USWNT Star Savannah DeMelo Stable After Terrifying Collapse in NWSL Match
United States midfielder Savannah DeMelo, a key player for Racing Louisville FC, collapsed on the pitch during a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) game against Seattle Reign FC on Sunday, September 14, 2025, prompting an immediate medical response and the abandonment of the match. The 27-year-old, who has been open about her battle with Graves’ disease, was stretchered off and transported to a local hospital in Seattle, where she is now reported as stable and alert.
The Incident: A Sudden Medical Emergency Halts Play
The drama unfolded in first-half stoppage time at Lumen Field, with the score tied 0-0. DeMelo sat down on the field before fully collapsing, drawing a swift reaction from trainers and medical staff from both teams. Teammates and opponents gathered in concern as cameras briefly cut away, and the halftime whistle blew early.
An ambulance entered the pitch to transport her, visibly shaking players on both sides—Racing Louisville coach Bev Yanez was among those emotional on the field. Referees abandoned the match shortly after, adhering to NWSL’s 2025 rules that allow postponement for emergencies posing risks to participants.
Racing Louisville issued a statement late Sunday: “Savannah, who received immediate on-field care from medical personnel, is stable and alert.” The game will resume at a mutually agreed date.
DeMelo’s Health History: Graves’ Disease in the Spotlight
This isn’t DeMelo’s first scare this season. In March against Bay FC, she left early due to dizziness and chest tightness, later revealing a fall 2024 diagnosis of Graves’ disease—an autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism. Symptoms include rapid heartbeat and fatigue, which she described to ESPN as making “a 90-minute game feel unbearable.”
Despite the challenges, DeMelo has notched three goals in 2025 for Louisville, her third season since being the No. 4 pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft out of USC. On the international stage, the California native has seven caps for the USWNT, including the 2023 World Cup-winning squad.
League and Team Reactions: Solidarity and Safety Protocols
The NWSL prioritized DeMelo’s well-being, stating: “Our first priority is her health and safety, and we are in close communication with Racing Louisville’s medical team.” The league recommitted to “the highest standards of medical care and emergency response at every match,” amid ongoing player safety debates.
Seattle Reign echoed the support: “We stand side by side with Louisville during this time and thank our fans for their support.” The NWSL Players Association called the abandonment “the right call,” sending “hearts” to DeMelo and her family.
On X, the outpouring was immediate and heartfelt. Just Women’s Sports posted: “Savannah DeMelo collapsed… Sending love her way 💜,” amassing nearly 500 likes. Racing Louisville shared a purple heart emoji with “Sending all our love to Savannah DeMelo,” while fans like @JM_ROMO noted her condition in Spanish, highlighting global concern. Portuguese outlet Renascença covered her as a “luso-americana,” reflecting her heritage.
Impacts on Players and Fans: Renewed Focus on Wellness
For NWSL athletes, this echoes recent scares like Savy King’s collapse in August, which required heart surgery and sparked protocol critiques. With Louisville eighth in the standings and chasing playoffs, DeMelo’s absence could disrupt momentum, but it amplifies calls for better heat management and health monitoring—issues commissioner Jessica Berman has faced scrutiny over.
U.S. fans, especially in women’s soccer hubs, feel the sting personally—DeMelo’s creativity has been vital to the league’s growth. Economically, it spotlights sponsorships tied to star safety, while inspiring youth athletes to prioritize mental and physical health amid pro pressures.
In conclusion, Savannah DeMelo’s collapse serves as a stark reminder of the human side of elite sports, but her stable condition offers relief. As Racing Louisville and the NWSL rally around her, further updates are expected soon—hoping for a full recovery that gets her back unlocking midfields with that signature flair.
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