Savannah DeMelo Collapses During NWSL Match; Game Rescheduled
Savannah DeMelo, a midfielder for the United States Women's National Team and Racing Louisville, collapsed on the field during a match against Seattle Reign FC on Sunday. The game was immediately halted and subsequently rescheduled to resume behind closed doors on Tuesday at Lumen Field.
DeMelo's Condition and Response
Following the incident, DeMelo was transported to a local hospital where she is currently undergoing testing. Racing Louisville released a statement indicating that she is "awake and in good spirits." DeMelo herself expressed gratitude to the medical staff, her teammates, and fans for their support. "I'm extremely thankful to our whole medical staff for the quick response. They've been with me every step of the way," she stated.
Resumption of the Racing Louisville-Seattle Reign Match
The NWSL match between Racing Louisville and Seattle Reign FC will resume at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) on Tuesday. Play will restart at the beginning of the second half with the score tied at 0-0. The game will be streamed on Paramount+ in the United States and on NWSL+ for international viewers.
Past Health Concerns
This is not the first time DeMelo has experienced a medical emergency during a match. In March, she was removed from a game against Bay FC due to dizziness and chest tightness. In May, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism. These previous incidents add context to the current concerns surrounding her health.
NWSL's Response and Protocols
The NWSL has faced criticism in the past for how it handled similar situations, referencing an incident earlier this year where Angel City FC defender Savy King collapsed during a match. Now, the league has protocols in place to evaluate whether a delay or postponement is necessary in emergency situations. The NWSLPA stated that postponing the Racing-Reign match was the right decision.
Statements from Racing Louisville
"From the moment the incident began, Savannah’s health has been our top priority," said Racing general manager Caitlyn Flores Milby. Coach Bev Yanez added, "This has been an incredibly difficult time for our players and staff... We will continue to support Savannah and her family in any way we can."
