Sporting Kansas City continued their busy offseason on Friday, acquiring two-time MLS All-Star Bobby Convey from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for an international roster spot in 2012.
Convey fell out of favor in San Jose this season following a career year in 2010. He scored a goal and added two assists in 21 appearances for manager Frank Yallop in 2011 and made the MLS All-Star team, but he didn’t make an appearance for the Quakes after playing 90 minutes against Toronto FC on Aug. 27.
After trading a Supplemental Draft pick for Paulo Nagamura last week, Sporting add another veteran to an already deep roster, providing cover at both left back and, potentially, midfield or left wing.
“Bobby Convey has been a difference-maker in this league for many years, with experience at the highest levels of soccer,” manager Peter Vermes said in a statement released by the club. “His competiveness and attacking qualities stand out and we feel that he can thrive within the culture created at Sporting Kansas City. We are very excited to welcome Bobby to our club.”
The Earthquakes didn’t exercise Convey’s contract option for 2012, which put him in the Re-Entry Draft pool, but he made it clear in the local press in late October he wouldn’t be returning to San Jose.
In eight seasons in MLS, Convey has scored 11 goals and dished out 30 assists. His best season came in 2010, when he had 10 assists in 28 games, was named Comeback Player of the Year, earned an All-Star nod and helped the Quakes advance to the Eastern Conference Championship. San Jose signed Convey before the 2009 season when the US international returned to the United States following four years at Reading in England.
“I am very excited to link up with my new club and teammates,” Convey said in a statement. “The fans in Kansas City are extremely supportive of the team and create a great atmosphere in the new stadium. The team proved last year they are a good team that can win a bunch of games and I hope I can add to that success.”
