“Rest in Peace. Thank You for Smiling Down” – Thousands Join USMNT’s Matt Turner in Mourning Saddening Loss of Young American Athlete After 2-Year Cancer Battle

USMNT superstar Matt Turner made the headlines on Sunday. His heroics against Canada in the penalty shootout gave the US a massive win. With the win, they qualified for the semifinal of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Despite his penalty heroics, Turner’s emotional tweet caught the eye of many.

It was a tweet about a little soccer fan, Malia Jusczyk, who died last month after battling cancer. Jusczyk was also an emerging soccer player. She courageously fought the cancer battle for over two years but lost it last month at 14. And now Matt Turner joins thousands mourning the death of a valiant fighter.

Malia Jusczyk’s courage is an inspiration to many

“I’ve got this,” were the last words of Malia, according to her mom. They came just before she was intubated and sedated. Her mom, Megan Jusczyk, labeled her a superhero in an emotional social media post last month. And why not? Malia fought the rare neuroblastoma twice in her 14 years journey of life. 

Malia was attending King Philip Middle School, and she loved the beautiful game and played for her school earlier as well. But that wasn’t all. Her love for baking was also immense. Last year she discovered The Greatest Baker Contest while in the hospital and participated in it. Her treatment didn’t allow her to play soccer, but Malia participated in the baking contest. She gave herself a chance to pursue her goal while battling stage four neuroblastoma.

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And the courageous teenager won The Greatest Baker Contest in 2021. Her endurance is an inspiration for everyone. No matter what obstacles one faces, they shouldn’t stop chasing their dreams. Maria is an inspiration for everyone. She fought cancer twice in her life after being diagnosed at 2. She led a cancer-free life for nine years, but neuroblastoma relapsed in 2021. It took a gem of life away that saw thousands with Matt Turner mourning her death.

USMNT star’s heartfelt tribute

Turner and Malia first met during a game between New England Revolution 2-1 win over Orlando City. The game’s crucial highlight was the penalty save by Turner that gave them a win in 2021. Revolution honored Malia as their honorary captain for the game. She had an ecstatic time after the game, especially with her favorite player Matt Turner. 

They shared a hug after the game, and Turner escorted Malia for a special lap around the pitch. USMNT star, after Canada game heroics, shared a pic from the 2021 game over Twitter and wrote, “Rest in peace Malia Jusczyk. Thank you for smiling down on us all,” with two heart emojis. He wore a RIP Malia undershirt, which he showed after the game. That’s a significant gesture from Matt Turner toward his fan. 

Her father appreciated the gesture of Turner.

And soon many fans followed suit.

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Besides their notable performances on the pitch, many soccer stars care a huge deal to share such important fan stories and help those who are in need as well. And so the gesture of Turner is indeed appreciated. RIP to the brave little fighter.