3 Raptors to Represent Team USA Minifootball This Weekend in Des Moines

Exciting news for all Eastern Iowa soccer fans! Three members of the Iowa Raptors FC Indoor Football Club have been selected to represent the United States at the World Soccer Fest, taking place this weekend (August 23-24) at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

Raptors stars Jake Johnson, Bobby Hurwitz, and Ronaldo Rojas will be joining some of the top indoor soccer players from across the nation. Team USA is organized under the banner of the American Association of Soccer 567, which represents the United States in the World Minifootball Federation World Cup. Having just returned from the 2025 World Cup in Azerbaijan, where they were knocked out in the group stage, Team USA is retooling for another run at the championship.

"They're looking for new talent to join their core," said Hurwitz, 34, an indoor soccer veteran who excelled with the Cedar Rapids Rampage of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), the sport's premier professional league in the United States, and is also a standout for your Raptors in MASL2. "Having previously suited up for the USA many times, I was honored to be able to nominate players for the World Soccer Fest side. Jake and Ronaldo are stars with the Raptors, and they'll bring a lot to the table for Team USA."

"It's an honor to be selected for the USA World Minifootball team," Johnson said. "I'm excited about the opportunity to play under Coach Craig [Rhodis] and again with Coach [Mark] Litton, as well as a few familiar teammates both old and new."

A multi-year veteran of both the Rampage and the Raptors, and a soccer coach for Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, Johnson is an ambassador for "the Beautiful Game" in Eastern Iowa. Of this weekend's tilt in Des Moines, he said "It's a great showcase of talent for the MASL, as well as for the Iowa Raptors FC, and another way to grow the game that we all love here at home."

Johnson credits his success to the strong and growing youth soccer movement in the Corridor. "I was fortunate to grow up with some great coaches, clubs, and teammates," he said. A home-grown talent who was also a standout at Cedar Rapids' Coe College, he said "I've benefitted from opportunities that countless others are still working hard to provide for the youth in our community. So, to them: Thank you! This is one more opportunity to keep growing the sport we love."

Ronaldo Rojas, 25, is a two-year veteran of the Iowa Raptors FC and one of M2's most dynamic players. He was a key contributor to the Raptors' historic 2022-3 campaign, which saw the team make it to the League Championship game in its first year of play. "I'm very excited for this opportunity," he said. When asked if he's doing anything extraordinary to prepare for an international challenge, he said "These are some of the best indoor players in the country. At this level, everyone is good at what they do. It's a matter of the coaches bringing the team together, and everyone sticking to the indoor fundamentals. Our coaches are great, and we all know what we need to do. We're really looking forward to getting out there and bringing home some hardware for the USA."

"It's a great opportunity to see some fantastic soccer, and to learn what the indoor game is all about" said Hurwitz of this weekend's games. "We play Mexico on Saturday, then either Colombia or Brazil on Sunday, depending on Saturday's results. If you're already a Raptor fan, please come support your guys in Des Moines! If you're not a Raptor fan yet, come out -- we'll make you one!"

The World Soccer Fest is a unique experience for fans of all ages. Kids ages 6-15 can get exclusive VIP access, meet & greets, and special clinics with players from the national teams of the United States, Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. More details are available at the World Soccer Fest 2025 website. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or online at the Events Center website. We hope to see you there!