There are plenty of things that are different about Bobby Boswell in his second stint with D.C. United. But there’s one way in which he has been the same throughout his MLS career.
When Boswell is your center back, you are a contender.
In only one of his previous nine years in Major League Soccer has the formerly undrafted Florida International product failed to reach the playoffs. After six seasons with the Houston Dynamo, he’s returned to Washington and brought his trademark charisma, along with professionalism, determination and leadership to the locker room.
Named team captain, he has Eastern Conference-leading D.C. United (15-9-6, 51 points) poised for a return the postseason, which would make him a perfect 4-for-4 with the Black-and-Red.
“He’s been a part of some really successful teams in our league,” said United midfielder Davy Arnaud. “He’s had a ton of success in our league for a reason, and he brings something that you can’t necessarily teach. You have to gain through playing games. He certainly has that. He’s an organizer on the field, he’s a leader on the field, and ultimately, he’s a winner.”
From the moment he joined D.C. United in 2005, Boswell has been a reliable presence on the back line. He rose from rookie starter to 2006 MLS defender of the year. He won a pair of Supporters’ Shields with D.C., and he’s been to the MLS Cup final twice with Houston.
At the age of 31, he’s in the midst of a career year that could have him in contention for his second defender of the year award, which would put him alongside double winners Robin Fraser, Carlos Bocanegra and Chad Marshall in the MLS record books.
"He's just grown up in every aspect of his life," United Head Coach Ben Olsen told The Washington Times earlier in the year. "He's got two kids, which always smacks you in the face and makes you grow up. He's just older, he's been around the block and he knows what it takes to win in this league. But he still has a real charm about him that's contagious around the locker room."
With four games remaining in the regular season, Boswell has played all but 15 minutes. He’s one of six players in MLS, and one of just two field players (along with Philadelphia defender Raymon Gaddis), who have started every single regular season game in 2014. It’s not surprising given that Boswell has started more matches than any central defender in the league since 2005 (284).
His reliability and constant communication are reflected in the confidence of goalkeeper Bill Hamid and the development of rookie center back Steven Birnbaum.
“He’s helped with communication and talking me through a lot of plays throughout each game,” Birnbaum said, “and he’s done that from the beginning of the year.”
As United looks to solidify its place in the postseason and make a run at a championship, Boswell's experience and understanding will be crucial.
“He’s been around the league for a while,” said United defender Sean Franklin. “He knows how to be successful.”
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