Associated Press

Guatemala City, March 1,

Guatemala International goalkeeper Danny Ortiz died on Sunday after colliding with an opponent during a Guatemalan league soccer match.

Ortiz was playing for Municipal, crashed into Comunicaciones forward Mario Rodriguez, suffering a hard blow to the chest that left him briefly unconscious. The 27-year-old was taken to a hospital, where he was said to be in stable condition, but he later died.

“Unfortunately, his heart did not respond,” one of the doctors treated him said.

Comunicaciones won the match between Guatemala’s two most popular clubs 2-0.

Ortiz debuted in the first division in 1998, and also played for Comunicaciones.

“The club is going to take care of all the expenses,” Municipal president Gerardo Villa said. “His wife is in a shock, for that reason we are waiting for his parents.” Two years ago, Municipal player Johnny Aldana died during a training session.

Several other athletes have died recently while playing , including Hungary’s Miklos Feher, who died after collapsing on the field during a Portuguese league soccer match in January.