Sometimes soccer isn’t just about goals and glory. There are moments in the game that transcend sport itself, moments that remind us why it’s called the beautiful game. One such instance unfolded in the opening match of the 2025 NWSL quarterfinals between the Orlando Pride and Seattle Reign, as both teams made a touching gesture by wearing orange ribbons alongside their striking jerseys, but why?

The reason behind this heartfelt gesture from both teams stems from a rather deeply saddening story that has recently shaken the soccer community. Naturally, the 20s are a time, as we all know, when a person is just beginning to embrace the true meaning of life, a more mature phase, to be precise. And when that person happens to be a soccer player, one can only imagine the immense potential that lies ahead. Sadly, not everyone gets that chance; while some look forward to life, others are forced to fight between life and death.

Recently, the soccer world suffered one of its most unimaginable losses, as University of Washington goalkeeper Mia Hamant passed away at just 21 after a courageous seven-month battle with a rare form of Stage 4 kidney cancer. The unfortunate news was announced by the university’s team, the Huskers. Rightly so, after hearing this unfortunate development, it was only fitting for the Washington, D.C.-based Seattle Reign to come together with the Orlando Pride and honor Mia’s legacy by wearing orange ribbons in her memory during tonight’s playoff game.

It was back in April when Mia Hamant was diagnosed with SMARCB1-deficient kidney cancer. This is so rare that it marked just the 14th known case ever recorded. But despite life becoming a significant challenge for her, she faced it with a brave face, using her social media presence to raise awareness about the disease. In fact, to do so, she even changed her Instagram handle to “miakickscancer,” while even adding a bio that read, “battling stage 4 smarc b1 deficient renal medullary carcinoma.”

That only led her loved ones to also rally behind her with immense support by setting up a GoFundMe campaign to help support Hamant’s medical expenses. The page highlighted her accomplishments, including leading Washington to the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32. So far, the fundraiser had collected $135,171 toward its $200,000 goal.

Illness didn’t stop Hamant from living her life to the fullest, as last month, she was spotted proudly cheering for her teammates from her wheelchair, wearing a vibrant purple wig in tribute to her Huskies spirit. Even in the midst of her battle, her unwavering dedication shone through. That was something that the Huskers wrote in their official statement while announcing the unfortunate demise of their senior goalkeeper.

“Mia embodied the very best of what it means to be a student-athlete at the University of Washington — resilient, selfless, and inspiring to everyone around her. Her strength, optimism, and grace throughout her journey touched our entire community and will continue to inspire us for years to come,” read the statement from the program.

Naturally, heartbroken fans have continued to send love and prayers to her family, even beyond the soccer world. Regardless, it is quite a sad day for the entire football community, which lost a remarkable talent. Then again, as they say, where one story ends, another begins. Well, the Orlando Pride have their success story to share.

Orlando Pride defeat cancer and Seattle Reign

The reason why Orlando Pride decided to pay tribute to Mia Hamant was also because the matter was quite close to their own case. For context, their own player Luana was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma a year and a half ago. However, the player was able to make a successful return to action following 18 months of treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation. Luana initially made her comeback in a CONCACAF match in September

Gradually building up her playing time in the NWSL, she managed to record 38 minutes during the regular season. Before her cancer diagnosis, Luana had appeared in only three NWSL matches, yet she quickly won the admiration and respect of everyone in the locker room. And today showcased her willpower and resilience. “One year ago, I didn’t even know if I would be playing again,” Luana said after the game. “And today, I’m here. Nothing is impossible.”

Speaking of the game, Orlando Pride showcased that they have been planning to dominate the 2025 NWSL playoffs all along. Marta and Co. managed to secure a gritty 2-0 win over Seattle Reign, ending the Washington side’s hopes for the Championship. Haley McCutcheon scored the opener, which remained the score till the final moments of the game, where a turning point, yet a full-circle moment surfaced.

Pride earned a penalty in the dying moments of the game. While spearheader Marta was expected to take the kick, it was rather Luana who was called up for the special moment. And of course, she did the job pretty well, knowing that her goal isn’t special just because it was her first in the NWSL playoffs to help her side progress through to the next round, but also because she too, defeated cancer.

Today was quite an emotional rollercoaster ride for the entire soccer community. On one hand, we saw the soccer world mourn Mia Hamant, giving her all but eventually succumbing to cancer, and on the other hand, seeing Orlando Pride help their star player and goalscorer Luana come back from the very same cause and share her journey of excellence. Beautiful game for a reason, they say!