[rms5555]

http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=12837

Props to SoccerPrime for finding this one.

Interesting stuff. The interview covers the EPL, the WC and Dempsey/MLS.

[mschofield]

A quote from the linked question and answer:
"A lot of fans here in the U.S. expected you to start the final group match of the World Cup. Were you surprised that you did not start the game against Ghana?
I was completely surprised and haven't talked to Bruce on the coaching staff since. That was very depressing to me to be taking out after playing well and never been given a reason why. Soccer is a crazy game and Bruce made a decision which I thought was the wrong one."

Wow. hadn't seen anything so forceful yet. Is really interesting that he didn't talk to Convey about the move. i thought they were exceptionally close? Have to admit, I was wondering why, as well, at the time.

[superdave]

Convey never played for Bruce in DC.

[Falc]

Originally Posted by superdave

Convey never played for Bruce in DC.

Nor did he go to UVA.

[mschofield]

Originally Posted by superdave

Convey never played for Bruce in DC.

Which, of course, makes sense, as he would have been 14 or 15 when Arena left DC in `98. But until you said that, I assumed they must have, from all the attacks on Arena showing favoritism to Convey. thanks.

[superdave]

Originally Posted by mschofield

But until you said that, I assumed they must have, from all the attacks on Arena showing favoritism to Convey. thanks.

I'm just smiling at the notion that you think the "Bruce plays favorites!!!!" crowd are the type of people influenced by facts, reality, or common sense.

[peteo]

Originally Posted by mschofield

A quote from the linked question and answer:
"A lot of fans here in the U.S. expected you to start the final group match of the World Cup. Were you surprised that you did not start the game against Ghana?
I was completely surprised and haven't talked to Bruce on the coaching staff since. That was very depressing to me to be taking out after playing well and never been given a reason why. Soccer is a crazy game and Bruce made a decision which I thought was the wrong one."

Good read. I wished Tim Howard's article was more confrontational, letting us in on some things we hadn't already know.

[John L]

Originally Posted by superdave

I'm just smiling at the notion that you think the "Bruce plays favorites!!!!" crowd are the type of people influenced by facts, reality, or common sense.

Yes - Convey came to DC United after Arena left for the USMNT - But, when Convey was denied his work permit because he wasn't a "National Team Player", then Arena started playing him a lot - Oddly enough mostly at Left Fullback usually in a 4-4-2 with lots of Defense in the Middle - This gave him only wing marking duties and he wasn't expected to be defending deep in the middle of the box - And Bruce did this a lot - So much that during Convey's last season with DC United, (from Feb preseason till Aug or so) he was with the US MNT team or U20 team as much as he was with DC United - Which effected his playing and gelling with teammates - The result was this was Convey's least productive time with DC United

[superdave]

JohnL...your account of the facts of the case differ from my memory of the facts of the case in many significant ways.