Racing Ouisville's Savannah DeMelo hospitalized following mid-match collapse
Racing Louisville FC midfielder Savannah DeMelo was transported to the hospital after suffering a medical emergency during Sunday night's game against Seattle Reign FC, which was abandoned.
Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Racing Louisville FC midfielder Savannah DeMelo was transported to the hospital after suffering a medical emergency during Sunday night's game against Seattle Reign FC, which was abandoned.
Video of the incident posted online shows DeMelo slowly taking a seat on the pitch in the final minutes of the first half. As she sits there, awaiting medical assistance, DeMelo appears to lose consciousness, her head dropping back as she collapses to the ground, her teammates visibly shaken.
Racing Louisville said DeMelo received medical treatment on the pitch and is stable and alert.
"She has been transported to a local hospital for further evaluation," the team said in a statement.
The match was played at Seattle's Lumen Field.
The National Women's Soccer League also issued a statement, stating the match has been abandoned and that the remainder will be rescheduled for a later date.
"Our first priority is her health and safety, and we are in close communication with Racing Louisville's medical team," NWSL said.
"We recognized the concern this incident may cause, particularly in light of recent conversations around player safety. The NWSL remains committed to ensuring that the highest standards of medical care and emergency response are in place at every match."
The Seattle Reign said it was sending "all our love" to DeMelo and her team.
"We stand side by side with Louisville during this time and thank our fans for their support," it said.
The incident comes months after Savy King, a defender for Angel City FC, underwent heart surgery after suffering a mid-match collapse in May.
That same month, DeMelo announced that she had been diagnosed with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism.
Her disclosure came after DeMelo was transported to the hospital after experiencing lightheadedness during the first half of a March game against Bay FC.
DeMelo, 27, was a member of the United States' 2023 Women's World Cup championship team.
What's Your Reaction?
