Salem grad Rodriguez scores 1st USWNT goal, signs NWSL extension
Canton native Izzy Rodriguez is a starting defender for the NWSL’s Kansas City Current.
Salem graduate and Canton native Izzy Rodriguez continues to flourish in her career as a professional soccer player.
On Tuesday, Rodriguez agreed to terms on a three-year contract extension with the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current, the club announced.
Two days earlier, Rodriguez scored her first goal for the United States Women’s National Team in a friendly against Ireland.
Previously under contract through 2025, Rodriguez will now remain in Kansas City through the 2028 season.
Current: ‘We’re beyond thrilled’
“We’re beyond thrilled that Izzy will keep developing her game in Kansas City, and we can’t wait to watch her continue to shine,” said general manager Caitlin Carducci.
“She has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the club since she joined the Current which certainly does not go unnoticed by staff, players and supporters alike. Izzy is also the gold standard for what it means to be a great teammate. She’s a true student of the game with such a bright future.”
Rodriguez first signed with the Kansas City Current ahead of the 2022 season after being selected in the fourth round of the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Draft following a standout career at Ohio State University. She then re-signed a two-year deal with the Current in 2023.
Having played the entirety of her professional career in Kansas City, Rodriguez has totaled 93 appearances, 52 starts, four goals, 10 assists and over 5,000 minutes across all competitions.
Her eight regular season assists are tied for second in franchise history. She has twice been named to the NWSL Best XI of the Month presented by Amazon Prime, most recently in April 2025.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be staying in Kansas City to continue my career,” said Rodriguez.
Part of championship environment
“The Current has cultivated a championship environment that I am so grateful to be a part of.
“I’m looking forward to working to bring a trophy to the city and the best fans.”
Rodriguez has three assists so far in 2025, having played in all 13 contests while logging a full 90 minutes in eight of them.
Rodriguez earned her first United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) call-up earlier this summer, and her debut came as a starter in an international friendly against the Republic of Ireland on June 29.
Historic goal
She logged a full 90 minutes in the 4-0 win and scored in the 42nd minute, becoming the 24th player in the team’s 40-year history to score in their first USWNT appearance.
Additionally, Rodriguez was the first USWNT player to score as part of the starting lineup in their debut since 2013.
Prior to her USWNT berth, Rodriguez had a lengthy tenure on various youth national teams. She played in all three matches at the 2016 Concacaf U-17 Championship, helping the Stars and Stripes win the title and clinch a World Cup berth. She then played in two matches at the 2016 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Two years later, she guided the U.S. to a runner-up finish at the 2018 U-20 Concacaf Championship and saw action in two group stage matches at the 2018 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
