Bobby Convey
Encyclopedia
Robert Francis "Bobby" Convey (born May 27, 1983 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
) is an American soccer player.
that also included current national team members Landon Donovan
, Oguchi Onyewu
and DaMarcus Beasley
. Together they helped lead the Under-17 Squad to a fourth-place finish in the 1999 U-17 World Cup in New Zealand.
of Major League Soccer
. That year, he became the youngest player ever signed by MLS. Convey was originally slated to play the majority of the season with the Project-40 squad; however, as United faltered he was called upon to step in and perform almost immediately. He played 22 games for United in 2000, starting 18 of those. Convey entered his first game in United's 4–0 loss to Los Angeles Galaxy
in the home opener at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium
on March 25, 2000 and was awarded his first start in United's 2–1 loss at the Columbus Crew
on May 3, 2000. It was not until July 4, 2000 against the Colorado Rapids
that Convey served up Raúl Díaz Arce
at the far post for a header past a helpless David Kramer
. The teenager also was impressive against English Premier League side Newcastle United
, when the Magpies visited D.C. during a pre-season training stint in the US. Convey's two assists and high work rate during that friendly were enough to draw the attention of Newcastle's famed manager Bobby Robson
. In four and a half seasons in MLS, Convey finished with eight goals and 16 assists.
of the Premier League in the summer of 2003, when the London club agreed to a $3 million move with MLS, but the transfer stalled when his work permit application was denied due to his lack of appearances with the senior national team. Then, on July 22, 2004, after five seasons with D.C. United, Convey signed a three-year contract with Reading
, who were then playing in the Football League Championship
, on the highest transfer fee paid by Reading up to that date.
Convey made his début for his new club in a 1–0 loss away to West Ham United
, coming on as a substitute. He made his first start a few days later during a 1–0 Reading victory over Sheffield United
on August 14, 2004. However, the start of his career in England lacked distinction, as Convey made only seven starts and 15 substitute appearances during the 2004–05 season.
Convey entered the 2005–06 season in much better form, with a starting place in the team, and he helped the Royals win the Championship
title setting a new English record of 106 points in 46 games to gain promotion to the Premier League for the 2006–07 season. Convey's first goals for the club came during a 5–0 victory over Millwall
.
Convey's first season in the Premier League started with Reading's 3-2 win over Middlesbrough
on August 19, 2006. However, Convey missed much of the remainder of the season following a training ground injury in October 2006 and subsequent knee operations.
He returned from injury on July 28, 2007, playing the first half in a pre-season friendly match against Brighton
, appearing "comfortable and in good shape", according to the team's match report. He returned to competitive football for Reading in the club's 1-0 victory over Everton
on August 18, 2007.
On February 6, 2009, Convey and Reading reached a mutual agreement on Convey's release from the club.
. He scored his first goal for the Quakes on April 11, 2009, against the Chicago Fire
, while playing left back. At halftime he said it was his first time playing left back in six years.
After a fractious relationship with manager Frank Yallop
, it was announced that Convey wouldn't be returning to San Jose at the end of the 2011 MLS season.
for the senior United States
team on October 25, 2000 against Mexico
, becoming the third youngest player in US history to do so. Convey captained the under-20 team at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship
in the United Arab Emirates
. He was named to the 23-man squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup
in Germany, wearing number 15. It was his slicing free kick which resulted in the own goal against Italy which settled the outcome of the 1-1 tie. He and teammate Marcus Hahnemann
were the first Reading players to play in the World Cup. He played in all three games as the United States exited in the first round. Convey earned 46 caps and scored one goal for the United States national team from 2000 to 2008.
|2000||rowspan="5"|D.C. United
||rowspan="5"|Major League Soccer
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|2004-05
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|2005-06
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|2006-07
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|2007-08||20||0||2||0||2||1||24||1
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|2008-09
||Championship
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|2009
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||rowspan="3"|Major League Soccer
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|2010
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
) is an American soccer player.
Youth
Convey attended the William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia, played club soccer for the Philadelphia Soccer Club Coppa, and was a member of the initial class of the Bradenton AcademyIMG Soccer Academy
The IMG Soccer Academy is part of the IMG Academies located in Bradenton, Florida. It is U.S. Soccer's full-time residency program for the United States' U-17 and U-16 mens national teams. Started in 1999, it has become integral in developing the United States' top youth soccer prospects...
that also included current national team members Landon Donovan
Landon Donovan
Landon Timothy Donovan is an American soccer player for the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer in the United States. He usually plays as a withdrawn forward, and can also be used as an attacking midfielder on either wing....
, Oguchi Onyewu
Oguchi Onyewu
Oguchialu Chijoke Onyewu also known as "Oguchi" Onyewu is an American soccer player who plays as a defender for Sporting Clube de Portugal, in Primeira Liga, and the United States national team. Onyewu also holds a Belgian passport....
and DaMarcus Beasley
DaMarcus Beasley
DaMarcus Lamont Beasley is an American soccer player who plays for Puebla of the Mexican Primera División. He plays mainly as a winger on the left side of the midfield, but has also been used as a forward and fullback...
. Together they helped lead the Under-17 Squad to a fourth-place finish in the 1999 U-17 World Cup in New Zealand.
D.C. United
Convey was drafted in 2000 by D.C. UnitedD.C. United
D.C. United is an American professional soccer club based in Washington, D.C. which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league since its inception, in 1996.Over the...
of Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
. That year, he became the youngest player ever signed by MLS. Convey was originally slated to play the majority of the season with the Project-40 squad; however, as United faltered he was called upon to step in and perform almost immediately. He played 22 games for United in 2000, starting 18 of those. Convey entered his first game in United's 4–0 loss to Los Angeles Galaxy
Los Angeles Galaxy
The Los Angeles Galaxy are an American professional soccer team, based in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson, California, which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, and the league's second...
in the home opener at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium
Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium, in Washington, D.C., United States, and the current home of MLS's D.C. United....
on March 25, 2000 and was awarded his first start in United's 2–1 loss at the Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew
The Columbus Crew is an American professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada...
on May 3, 2000. It was not until July 4, 2000 against the Colorado Rapids
Colorado Rapids
The Colorado Rapids are an American professional soccer club based in the Denver suburb of Commerce City, Colorado which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league...
that Convey served up Raúl Díaz Arce
Raúl Díaz Arce
Raúl Díaz Arce is a retired Salvadoran football player.He is El Salvador's second most prolific goal scorer behind Jorge "Mágico" González, with 39 goals in just 68 appearances.-Early career:...
at the far post for a header past a helpless David Kramer
David Kramer (soccer)
David Kramer is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who played professionally in the USISL and Major League Soccer. He is currently the goalkeeper coach for the Colorado Rapids...
. The teenager also was impressive against English Premier League side Newcastle United
Newcastle United F.C.
Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear. The club was founded in 1892 by the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, and has played at its current home ground, St James' Park, since the merger...
, when the Magpies visited D.C. during a pre-season training stint in the US. Convey's two assists and high work rate during that friendly were enough to draw the attention of Newcastle's famed manager Bobby Robson
Bobby Robson
Sir Robert William "Bobby" Robson, CBE was an English footballer and manager, who coached seven European clubs and the England national team during his career....
. In four and a half seasons in MLS, Convey finished with eight goals and 16 assists.
Reading
Convey looked set to move to Tottenham HotspurTottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
of the Premier League in the summer of 2003, when the London club agreed to a $3 million move with MLS, but the transfer stalled when his work permit application was denied due to his lack of appearances with the senior national team. Then, on July 22, 2004, after five seasons with D.C. United, Convey signed a three-year contract with Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
, who were then playing in the Football League Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
, on the highest transfer fee paid by Reading up to that date.
Convey made his début for his new club in a 1–0 loss away to West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
, coming on as a substitute. He made his first start a few days later during a 1–0 Reading victory over Sheffield United
Sheffield United F.C.
Sheffield United Football Club is a professional English football club based in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire.They were the first sporting team to use the name 'United' and are nicknamed 'The Blades', thanks to Sheffield's worldwide reputation for steel production...
on August 14, 2004. However, the start of his career in England lacked distinction, as Convey made only seven starts and 15 substitute appearances during the 2004–05 season.
Convey entered the 2005–06 season in much better form, with a starting place in the team, and he helped the Royals win the Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
title setting a new English record of 106 points in 46 games to gain promotion to the Premier League for the 2006–07 season. Convey's first goals for the club came during a 5–0 victory over Millwall
Millwall F.C.
Millwall Football Club is an English professional football club based in South Bermondsey, south east London, that plays in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football. Founded as Millwall Rovers in 1885, the club has retained its name despite having last played in the...
.
Convey's first season in the Premier League started with Reading's 3-2 win over Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
on August 19, 2006. However, Convey missed much of the remainder of the season following a training ground injury in October 2006 and subsequent knee operations.
He returned from injury on July 28, 2007, playing the first half in a pre-season friendly match against Brighton
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.
Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are an English association football club based in the coastal city of Brighton & Hove, East Sussex. They currently play in the Football League Championship, the second tier of the English football league system....
, appearing "comfortable and in good shape", according to the team's match report. He returned to competitive football for Reading in the club's 1-0 victory over Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
on August 18, 2007.
On February 6, 2009, Convey and Reading reached a mutual agreement on Convey's release from the club.
San Jose Earthquakes
Four days after being released by Reading, Convey returned to MLS, signing with the San Jose EarthquakesSan Jose Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes professional soccer team is located in the San Jose, California, United States suburb of Santa Clara, and participates in Major League Soccer , the top level soccer league in the United States and Canada....
. He scored his first goal for the Quakes on April 11, 2009, against the Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire (soccer)
Chicago Fire Soccer Club is an American professional soccer club based in the Chicago suburb of Bridgeview, Illinois. The team competes in Major League Soccer , the top soccer league in the United States and Canada...
, while playing left back. At halftime he said it was his first time playing left back in six years.
After a fractious relationship with manager Frank Yallop
Frank Yallop
Frank Walter Yallop is an English-born Canadian former professional association football player. He is currently the head coach of San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer....
, it was announced that Convey wouldn't be returning to San Jose at the end of the 2011 MLS season.
International
Convey received his first capCap (sport)
In sports, a cap is a metaphorical term for a player's appearance on a select team, such as a national team. The term dates from the practice in the United Kingdom of awarding a cap to every player in an international match of association football...
for the senior United States
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
team on October 25, 2000 against Mexico
Mexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
, becoming the third youngest player in US history to do so. Convey captained the under-20 team at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship
2003 FIFA World Youth Championship
The 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship took place in United Arab Emirates between November 27 and December 19, 2003. The 2003 championship was the 14th contested...
in the United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates, abbreviated as the UAE, or shortened to "the Emirates", is a state situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman, and Saudi Arabia, and sharing sea borders with Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iran.The UAE is a...
. He was named to the 23-man squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup
2006 FIFA World Cup
The 2006 FIFA World Cup was the 18th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international football world championship tournament. It was held from 9 June to 9 July 2006 in Germany, which won the right to host the event in July 2000. Teams representing 198 national football associations from all six...
in Germany, wearing number 15. It was his slicing free kick which resulted in the own goal against Italy which settled the outcome of the 1-1 tie. He and teammate Marcus Hahnemann
Marcus Hahnemann
Marcus Stephen Hahnemann is an American international soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Everton.Graduating out of Seattle Pacific University, he played for the Seattle Sounders between 1994 and 1996. Between 1997 and 1999 he turned out for the Colorado Rapids, signing with English club...
were the first Reading players to play in the World Cup. He played in all three games as the United States exited in the first round. Convey earned 46 caps and scored one goal for the United States national team from 2000 to 2008.
International goals
| Goal | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 27, 2003 | Miami, Florida Miami, Florida Miami is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida and the county seat of Miami-Dade County, the most populous county in Florida and the eighth-most populous county in the United States with a population of 2,500,625... |
3–2 | 3–2 | 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup The 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup was the seventh edition of the Gold Cup, the football championship of North America, Central America and the Caribbean .... |
Career statistics
|-|2000||rowspan="5"|D.C. United
D.C. United
D.C. United is an American professional soccer club based in Washington, D.C. which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league since its inception, in 1996.Over the...
||rowspan="5"|Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
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|2004-05
The Football League 2004-05
The 2004–2005 season was the 105th completed season of The Football League.-Overview:This season the league was contested through three divisions. 2004–05 was the first season to feature the rebranded Football League. The First Division, Second Division and Third Division were renamed the Football...
||rowspan="5"|Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
||rowspan="2"|Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
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|2005-06
The Football League 2005-06
The 2005–2006 season was the 106th completed season of The Football League.-Overview:In this season of Football League, Reading was the only club in England to get more than 100 points and they also have won the League Championship...
||45||7||0||0||0||0||45||7
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|2006-07
FA Premier League 2006-07
The 2006–07 FA Premier League was the fifteenth season of the FA Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The season started on 19 August 2006 and concluded on 13 May 2007....
||rowspan="2"|Premier League||9||0||3||0||0||0||12||0
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|2007-08||20||0||2||0||2||1||24||1
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|2008-09
The Football League 2008-09
The Football League 2008–09, titled the Coca-Cola Football League, was the 109th completed season of the Football League. It began in August 2008 and concluded in May 2009, with the promotion play-off finals....
||Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
||6||0||1||0||2||0||9||0
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|2009
2009 Major League Soccer season
The 2009 Major League Soccer season was the 14th season of Major League Soccer. The season began on March 19 and ended with Real Salt Lake winning the MLS Cup 2009, on November 22 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington-Changes from the 2008 season:...
||rowspan="3"|San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes professional soccer team is located in the San Jose, California, United States suburb of Santa Clara, and participates in Major League Soccer , the top level soccer league in the United States and Canada....
||rowspan="3"|Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
||26||1||1||0||0||0||27||1
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|2010
2010 Major League Soccer season
The 2010 Major League Soccer season was the 98th season of FIFA-sanctioned soccer, the 32nd with a national first-division league, in the United States and Canada, and the 15th in MLS history. It began on March 25 at Seattle's Qwest Field with Seattle Sounders FC defeating the expansion...
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|2011
2011 Major League Soccer season
The 2011 Major League Soccer season was the 99th season of FIFA-sanctioned soccer, the 33rd with a national first-division league, in the United States and Canada, and the 16th season of Major League Soccer. The season marked the arrival of two new league clubs, Portland Timbers and Vancouver...
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External links
- MLS player profile
- Bobby Convey profile at ussoccer.com
- Bobby Convey profile at yanks-abroad.com
- Convey's American Dream