Savy King participates in Angel City’s first match following cardiac incident.
Savy King made her return to the field for the first time in more than 10 months when she came on as a substitute during Angel City FC’s victory over Chicago Stars FC on Sunday evening in Los Angeles.
The 21-year-old had not participated in a match since May 9, 2025, when she experienced a cardiac incident during a game against the Utah Royals that necessitated open heart surgery.
King entered the match in the 63rd minute to a warm reception from the home supporters at BMO Stadium, with Angel City leading 2-0. The home team added two more goals after King’s introduction, concluding their NWSL season opener with a 4-0 victory.
“I’ve been doing everything within my power to get back on the pitch for a game again. I’m thrilled to be back and to have the opportunity to return to play,” King told ESPN in February when she was taken off the season-ending injury list. “I believe this will be a significant moment not just for me but for my family, the club, and everyone who has faced difficult challenges in their lives, particularly those related to cardiac issues.”
In the summer of 2025, King completed her cardiac rehabilitation at Cedars Sinai and was authorized to return to Angel City’s training facility for non-contact sessions in the fall. This preseason, she received full clearance for contact and resumed full practice with her Angel City teammates.
Several months following her cardiac incident, King established Savy King of Hearts, a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting CPR awareness, preventive screenings, and heart health advocacy.
King was selected second overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft by Bay FC, where she made 20 appearances in her rookie season, contributing two assists over 1,220 minutes of play.
She was traded to Angel City in February 2025, subsequently signing a contract extension with the club through 2028. The Los Angeles native started all seven matches for Angel City, logging over 600 minutes before her cardiac incident in May.
ESPN’s Charlotte Gibson contributed to this report.
