D.C. United defender Bobby Boswell caught up with Lindsay Simpson after Day 4 of the 2016 Preseason. Read more to find out who has impressed him so far, on and off the field.
Note: Parts of the conversation have been edited for conciseness and clarity.
What have you seen the last few days of training?
It’s obviously early, but I think the mentality is great. Everyone is ready to work, and the guys are excited about the opportunity. We have a couple spots and voids to fill and the coaching staff have done a great job of bringing guys in. It’s going to be a real dogfight to earn a spot on this team this year. It’s exciting and at the same time there’s a little bit of pressure, but good pressure, pressure that brings out the best in everyone.
Who surprised you this week?
I don’t know if I’m really surprised, but as a defender, you look at the guys in your position or guys that could help you. Liam {Doyle, Fourth Round pick from Ohio State} is a big guy, a left-footer, and you don’t see a lot of left-footed center backs, so that’s always an advantage in that position. In the middle of the field, there’s Ariel {Rodriguez, from Costa Rican side LD Alajuelense}; we played against him, and he really hurt us, so I’m excited to see what he could do for us. Kevan George {Columbus Crew SC}, another guy that hurt us, and now it’s exciting to see what he can do. For me, I look more at those guys than anyone else. I know what Lamar {Neagle} and Patrick {Nyarko} can do, from seeing them so many times.They’re what I expected. I’m intrigued to see more from Paul Torres. He’s got a quick shot and good technique.Those guys are standing out and for good reason; they all have a bit of pedigree to them. The more time we have together, the better we’ll gel, and we that’s when you can the tendencies of each other and grow together.
Has anyone made an impression off the field?
Travis Worra has officially come out of his shell. His van (to get to training) is trying to trade him because his singing ability isn’t quite up to par. He’s upset American Idol auditions are over, he was thinking that was his next big thing. He’s definitely been the talk of the town; everyone else has been pretty quiet and going about their business. Goalies are just weird, I don’t know. I call them weirdos to their faces and they think that’s a compliment! I’m not going to be the one to tell them it’s not; they’re a funny bunch.
