United States international Savannah DeMelo is recovering in hospital after collapsing during Racing Louisville’s National Women’s Soccer League match against Seattle Reign on Sunday. The 27-year-old midfielder is reported to be “awake and in good spirits” as doctors continue to run tests to determine the cause of the incident.
The match was halted during first-half stoppage time when DeMelo required urgent medical attention on the field. She was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital by ambulance. Racing Louisville later confirmed that DeMelo was stable and undergoing evaluations, with the fixture set to resume on Tuesday evening behind closed doors at Seattle’s Lumen Field.
DeMelo expressed gratitude to the medical staff and supporters, stating: “I’m lucky to have my family with me while I wait for test results. I’m extremely thankful to our medical team for their immediate response and for being by my side. The support from everyone has truly meant the world to me, and I’m excited to cheer on the girls this week.”
The midfielder, capped seven times by the U.S. national team, has previously faced health challenges. She was forced off during a match against Bay FC earlier this season and in May revealed she had been diagnosed with Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism—conditions that can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and, in severe cases, complications affecting the heart and nervous system.
DeMelo’s collapse will likely heighten concern around how these underlying conditions may be impacting her ability to compete at the highest level. While Racing Louisville have not linked Sunday’s incident directly to her prior diagnosis, her health management will be closely monitored in the coming weeks as the club and national team weigh her long-term fitness and availability.
The match against Seattle, goalless at the time of suspension, will restart from the beginning of the second half.
