Savy King hospitalized as Press and Thompson secure 2-0 victory over Utah Royals

LOS ANGELES-- As the final whistle blew at BMO Stadium, Angel City claimed victory over the Utah Royals thanks to goals by Christen Press and Alyssa Thompson, but mixed emotions filled the air. Angel City's defender Savy King suffered a medical event in the 78th minute and was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation after being down for more than five minutes. 

Following the conclusion of the match, both teams participated in a unified circle on the pitch. “From my recollection, it was one of the Utah players [Alex Loera] who suggested that we get together and some people pray, some people share their energy, but just to show unity in that moment, in support of Savy, without knowing the update at that time. It’s a scary situation to be in, and at that point, it’s much bigger than football. I am really grateful to her for doing that,” said first assistant head coach Eleri Earnshaw. 

Despite King's unexpected injury, Angel City dominated against the Royals from the beginning. During the first half, ACFC had 60% possession and outshot the visitors 12 to 4. Utah's defensive line blocked numerous shots to keep Los Angeles off the board. Both teams headed into the locker room scoreless. 

It wasn't until the 66th minute that Christen Press put Angel City on the board, less than 25 seconds after being subbed on for Claire Emslie. After receiving the ball from Alanna Kennedy, she made a run up the right wing, dribbling into the box, and curling a left-footed shot into the net.

“When you’re in the role as a sub, each game offers something different and you never know what your role is going to be. That’s a tricky situation so sometimes I have to go in and just do whatever the team needs even if it’s not what I want to do or my strength," said Press. 

“Having a lot of experience allows me to see the benefit of being able to come in and do whatever my role is. But a game like tonight is perfect. It’s when everything lines up. It’s a game where the team is dominating and creating a lot of chances, and all they need is that finishing touch. I was really excited to come into this game. It’s the type of game I want to come into.”

It was Press's 49th career NWSL Regular Season goal, putting her ninth on the NWSL all-time scoring list. It was also Kennedy's third career NWSL Regular Season assist and first assist since joining the club. 

After the goal, Angel City created chances to score but were unable to finish. Defensively, the team's back line held Utah back from making an appearance on the board. In the 86th minute, Gisele Thompson ruined a chance by midfielder Mina Tanaka as she charged into the box, sprinting after her and making a well-timed tackle to neutralize the play. 

In the 98th minute, Alyssa Thompson doubled the lead. She received a line-breaking pass from Tiernan, drove into the box, and sent a hard shot between two defenders, with the ball hitting the inside of the post and bouncing into the goal. 

Friday's match marks the first shutout of the season for Angel City under goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, putting the team third in league standings, and brings their record to (4-2-2, 14 points). ACFC's next game is against Northern California rivals Bay FC on May 17th at Paypal Stadium.