Angel City FC defender Savy King discharged from hospital Sunday after heart surgery

Angel City Football Club defender Savy King has been discharged from the hospital and is home, the team announced Sunday morning.

King underwent heart surgery Tuesday after doctors discovered a heart abnormality. King collapsed late in the game last Friday against the Utah Royals and was taken to the hospital. She was eventually admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center May. 10.

King posted an Instagram photo and message today.

“I’m still finding the words to express just how much your love and support have meant to me over the past few days. 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 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 returned to action Saturday and suffered a 2-0 defeat against Bay FC. The team took a couple of days off early in the week before starting preparation for the game.

“Going into the game, we put some pressure on ourselves as players, regardless if we say we want to put pressure on ourselves or not,” captain and defender Sarah Gorden said. “With us not having Savy [King] tonight, knowing how important this game was to her, we really wanted to bring something special to this game. It’s really disappointing how it turned out.

“We’re pretty emotionally tired. The group did a great job this week showing up to practice and tuning in and getting ready. I know the group is exhausted. It’s been a really long week and we’re really disappointed that we couldn’t get three points for our girl Savy.”

King was drafted by Bay FC in the 2024 NWSL draft after her freshman season at North Carolina. She was traded to Angel City in the offseason.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult week,” interim coach Sam Laity said. “Probably the most difficult week that any of us will experience in our career. There’s so much context this week, but what you saw, especially in the first half. Everyone was a little bit drained, which was obvious from what we saw.

“I must say this, I’m extremely proud of the players. I’m proud of them for turning up today and fighting right until the end. I have so much admiration for the group. Having experienced what they’ve just experienced this last week.”

In a statement, Angel City said, “we are so grateful for the expert medical care she received by the world class providers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, in consultation with our medical staff. Angel City is prepared to support Savy as she continues her recovery.”