There were more chances - Convey still isn't sure how Trinidad's goalkeeper stopped one of his shots - but the final score remained 1-0. The only frustration in the U.S. locker room was that the Americans didn't make it easier on themselves against an overmatched opponent.
The United States couldn't clinch a spot in the final round of the World Cup last night. But the team's appearance next year in Germany looks inevitable.
In six qualifying games, the U.S. team has five victories, and now has four straight shutouts.
The Americans could clinch a spot on Sept. 3 against Mexico in Columbus, Ohio. Last night, they did clinch at least fourth place in the six-team CONCACAF group, and even fourth would get them into a playoff game against an Asian team.
Convey, 22, said he thought it was a big deal for him to come in and make an impression. Last season, Convey spent a frustrating first year with Reading of the English first division. He spent most of the season on the bench, or sometimes not even that. He was forced to play with the reserves. Another year of that and he would have little chance of making the World Cup squad.
This season has started out on a much better note. In what appears to be a very wise move, Convey skipped playing in the Gold Cup for the United States - with the blessing of U.S. coach Bruce Arena - so he could be with Reading for its entire training camp.
He started Reading's first three games at left midfield, and the team won twice. He already has been man of the match in one game.
"I feel fit and I feel good," Convey said. "A lot of my game is running off the ball and getting some good crosses and taking people on. Right now, I just really feel good."
Convey won't be in Columbus for the Mexico game. He received a yellow card in the first half, his second of the round, drawing an automatic suspension. Arena questioned that call, but agreed that Convey had earned a yellow in the 88th minute when he tripped a Trinidad midfielder and was sent off.
Convey, who left Penn Charter after his freshman year and turned professional at age 16, wasn't the only player from that school on that field. Penn Charter graduate Chris Albright was at right back as a defender trying to find his way to the World Cup final round.
Albright probably got the start because regular Steve Cherundolo has an injured ankle. But Albright has a solid chance of making the U.S. squad and didn't appear to do anything to hurt his chances last night.
Afterward, Arena talked about the depth available to him. Seven players who played in this year's first qualifier in Trinidad weren't available last night.
"Fifteen points in six games is as good as it gets," Arena said. "I think we're close to Germany."
England routed. There were 15 World Cup qualifiers yesterday, but most of Europe's biggest nations played exhibition games. Denmark beat England, 4-1, the first three-goal defeat for the English since they lost to Wales by the same score on May 17, 1980.
Zinedine Zidane scored in France's 3-0 victory over the Ivory Coast and Italy beat Ireland, 2-1.
World Cup champion Brazil was held to a 1-1 tie at Croatia and World Cup host Germany rallied from a two-goal deficit for a 2-2 tie at the Netherlands.
This article contains information from the Associated Press.
Contact staff writer Mike Jensen at 215-854-4489 or mjensen@phillynews.com.
