NWSL Match Abandoned After Savannah DeMelo’s Medical Emergency

Incident Overview

On September 14, 2025, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match between Seattle Reign FC and Racing Louisville FC was abruptly halted due to a medical emergency involving Racing Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo. The incident occurred late in the first half at Lumen Field in Seattle, leading to the game’s abandonment.

Medical Emergency on the Field

Savannah DeMelo, 27, was seen sitting on the field before suddenly collapsing, prompting immediate attention from medical personnel. Players from both teams were visibly shaken by the incident, which led to the match being called off prematurely. Television broadcasts cut away from the scene as the situation unfolded, and the match was officially suspended after the halftime announcement was made.

According to a statement from Racing Louisville, DeMelo was stable and alert after being transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. The club expressed gratitude for the immediate care she received on the field. “Savannah, who received immediate on-field care from medical personnel, is stable and alert,” the statement read.

Match Status and Future Plans

At the time of the suspension, the match was scoreless. The remaining minutes will be played at a later date, which both teams will mutually agree upon. Seattle Reign issued a statement expressing solidarity with Racing Louisville during this challenging time and thanked their fans for their support. The Reign also indicated that further updates regarding DeMelo’s condition would be provided as necessary.

The NWSL emphasized that the health and safety of players are of utmost importance. In a statement, the league acknowledged the concerns raised by this incident, especially in light of previous discussions surrounding 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 league stated.

DeMelo’s Health History

This incident is not the first health scare for DeMelo. Earlier in March, she left a match due to symptoms of dizziness and chest tightness, requiring her to be stretchered off the field. In May, DeMelo revealed that she has been managing Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism, conditions that affect the thyroid gland and can lead to a variety of health issues.

DeMelo was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft after her collegiate career at the University of Southern California. Over her three seasons with Racing Louisville, she has played in 61 matches, scoring 14 goals. Her talent was recognized at the national level as she was included in the United States national team roster for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

NWSL’s Commitment to Safety

The NWSL has faced scrutiny in the past regarding player safety. Earlier this year, another incident occurred when Angel City FC defender Savy King collapsed during a match in Los Angeles and subsequently required heart surgery. The league faced criticism for allowing the match to continue after King was taken off the field. Following that incident, the NWSL expressed regret for the decision to continue the game and acknowledged that it should have been called off.

In response to these incidents, the NWSL has updated its rules for 2025. The league now recognizes that emergencies may arise that could make it unsafe for players and spectators to continue a game. Specific event categories will trigger an evaluation by the League Office to determine whether a delay or postponement is necessary.

Other NWSL Matches

On the same day as the Reign vs. Racing match, other NWSL games took place. The Utah Royals secured a 2-0 victory over the Houston Dash, marking a much-needed win that snapped a six-match winless streak at home. Utah Royals captain Kaleigh Riehl scored the opening goal early in the match, followed by Paige Monaghan’s goal just before halftime.

In another matchup, the Chicago Stars played to a 1-1 draw against the Portland Thorns. Olivia Moultrie of the Thorns scored a direct free kick to give her team an early lead, but the Stars equalized just before the halftime whistle.

Conclusion

The abandonment of the Reign vs. Racing match due to Savannah DeMelo’s medical emergency has raised important discussions about player safety in the NWSL. As the league continues to navigate these challenges, it remains committed to prioritizing the health and well-being of its players.

Key Facts

– **Incident Date:** September 14, 2025
– **Player Involved:** Savannah DeMelo, midfielder for Racing Louisville FC
– **Match Location:** Lumen Field, Seattle
– **Game Status:** Abandoned, scoreless at the time of suspension
– **DeMelo’s Condition:** Stable and alert after being transported to a local hospital
– **Previous Health Issues:** Experienced dizziness and chest tightness earlier in the year; diagnosed with Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism
– **NWSL’s Commitment:** Prioritizing player health and safety, with updated emergency protocols for matches.

Source: www.espn.com