. “Those moments are always so scary—we’re all sending our thoughts and prayers to Sabby’s family,” he said. Utah’s head coach, Jimmy Coenraetz, agreed that continuing the match felt inappropriate, noting that many players were shaken by the incident.
King, only 20 years old, was the second overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft by Extended Bay FC, having played 18 games for them before being traded to Angel City in February. She has started all eight games for her new team this season.
