Racing Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo was stable and alert after being taken to hospital by ambulance following a medical emergency during a match against Seattle Reign on Sunday. The incident occurred late in the first half at Lumen Field, with DeMelo sitting down before collapsing on the pitch. Medical staff rushed to her side as players from both teams were visibly distressed.
Television cameras cut away from the scene and the match went into an early half-time. Seattle Reign players later returned to applaud their fans as an announcement confirmed the game had been abandoned. Racing Louisville said in a statement that DeMelo had received immediate on-field care and was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation, adding that she was stable and alert.
At the time of the suspension, the score was goalless. The remainder of the match will be played on a date mutually agreed by both clubs, resuming from the point of interruption. Seattle Reign expressed solidarity with Louisville and thanked supporters for their understanding, while the National Women's Soccer League said its priority was DeMelo's health and safety.
The NWSL acknowledged the incident may cause concern, particularly given recent discussions about player safety, and reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical care and emergency response at every match. The league's 2025 rules state that certain emergency categories automatically trigger an evaluation of whether a delay or postponement is necessary.
DeMelo, 27, had previously left a match in March due to dizziness and chest tightness, requiring a stretcher. In May, she revealed she had been diagnosed with Graves' disease and hyperthyroidism. She was selected fourth overall in the 2022 NWSL Draft and has scored 14 goals in 61 appearances for Louisville, as well as featuring twice for the United States at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
