Racing Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo was stable and alert after being taken to a Seattle hospital following a medical emergency during Sunday night’s National Women’s Soccer League match against the Seattle Reign at Lumen Field, according to team officials.
The game was halted late in the first half after DeMelo sat down on the field and then collapsed.
Trainers and medical staff from both clubs quickly surrounded her as players gathered nearby, many visibly shaken.
The broadcast cut away from the scene, and halftime was called early with the score tied 0-0.
League officials later confirmed the remainder of the game will be rescheduled and resumed from the point of suspension, with a date to be determined by both teams.
Racing Louisville said DeMelo received immediate on-field care and was transported by ambulance.
She was later described as “awake and in good spirits” while undergoing testing at a local hospital, surrounded by family, loved ones, and medical staff.
“I’m lucky to have my family with me while I’m waiting for test results to come back,” DeMelo said in a statement. “I’m extremely thankful to our whole medical staff for the quick response. They’ve been with me every step of the way. The support from everyone has truly meant the world to me, and I’m excited to cheer on the girls this week.”
Racing Louisville general manager Caitlyn Flores Milby praised the quick response from trainers and thanked the Reign’s medical staff.
“From the moment the incident began, Savannah’s health has been our top priority,” she said. “I’m deeply grateful to our athletic trainers, Tara Condon and Michaela Clay, for their quick action and to the entire Seattle Reign medical staff for their assistance in getting Savannah the care that she required.”
Racing head coach Bev Yanez added, “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support for Savannah. This has been an incredibly difficult time for our players and staff, who all care deeply for her, and it’s meaningful to know the entire NWSL community is behind Sav as she recovers.”
The Reign also released a statement of support, saying: “We stand side by side with Louisville during this time and thank our fans for their support.”
The NWSL emphasized that DeMelo’s health was its priority.
“We recognize the concern this incident may cause, particularly in light of recent conversations around player safety,” the league said. “The NWSL remains committed to ensuring that the highest standards of medical care and emergency response are in place at every match.”
DeMelo, 27, has experienced health challenges previously.
In March, she left a match with dizziness and chest tightness, and in May she revealed a diagnosis of Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism.
A former University of Southern California standout, she was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft and has since made 61 appearances for Louisville, scoring 14 goals.
She was also part of the U.S. national team roster for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The incident also comes months after Angel City defender Savy King collapsed during a game in Los Angeles and later required heart surgery.
The league later admitted it should have suspended that game immediately.
New rules for the 2025 season now mandate reviews of certain medical emergencies to determine whether play should continue.
PHOTO COURTESY - X @lovinpnw / Area Sports Network
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