Angel City's Savy King released from hospital, defender thanks fans and medical staff after heart surgery

Angel City defender Savy King was released from the hospital Saturday, eight days after she collapsed on the field in an NWSL match against Utah Royals. King was transported via EMS to a local hospital, where it was discovered she needed surgery to treat a heart abnormality.

King posted a photo of herself in the hospital holding a heart-shaped pillow while giving a thumbs up on social media Sunday.

"I'm still finding the words to express just how much your love and support have meant to me over these past few days," she wrote in the post. "What I do know is that I wouldn't be getting through this without my incredible family by my side, my amazing teammates who have shown up for me and prayed for me, the fans, the entire soccer community, and the outstanding medical team here at ACFC who saved my life and cared for me every step of the way. I know God's got me and I'm looking forward to recovering and getting back out on the field!"

Angel City issued a statement saying King was released on Saturday after she underwent a successful surgery last Tuesday.

King, 20, collapsed and received over 10 minutes of life-saving treatment on the pitch before being carted off. The match continued after King left the field, with Angel City winning 2-0.

Players were visibly shaken after the on-field incident, but were tasked to continue playing and finish the match - a move that has since been widely criticized. Following the conclusion of the game, the NWSL issued a statement claiming they were reviewing league policies, while the NWSL Players Association was among those aiming criticism at the league, claiming the match should not have continued.

"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."

The league issued a statement of "regret" on Friday over the matter, admitting the match should not have continued.

"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," it said in the statement.

Angel City clashed with Bay FC Saturday evening in their first NWSL match since King's collapse, and prior to kickoff at PayPal Park in San Jose, both teams wore shirts with "SK3" printed on them in tribute to the young defender.

Angel City captain Sarah Gorden also held up King's jersey during their team photo.

"All we could do is learn from the experience and conclude that in a future situation, we will ensure that our policies and protocols do not allow the game to continue," NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman told reporters at halftime of the match, in her first comments about King's collapse.

King was the second overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft by expansion side Bay FC. She played 18 games for the league debutants last season, before being traded in February to Angel City, where she started eight games to begin the season.

King will continue to recover with Angel City until her next steps are announced by the club. Angel City return to the pitch on Saturday, May 24 against Racing Louisville.