Iowa have produced some fantastic soccer players over the years and the state continues to have representation at the national level.
Here is a look at three current professional soccer players who have aspiration of representing their respective countries.
Lance Rozeboom
Midfielder Lance Rozeboom was born in Walker, Iowa. He turned professional in January 2012 and now plays at Miami FC in the USL Championship.
Rozeboom is an experienced operator who was once with DC United in the MLS. Although he has yet to feature for the United States, the likes of Tim Bream, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, all in their 30s, are proving they can play a crucial role for the USA.
The Iowa player will be hoping for a return to the MLS over the next couple of years which will boost his chances of representing the Stars and Stripes.
Kyle Zobeck
The United States have been really successful at producing some of the best goalkeepers in the world over the last couple of decades. The likes of Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan and Tom Howard have all had glittering careers in Europe.
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Kyle Zobeck from Coralville, Iowa, was drafted by FC Dallas in 2013 but is currently out on loan at North Texas NC. He helped his current club win the inaugural USL League One title in 2019.
The 30-year-old has an impressive college career at Valparaiso Crusaders. His immediate focus will be to earn the number one jersey at FC Dallas in the MLS when he returns to his parent club. The two current United States ‘keepers are both inexperienced at the international level. He will be hoping he can catch the selectors’ eyes in the near future.
Angelo Kelly-Rosales
Although he was born in Honduras, Angelo Kelly-Rosales grew up in Ottumwa, Iowa. The 27-year-old has played all of his professional soccer in the United States.
Kelly-Rosales is currently employed by Charleston Battery in the USL Championship. He has featured on 46 occasions for the franchise since moving there in 2018.
The talented midfielder could opt to play for Honduras if they gave him the opportunity in international soccer. He will be eager to help lead his country to the 2022 World Cup where Brazil and France are the early favorites in the international football betting for the tournament in Qatar.
Eduvie Ikoba
At the age of just 22, Eduvie Ikoba has his whole career ahead of him. The youngster joined Hungarian side Zalaegerszeg in July 2019 after failing to earn a contract with FC Dallas.
ZTE, as they are commonly known in Hungary, famously beat Manchester United in the Champions League in 2002. The move to Europe was a brave one from Ikoba but it may pay off for him.
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The American, who was born in Bettendorf, Iowa, has scored eight goals this season. If he continues finding the back on the net on a regular occasion, he is likely to be snapped up by a bigger European club, which could open the door to the United States national team.
Good luck to the above four players and all those in the sport from Iowa in their bid to represent their country in international soccer.
