USA hero Matt Turner pays emotional tribute to young supporter who died of cancer at 14

USA and Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner paid a heartwarming tribute to a young supporter, who tragically died of cancer, following his penalty heroics in the Gold Cup.

Turner saved two spotkicks in the quarter-final shootout as the USMNT beat Canada on Sunday night.

After the match, the 29-year-old goalkeeper took off his jersey to reveal a shirt carrying the words: ‘RIP Malia’.

The message related to Malia Jusczyk, a supporter of New England Revolution who recently died of cancer aged just 14. The teenager had relapsed with neuroblastoma in 2021, after nearly nine years being cancer free.

Turner, who played for the Revolution before his move to Arsenal, also posted an emotional message on social media.

‘Rest in peace @MaliaJusczyk thank you for smiling down on us all,’ the goalkeeper wrote on Twitter alongside a photo of him hugging the young fan.

Jusczyk was a keen soccer player but her life was tragically cut short last month after a 26-month battle with cancer.

On June 22, her parents posted the heartbreaking news on Twitter: ‘This is Malia’s mom and dad. 

Turner came to the United States’ rescue with two penalty-kick shootout saves against Canada

‘We are devastated to share that Malia died June 14th after a heroic 26 months of trying everything to rid her body of cancer. Thank you for supporting our girl.’

On Sunday in Cincinnati, Turner came to the United States’ rescue with two penalty-kick shootout saves after his team rallied in extra-time against Canada. 

The US won the shootout 3-2 after Canada’s Charles-Andreas Brym hit the crossbar.

Cade Cowell, Gianluca Busio and Jesus Ferreira scored in the shootout for the USMNT, after the game was tied 1-1 after regulation and 2-2 following 30 minutes of extra time.