San Jose Earthquakes defender Bobby Convey selected to 2011 MLS All-Star game against Manchester United

Earthquakes defender Bobby Convey was selected to the MLS All-Star game 22-man matchday roster on Monday, as announced by Major League Soccer. Named to the squad by head coach Hans Backe, Convey earned All-Star honors for the second straight season. He is joined on the team by Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski, a First XI selection in fan voting that took place earlier this month.

Convey has 1 goal and 2 assists in 14 appearances so far in the 2011 season, but has been sidelined for the past four league matches with a lower leg injury. Indications are that Convey is back to full fitness following a return to team training exercises, and might return to the Earthquakes starting XI either Wednesday against the Vancouver Whitecaps or on Saturday against Real Salt Lake. In 2010, Convey had 1 goal and a team-leading 10 assists in the regular season, plus a 2 goal and 1 assist showing in the postseason in helping the Earthquakes reach the Eastern Conference final.

In an MLS season dominated by defense, Convey is somewhat of a surprise selection to the All-Star roster, but his speed on the left wing and ability to join the attack make him a versatile player for Backe. Additionally, his breakout performance against Backe's Red Bulls in the 2010 playoffs, when he scored a very impressive brace in the second leg of the Quakes/Red Bulls first round playoff series, apparently left quite a positive impression. That match was played at Red Bull Arena -- the same venue that will play host to the 2011 MLS All-Star game.