Jan Van Veen was born July 6th, 1948 in Meppel, Holland, he started his career at 17 with Sparta Rotterdam of Holland. He played with them until 1976, when he joined Antwerp FC of Belgium. Jan moved to the US in 1978, when he joined the San Diego Sockers, making 23 appearances. Rowdies Coach Gordon Jago decided that year he wanted Jan with the Rowdies. The Sockers captain joined the Rowdies just before the 1979 season. He served as co-captain in '79 and captain in '80.In 1980 Jan, was the Rowdies assist leader with 17 points, and was the fourth leading scorer with 23 points. He was actually considered by most as a defensive midfielder, his play making expertise played an important role in the Rowdies 1980 success. He was selected to play in the NASL All-Star team that beat the New York Cosmos 3-2 in the Franz Beckenbauer farewell game.
In 1981 he was sold to the California Surf, where he played out the season at Anaheim, then he moved to the MISL to play for the Phoenix Inferno, then made a return to Holland.
The 1982 season he played for the Dutch first division side Willem II as a defensive midfielder. Jan was scheduled to visit Tampa Bay in the April for the Rowdies Reunion Game, when Coach Al Miller would evaluate his play for a possible resigning with the 1983 Rowdies. But, sadly Jan could not make it. Coach Miller sent his assistant Roy McCrohan to Holland to watch Jan play. McCrohan brought back a positive report and the Rowdies resigned "Dutchy" to a one season contract. He played in 17 games and scored 3 goals.
Today, Jan is back living in Holland.
No comments:
Post a Comment