Lately Bobby Boswell has become better known for his Web site and hosting after-game parties than his play on the field for D.C. United.
Boswell has spent three straight games on the bench, the second-longest such spell of his United career, but the third-year defender maintains his off-field interests have not caused his performances with D.C. to suffer.
“I’ve done as little with that as I’ve done all year, and that was when I got sat down,” said Boswell of BobbyBoswell.com. “The thing with the Web site is it’s something that’s public, where as if I had any other kind of hobbies, people would know about it. People look for reasons and excuses, and it’s not one of these problems. It comes down to soccer, and I’ve always put soccer first, and I’ll continue to do that.”
Boswell’s gregarious nature has been a big part of the team’s persona since he signed with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2005.
“That’s who he is,” said defender Devon McTavish. “The stuff he did in the locker room last year, it’s out in public now with the Web site.”
Boswell played Aug. 9 against David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy — while his Web site sponsored a well-publicized party downtown after the match — and the following week at Los Angeles. But the 2006 MLS defender of the year has missed D.C.’s last three games, all victories, in favor of veteran Greg Vanney.
“I’m a big believer in that if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” said Boswell, whose rejection of contract extension last offseason also muddles his future. “But I’m not exactly sure it was broke when I got taken out. I try not to make a big deal out of it. There are people that will do a lot of talking, and talk trades and all that stuff. All I can control is how hard I work and how hard I practice, and when I’m given an opportunity, how well I do.”
