WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United midfielders Bobby Convey and Earnie Stewart were announced today as members of Bruce Arena's 22-man roster for the United States' World Cup qualifying matches against Grenada. The first leg of the home-and-home series is scheduled for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday, June 13, in Columbus, Ohio, and will be broadcast live on ESPN2. The second leg will be played Sunday, June 20 in St. George's, Grenada. The team scoring the most goals over the two legs will advance to the semifinal round.
"We are proud of Bobby and Earnie for being selected to represent the U.S. in this initial phase of World Cup qualifying," said Dave Kasper, United Technical Director. "We wish them and the U.S. team the best of luck."
Stewart is the eighth most-capped player in U.S. Soccer history, picking up his 98th cap in the USMNT's 4-0 defeat of Honduras. He looks to add to his current World Cup qualifier superlatives, as he has appeared in more matches - 27 - and scored more goals - nine - than any other U.S. player. The former Dutch Eredivisie star also leads the U.S. in minutes played in World Cup Finals matches, with 695, and is one of only three players to have played in three Finals - USA 1994, France 1998 and Korea/Japan 2002. On the 2004 season, Stewart has yet to miss a match for the Black-and-Red.
Convey looks to continue his appearance streak for the Red, White and Blue, having played in all six USMNT matches in 2004. He currently has 24 caps for the senior side, but has been a mainstay at all levels. He has competed in three FIFA World Youth Championships, and also led the U-23 National Team in scoring during the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament, held earlier this year in Guadalajara, Mexico. Convey missed three matches for the Black-and-Red as a result of a hamstring strain, but returned to the pitch against New England last Saturday.
Stewart and Convey will miss United's home games against Colorado on June 12 and Columbus on June 19 as a result of the call-up. They will report to Columbus on Monday, June 7 for a training camp in preparation for the qualifiers. They will rejoin the team for United's friendly against the Rochester Raging Rhinos, Wednesday, June 23.
