Bobby Convey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Bobby Convey

Convey training with the United States Men's National Team
Personal information
Full name	Robert Francis Convey
Date of birth	(1983-05-27) May 27, 1983 (age 42)
Place of birth	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Height	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Playing position	Left winger
Youth career
1999–2000	IMG Soccer Academy
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2000–2004	D.C. United	89	(8)
2000	→ MLS Pro-40 (loan)	2	(1)
2004–2009	Reading	98	(7)
2009–2011	San Jose Earthquakes	75	(3)
2012–2013	Sporting Kansas City	19	(1)
2013	Toronto FC	21	(1)
2014	New York Red Bulls	13	(0)
Total		317	(21)
National team‡
1999	United States U17	6	(0)
2001–2003	United States U20	9	(2)
2000–2008	United States	46	(1)
Honours Representing  United States Third CONCACAF Gold Cup 2003 Men's Soccer
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 7 December 2014 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of December 7, 2014

Bobby Convey (born May 27, 1983) is a former American professional soccer player. He was known for playing as a left winger and for his speed on the field. He played for several clubs in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.

Convey also spent five years playing in England for a team called Reading. He helped them get promoted to the Premier League, which is the top soccer league in England, for the first time ever. He also played in 46 international matches for the United States. He was part of the U.S. teams for the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Playing Career

Early Years

Bobby Convey grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He went to the William Penn Charter School and played club soccer for the Philadelphia Soccer Club Coppa.

He was part of the first group of young players at the Bradenton Academy. This academy helped train many future national team players, including Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley. In 1999, Bobby and his teammates helped the U.S. Under-17 team finish fourth in the U-17 World Cup in New Zealand.

Professional Debut

D.C. United

In 2000, Bobby Convey was chosen by D.C. United in the MLS SuperDraft. He became the youngest player ever to sign with MLS at that time. Even though he was very young, he quickly started playing for D.C. United. He played 22 games in his first year.

One memorable moment was when he played against the famous English team Newcastle United in a friendly match. His great performance caught the eye of Newcastle's manager, Bobby Robson. During his four and a half seasons with D.C. United, Bobby scored 8 goals and made 16 assists.

Moving to England: Reading

Convey playing for Reading against Arsenal

In 2003, Bobby almost moved to Tottenham Hotspur in England, but his work permit was not approved. Then, in July 2004, after five seasons with D.C. United, Bobby signed a three-year contract with Reading. Reading was playing in the Championship at the time, which is the league below the Premier League. His transfer fee, about £900,000, was the highest Reading had paid for a player back then.

Bobby's first season in England was a bit slow, but he improved a lot in the 2005–06 season. He became a regular starter and helped Reading win the Championship title. They even set a new English record with 106 points! This amazing season meant Reading was promoted to the Premier League for the first time in their history.

Bobby started his first Premier League season well, but he got injured in October 2006 and needed knee operations. This meant he missed most of that season. He returned to play for Reading in 2007. He left Reading in February 2009.

Return to MLS

San Jose Earthquakes

Convey playing for the San Jose Earthquakes

Just a few days after leaving Reading, Bobby Convey returned to MLS and signed with the San Jose Earthquakes. In 2010, he had a great season, making 10 assists. He was even given the MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award for his strong return to the league. He played 75 games for the Earthquakes and scored three goals. He later had some disagreements with his coach and left the team.

Sporting Kansas City

In December 2011, Bobby joined Sporting Kansas City. He played for them for a couple of seasons.

Toronto FC

In May 2013, Bobby was traded to Toronto FC in Canada. He played 21 matches for them and scored one goal.

New York Red Bulls

In December 2013, Bobby Convey was traded to the New York Red Bulls. He played 13 games for them in 2014.

After the 2014 season, Bobby's contract option was not renewed. He later shared that he retired from soccer due to ongoing health challenges, including severe Asthma attacks that made it difficult for him to continue playing professionally.

International Career

Bobby Convey first played for the senior United States team on October 25, 2000, against Mexico. He was one of the youngest players ever to play for the U.S. team at that time.

He was the captain of the U.S. Under-20 team at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship. In 2006, he was chosen to be part of the 23-man squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He played in all three games for the U.S. team in that tournament. Bobby Convey played a total of 46 games for the United States national team between 2000 and 2008, scoring one goal.

International Goal

Goal	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	July 26, 2003	Miami, Florida	Costa Rica	3–2	3–2	2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup

Personal Life

Bobby Convey is totally blind in his left eye. This is due to damage to his optic nerve.

Achievements

Reading

• Football League Championship: 2005–06 (Champions)

Sporting Kansas City

• Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup: 2012 (Winners)

Individual Awards

• CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI (Reserves): 2003
• MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award: 2010

Images for kids

• 

  Convey training with the United States Men's National Team

• 

  Convey playing for Reading F.C. against Arsenal

• 

  Convey playing for the San Jose Earthquakes

See also

In Spanish: Bobby Convey para niños