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)
Position(s)	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)
International career‡
1999	United States U17	6	(0)
2001–2003	United States U20	9	(2)
2000–2008	United States	46	(1)
Medal record Representing  United States Third CONCACAF Gold Cup 2003 Men's Soccer
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 7 December 2014 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of December 7, 2014

Robert Francis Convey (born May 27, 1983) is an American former professional soccer player. He played as a left winger. Bobby Convey last played for New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Besides playing for several MLS clubs, Convey spent five years in England. He played for Reading, helping them reach the Premier League for the first time. He played in 46 international matches for the United States. He was also part of their teams for the 2003 Gold Cup and the 2006 World Cup.

Bobby Convey's Soccer Journey

Early Years and Youth Teams

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

Bobby was one of the first players at the Bradenton Academy. This academy helped train many future national team players. With the Under-17 team, he helped them finish fourth in the 1999 U-17 World Cup in New Zealand.

Starting Professional Soccer

Playing for 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. He played 22 games for D.C. United in his first year.

Convey quickly showed his talent. He even impressed Newcastle United's manager, Bobby Robson, during a friendly match. In his four and a half seasons with D.C. United, Bobby scored eight goals and made 16 assists.

Time in England with Reading

Convey playing for Reading against Arsenal

In 2003, Bobby almost moved to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. However, the move didn't happen because he couldn't get a work permit.

On July 22, 2004, Bobby signed a three-year contract with Reading. Reading was playing in the Championship at the time. His transfer fee was about £900,000, which was a record for Reading back then.

His first season in England was a bit slow. He made only seven starts and 15 substitute appearances. But in the 2005–06 season, Bobby played much better. He helped Reading win the Championship title. They set a new English record with 106 points in 46 games. This win promoted them to the Premier League for the 2006–07 season.

Bobby's first Premier League season started well. However, he missed most of it after a knee injury in October 2006. He returned to play for Reading in August 2007. On February 6, 2009, Bobby left Reading by agreement.

Returning to MLS

San Jose Earthquakes Journey

Convey playing for the San Jose Earthquakes

Just four days after leaving Reading, Bobby Convey returned to MLS. He signed with the San Jose Earthquakes. In 2010, he made 10 assists. He also won the MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award that year. After three seasons, Bobby left the Earthquakes in 2011. He played in 75 league matches and scored three goals for them.

Playing for Sporting Kansas City

On December 2, 2011, Sporting Kansas City acquired Bobby Convey. He played for them during the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Short Stays at Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls

On May 16, 2013, Bobby was traded to Toronto FC. He played 21 matches for Toronto and scored one goal.

On December 13, 2013, Convey was traded to New York Red Bulls. He played 13 games for them in 2014. After the 2014 season, his contract option was not renewed.

Bobby Convey later shared that he retired from soccer due to health challenges. He mentioned dealing with severe Asthma attacks.

Playing for the United States National Team

Bobby Convey first played for the senior United States team on October 25, 2000. This was against Mexico. He became one of the youngest players in U.S. soccer history to play for the national team.

He was the captain of the Under-20 team at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates. Bobby was also chosen for the 23-man squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He played in all three games as the United States team exited in the first round. Bobby Convey earned 46 appearances and scored one goal for the United States national team between 2000 and 2008.

International Goals for the USA

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 and Health

Bobby Convey has a unique condition: he is completely blind in his left eye. This is due to damage to his optic nerve.

Achievements and Awards

Team Honors

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

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  Convey training with the United States Men's National Team

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  Convey playing for Reading against Arsenal

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  Convey playing for the San Jose Earthquakes

See also

In Spanish: Bobby Convey para niños