Longtime United defender Bobby Boswell announced his retirement from professional soccer on Monday, Feb. 12. One of the league's most highly-decorated defenders, Boswell became known for his physical style of play out of the center back. Boswell also cemented himself as a pillar in the Black-and-Red's history during his time in D.C., scoring the club's 500th goal as a rookie in 2005 and the club's 1,000th regular season goal in 2016.
Over two stints with United, Boswell made 198 league appearances (regular season and playoffs) for the club, scoring 10 goals and recording eight assists. The 34-year-old originally signed a developmental contract in 2005 and quickly established himself as a starter in his rookie season. In 2006, Boswell helped United lift the MLS Supporters’ Shield and won MLS Defender of the Year, an All-Star selection and a spot in the league’s Best XI for his performance in the Black-and-Red backline. The following year, the center back lifted the Supporters’ Shield for a second consecutive time with the club.
After three seasons and 85 appearances with United, Boswell was traded to the Houston Dynamo on Dec. 12, 2007. The Florida native spent six seasons with the Dynamo, made 197 appearances and started in two MLS Cup Finals (2011, 2012). Following the conclusion of the 2013 season, the Black-and-Red selected Boswell in Stage One of the 2013 Re-Entry Draft on Dec. 12, 2013. In his second stint with the club, Boswell played in 113 matches, scored six goals and helped the team win the 2014 Eastern Conference and qualify for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs from 2014-2016. Following his second run with the Black-and-Red, Boswell was traded to Atlanta United FC in August of 2017. The defender made one appearance for Atlanta in 2017.
Congratulations on an outstanding career and your retirement, Bobby!
Congratulations on your retirement, @bobbyboswell! You'll always be part of the & family. #DCUpic.twitter.com/9f4S8EieUP
— D.C. United (@dcunited) February 12, 2018
