A loss has hit the soccer community. Ilona Löwen, the wife of St. Louis City SC player Eduard Löwen, has passed away at the age of 28.
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The team announced the news in a statement and said that Ilona had faced brain cancer for two years.
"After a two-year battle with cancer, Ilona Löwen passed away this morning, March 9, 2026," St. Louis City wrote in a statement.
"We grieve alongside Edu and all those impacted by this loss and ask the City community to keep them in your prayers during this difficult time. Ilona was a beautiful example of love, humility, and kindness and will be deeply missed."
MLS also released a statement, saying, "We're heartbroken to hear of Ilona Löwen's passing, and we send our deepest condolences and love to Eduard Löwen, his family, and the entire St. Louis City community."
Lowen, a native of Germany, spent the first seven seasons of his career (2016-2022) in his home country. He suited up for such clubs as FC Nuremberg, FC Augsburg, Hertha BSC, and VfL Bochum while scoring 12 total goals and posting 10 total assists.
Lowen then headed to the United States ahead of the 2023 season. He joined St. Louis City SC and started 25 games. He scored six goals and nine assists during his first season with the team, which ended the season fourth in the league standings.
The German has played for the same club ever since while adding 11 more goals and five more assists. He only appeared in 19 games in 2025 while taking a leave of absence, but he returned for the final stretch of the season. He has not suited up for a game this season.
"Edu and Ilona built their life on faith in Christ, and we find comfort in knowing Ilona's suffering is over and that she is now in the eternal presence of her Savior," said the couple's pastor, Marc Sikma.
