With his emphatic header goal off Christian Gomez’s free kick in last week’s 4-0 thrashing of Celtic FC, Bobby Boswell became the first MLS player — and perhaps one of the first players ever — to score against both the Scottish and English Premier League champions in the same year.
“They’re friendlies, they’re their preseason, but it doesn’t mean you can’t go out and try to show well for yourself and your team and your league,” said Boswell, who has scored just four times in the regular season during his two-year career.
Boswell always follows his goals with his version of the Lambeau Leap, running straight for the crowd at RFK Stadium. He actually may be best known for his surprising goal and ensuing celebration against English power Chelsea last year at FedEx Field.
“You see 18,000 fans in the stands, but if you look at the way Bobby does it, you’ve got 18,000 friends in the stands,” said United rookie Devon McTavish.
Boswell’s celebrations have endeared him to the United faithful. But his stalwart presence on the back line has impressed coaches and helped earn the undrafted defender his first-ever All-Star selection.
“He’s still a pretty young player but the progress he’s made since last year is amazing,” said United coach Peter Nowak, who is coaching the MLS All-Star team and added Boswell to the roster on Monday.
All this for one of D.C.’s lowest-paid starters. Boswell earns just $29,400 but his progress should open the door to a substantial salary hike next season or even a move to a bigger and more prestigious league.
“There is and has been interest in him since last year,” including a club that was on tour in the U.S. last summer, said Philip Wickstrom, Boswell’s agent.
But Boswell refuses to look ahead just yet.
“I want to improve as a player,” Boswell said. “At the end of the day, if you can save you’ve improved, you’re putting yourself in a situation where if you do get called upon by someone else, you’ll be ready. I don’t look at myself on any other level except for am I helping the team and am I improving as a player.”
