Sports Talk: Different View for D.C.'s Top D

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WITH HIS MLS DEFENDER OF THE YEAR award, U.S. national team appearances and growing status as an underground Washington sports icon in tow, it can be difficult to remember that D.C. United's Bobby Boswell remains a relatively young player.

There remain lessons to learn, and Boswell, 24, experienced one of them for the past couple of weeks when he was benched for the first time. An ever-present starter in his first two seasons and named the league's best in 2006, Boswell was part of a back line that was rounding into form in early August.

But with reserve Devon McTavish playing well and veteran Greg Vanney healthy, D.C. coach Tom Soehn opted to sit Boswell for three straight matches, all victories. The move created a few waves, but Boswell returned for last weekend's 4-0 win in Dallas.

He was hoping to play last night against Chivas USA despite a sore throat and can look forward to Sunday's home showdown with Eastern Conference co-leaders New England.

"It was good to get back out on the field. The team was doing well while I was out, but it was good to get back and contribute," Boswell said.

Offered a two-year extension and a significant raise in the offseason, Boswell turned it down. He has thoughts of a move to Europe, where World Cup vets often find themselves on the bench at big clubs with talent-rich rosters. The continuing development of MLS, where even the defender of the year isn't guaranteed playing time, can only be a good thing, he said.

"The more competition, the better. It makes you sharper and you can't take playing for granted. That's always good," he said. "What I learned from it is you've got to be prepared for whatever the team throws at you and just try to improve day in, day out."

Written by Express contributor Brian Straus
Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post