Playing as a central defender is one of the most difficult and demanding positions in soccer, and those who possess the requisite skills are a rare breed. In the 3-5-2 formation D.C. United utilizes, the role offers an even greater challenge, requiring intelligent decision-making, vocal leadership and a keen tactical understanding.
During United's 2004 championship run, team captain Ryan Nelsen filled the role perfectly, directing his teammates and keeping the back line organized - and relying on his superb one-on-one defending when all else failed.
So in the offseason, when Nelsen moved across the Atlantic to take up residence in the heart of the miserly defense for English club Blackburn Rovers, United's choice for his replacement was one of the most talked-about topics for fans and media alike.
No one expected to see an undrafted rookie earn the start at center back against Chivas USA on opening day. But Bobby Boswell did exactly that and has maintained his position ever since - he's one of only three United players who haven't missed a minute of league action in 2005.
"He's willing to listen, he wants to learn, and he's a big, athletic guy - he's winning a lot of balls," said veteran left back Mike Petke. "He has a lot to learn, and he knows it. But he's in a good situation as a rookie, playing as much as he is."
Despite a very successful career at Florida International University, where he helped the Golden Panthers rack up three consecutive Atlantic Soccer Conference championships, Boswell slipped under the MLS radar. The Tampa, Fla., native wasn't invited to the 2005 adidas Player Combine, nor was he selected in the SuperDraft or supplemental draft.
But Peter Nowak and the rest of the United technical staff saw enough upside in the tall, composed defender to give him a closer look during preseason training.
"When he played his first (preseason) game with us, against [the MetroStars], we saw his skills," said Nowak. "He was pretty quiet out there, but he did the job. He won every header against John Wolyniec, which is not easy, and he organized the back line pretty (well)."
Boswell's size and athleticism are key tools for a successful center back, but what's most attention-grabbing about the 22-year-old is a poise and maturity beyond his years.
"I'm just trying to play consistently," he said. "I have a lot of development that I need to work on, and the coaches are working with me on that. It's great to be surrounded by so many veterans, especially in the back."
Boswell has encountered his fair share of bumps along that road, including a three-game losing streak last month when he and his fellow defenders gave up 10 goals. But he's taken the ups and downs with an evenhandedness rarely seen in rookies.
"You're going to win some, you're going to lose some. It's all a learning experience," said Boswell. "I'd rather play in those games than not."
"He's a player the back line has started to trust," said Nowak. "We're going to work with Bobby, because this is a very crucial position for this team. For now, he's doing the job and this is the most important thing."
Boswell's continued improvement was put on display in an assured performance at Kansas City last weekend, helping the Black-and-Red post a shutout against a dangerous Wizards attack. In particular, the rookie has become more comfortable with passing and distribution, enabling United's possession from the back line to flow more smoothly.
Boswell is eager to continue honing his skills on the job as he adjusts to the professional level.
"The speed of play is faster," he said. "There's less room for mistakes as far as your marking, your spacing, even making sure you hit the ball to the right spot at the right time. It's going to be a work in progress."
In the meantime, Boswell is learning more than just soccer from his more experienced teammates.
The young Floridian usually listens to tunes that match his mellow personality, like Bob Marley and Jack Johnson, but a certain veteran has added the Beatles to his musical sensibilities.
"Steve Guppy, he rides over to practice with me," said Boswell with a smile, "so we've got a little English flavor going on."
Charles Boehm is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
