The Reign-Racing NWSL match was abandoned after USWNT’s Savannah DeMelo collapsed. She is stable and alert, undergoing further evaluation. The NWSL emphasizes player safety and will reschedule the match. This incident sparks concerns about player well-being and the need for robust medical protocols.
A National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) match between the Seattle Reign and Racing Louisville was abruptly abandoned on Sunday after United States Women's National Team (USWNT) midfielder Savannah DeMelo collapsed on the field. The incident occurred late in the first half at Seattle's Lumen Field, sending shockwaves through the stadium and prompting immediate medical intervention.
DeMelo, a key player for Racing Louisville and a rising star for the USWNT, was seen sitting down on the field before suddenly collapsing. Medical trainers and personnel rushed to her aid, while players from both teams displayed visible signs of distress and concern for their fellow athlete.
The television broadcast of the match immediately cut away from the scene, and the game was sent into an early half-time break. Shortly after, an announcement was made confirming that the match had been abandoned due to the medical emergency. The decision was met with understanding and support from fans and players alike, as the focus shifted entirely to DeMelo's well-being.
Racing Louisville issued a statement to provide an update on DeMelo's condition, stating, "Savannah, who received immediate on-field care from medical personnel, is stable and alert. She was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation." The club's statement offered a sense of relief amidst the worrying circumstances.
The NWSL also released a statement emphasizing their priority for DeMelo's health and safety and confirming that the league was in close communication with Racing Louisville to monitor the situation. "We recognize the concern this incident may cause, particularly in light of recent conversations around player safety," the league's statement said. "The NWSL remains committed to ensuring that the highest standards of medical care and emergency response are in place at every match."
The match was scoreless at the time of suspension, and the league announced that the remainder of the game would be played at a later date, mutually agreed upon by both teams. The game will resume from the point of suspension, preserving the integrity of the competition.
This incident is not the first time DeMelo's health has been a concern. In March, she was stretchered off the field during a match due to dizziness and chest tightness. Later, in May, she revealed that she has been dealing with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism, shedding light on the underlying health challenges she has been facing.
The incident involving DeMelo has reignited conversations about player safety in the NWSL. Earlier this year, Angel City defender Savy King collapsed during a match in Los Angeles and required heart surgery. The league faced criticism for allowing the match to continue after King was taken to the hospital, prompting a reevaluation of emergency protocols.
The NWSL's rules for 2025 state that the league "recognizes that emergencies may arise which make the start or progression of a game inadvisable or dangerous for participants and spectators. Certain event categories automatically trigger the League Office into an evaluation of whether delay or postponement is necessary."
As the NWSL community rallies around Savannah DeMelo, the league is also facing scrutiny to ensure the well-being of its players. It is imperative that they should prioritize player's health and safety, implementing comprehensive protocols for medical emergencies and ensuring that matches are immediately halted when such situations arise. This includes having readily available medical personnel, proper emergency equipment, and clear guidelines for making informed decisions when a player's health is at risk.
DeMelo's situation also highlights the importance of awareness and understanding of underlying health conditions among athletes. Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism can have a significant impact on an athlete's physical and mental well-being, requiring proper medical management and support. The NWSL and its clubs should provide resources and education to players about various health conditions, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and enabling medical staff to provide appropriate care.
Savannah DeMelo's collapse on the field serves as a stark reminder of the importance of player safety and the need for comprehensive medical protocols in the NWSL. As the league continues to grow and evolve, it must prioritize the health and well-being of its athletes, ensuring that every match is played under the safest possible conditions.
The entire soccer community sends its best wishes to Savannah DeMelo for a swift and full recovery. Her strength and resilience in the face of health challenges serve as an inspiration to her teammates, fans, and fellow athletes around the world. Hopefully, she will be back on the pitch in due time.