Branko Boskovic

MLS EXPERIENCE

2011: Beginning his first full season in Major League Soccer, 2011 was shaping up to be a breakout year for Bošković. Through the first portion of the season, everything appeared to be on track as United’s midfield playmaker adapted to the League’s physical style of play and was beginning to thrive. This fact was exemplified on 4/26, when United played host to the New England Revolution in a U.S. Open play-in game. Bošković found the back of the net twice in a span of ten minutes before leaving the match in the 86th minute with torn left ACL. That knee injury kept him sidelined for the remainder of 2011, though the midfielder’s recovery is ahead of schedule for 2012. In total, Bošković played in four matches (one start) for in 2011 MLS play, recording 124 minutes of action.

2010: Signed as a Designated Player on 6/14, Bošković appeared in 13 matches and started eight for D.C. in 2010. The midfielder joined United from Rapid Vienna, one of the most successful sides in the Austrian Bundesliga. Bošković was in and out of the Black-and-Red side after his midseason arrival because of his duties as vice-captain of the Montenegrin National Team, which enjoyed a 3-1-0 record in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying during the course of the MLS season. Though Bošković did not register any League goals in 2010, his deft playmaking ability was obvious, and he scored United’s opening goal in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal against Harrisburg on 7/21.

OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2006-2010: After three seasons in France, Bošković made a move to Rapid Vienna of the Austrian Bundesliga. Joining the club in January of 2006, he faced a tough task to break into the first team at his new club, but managed to score two goals in 12 first team appearances in his inaugural season. The 2007-2008 campaign saw him return to top form, as he featured regularly in the Rapid midfield, scoring eight goals as the team went on to win the Austrian title. During his time with Rapid, Bošković played in 122 matches, scoring 24 goals in all competitions.

2003-2005: Following his exploits with Red Star, the midfielder moved to French giants Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2003. Although minutes were harder to come by with the Ligue 1 club, Bošković did manage to make 24 first team appearances in his first season, scoring three goals. He made 12 appearances the next season before joining Troyes on loan for the 2005-06 campaign.

1999-2003: In his first full season with Red Star, Bošković appeared regularly in the first team, scoring nine goals as he helped the Belgrade side win the 1999-2000 Serbo-Montenegrin Football League title – ending a rare five-year title drought for the club. The following season, Bošković was once again an essential part of the team, as Red Star won its second consecutive league title. Appearing in 32 games during the season, he contributed another nine-goal campaign, and helped the team win the Yugoslav Cup. In 2002, Bošković helped Red Star to win its third Yugoslav Cup in four years. During the 2002-2003 campaign, the talented playmaker etched his name into the modern history of Red Star, as he scored against Lazio in the UEFA Cup. In total, Bošković made 123 league appearances for Red Star, scoring 30 times for the Serbian club.

1996-1998: Bošković made his professional debut with FK Mogren of Budva, Montenegro. He played at the lower division club for two-and-a-half seasons before moving to Red Star Belgrade in the winter of the 1998-1999 campaign.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

2011: Due to the knee injury suffered on 4/26, Bošković was unable to feature for his country in Euro 2012 qualifying throughout 2011. However, Montenegro finished second in Group G to England, and the midfielder joined his teammates for moral support ahead of the two-legged playoff against Czech Repubic on 11/11 and 11/15.

2010: Bošković was frequently called up to the Montenegrin National Team, playing in all of Montenegro’s UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers and helping the team to a 3-1-0 tournament record.  Bošković captained his country in a stunning draw against England at Wembley Stadium on 10/12. 

2002-2010: Bošković was in the lineup for the first-ever international game for Montenegro against Hungary in 2007 after the nation gained independence from Serbia. He has since played 18 times for the country, earning the captaincy during the country’s 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.. He also played on 12 occasions for the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, making his debut in 2002.

ACQUIRED

Signed on 6/14/10 as a Designated Player.