Years Team 2005 Chicago Fire Premier Role Soccer player Education University of New Mexico | 2003-2004 Indiana Invaders Name Jeff Rowland Height 1.85 m | |
Date of birth (1984-06-18) June 18, 1984 (age 31) Place of birth Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States 2002-2005 University of New Mexico | ||
Jeff Rowland (born June 18, 1984 in Albuquerque, New Mexico) is an American soccer forward who last played for FC Dallas of Major League Soccer.
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Youth
Rowland attended La Cueva High School where he played on the boys soccer team. He missed his senior season with a knee injury and was not recruited by any major colleges. In 2002, he entered the University of New Mexico, making the Lobos soccer team as a walk on. He finished the season with three goals in ten games, earning a roster spot for the next season. Rowland led the Lobos in scoring the next three seasons, being selected as a 2004 and 2005 first team All American. He left the University of New Mexico as the most decorated soccer player in school history; as a Hermann Trophy finalist, the only two-time All-American in school history, a two-time Academic All-American, ranking 3rd in points, 2nd in goals, 9th in assists with 5 goals and 3 assists in NCAA Tournament play.
Professional
During the 2003, 2004 and 2005 collegiate off seasons, Rowland played in the fourth division Premier Development League. In 2003 and 2004, he was with the Indiana Invaders and in 2005 with the Chicago Fire Premier. In 2004, he scored 18 goals in 15 games with the Invaders. On January 26, 2006, the Real Salt Lake picked Rowland second overall in the 2006 MLS Supplemental Draft. Rowland tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the preseason. He had surgery, but Salt Lake waived him on March 31, 2006. Rowland lost the 2006 season, then rejoined Real Salt Lake in 2007 only to tear his right ACL before he played a game.
Salt Lake waived him again on May 10, 2007 when it became clear that he would lose the 2007 season. In 2008, Rowland rejoined Real Salt Lake, but was released in February. He then signed with the Wilmington Hammerheads of the USL Second Division.
Rowland signed a senior developmental contract with FC Dallas in September, 2008. However, he was waived a few months later after the 2008 season ended.