Midfielder Savannah DeMelo of Racing Louisville was stretchered off the field as Sunday’s match against Seattle Reign was abandoned after appearing to faint. Stephen Brashear/Imagn Images/Reuters
As informed by CNN
During a National Women’s Soccer League match, Racing Louisville faced Seattle Reign. Midfielder Savannah DeMelo fainted late in the first half, causing the game to be suspended.
The 27-year-old DeMelo slowly sat down on the field in the final seconds of the first half; she was tended to by a teammate while the referee called the coaches. A few seconds later DeMelo fainted again, and another player held her hand to keep her upright.
Earlier, DeMelo was diagnosed with Graves’ disease – an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland. She had also previously spoken about health issues this season after leaving a match due to chest tightness and dizziness. Graves’ disease can cause increased thyroid activity, according to Mayo Clinic.
After the game ended, Racing Louisville described the incident as a medical emergency in their statement.
Savannah, who received immediate medical care on the field from medical staff, is stable and conscious. She has been transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
The remainder of the match will be rescheduled to a later date, and further updates will be provided accordingly.
Health status and player information
The match was scoreless at the time of the incident.
DeMelo has played for Racing Louisville since 2022 and has seven caps for the United States women’s national team, including participation in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
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