Washington, D.C. - U.S. Men's National Team head coach Bruce Arena has called D.C. United defender Bobby Boswell into the team's January World Cup training camp. Boswell will join United teammates Freddy Adu, Brian Carroll, Ben Olsen and Santino Quaranta in Carson, Calif. later today. The camp began Jan. 4 at the Home Depot Center and the group will participate in a series of friendlies scheduled throughout January and February.
"This is a great opportunity for Bobby that is well deserved," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "We wish him the best of luck."
The call-up is the first for Boswell, who enjoyed a very successful rookie campaign for the Black-and-Red in 2005. Despite going undrafted following an impressive four years at Florida International, the defender joined United during pre-season and made an immediate impression on the coaching staff. On April 2, when D.C. opened the regular season, Boswell was the starting center back, filling the void left by MLS Best XI defender Ryan Nelsen. Boswell started 26 of the 27 games he saw time in during 2005, and notched an impressive three goals, including two game-winners, and one assist, also a game-winner. His first career MLS goal clinched a victory in the waning minutes of the club's 4-3 triumph over the visiting Chicago Fire on June 15.
The U.S. will open 2006 action against Canada on Jan. 22 in San Diego, Calif. (8 p.m. ET), then host Norway on Jan. 29 at The Home Depot Center (5 p.m. ET, ESPN2). The U.S. will play Japan for only the second time in history when they meet at SBC Park on Feb. 10 in San Francisco, Cal. The USA's first match in the city in 26 years kicks off at 11 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN2. The Americans will complete their early season schedule with a friendly against Guatamala in Dallas, Tex. On Feb. 19 (4 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
The USA was drawn into Group E for the 2006 FIFA World Cup along with the Czech Republic, Ghana, and Italy. The U.S. plays their opening match against the Czechs on June 12 in Gelsenkirchen at 12 p.m. ET. Five days later, the USA faces Italy in Kaiserslautern, and then finishes off group play against Ghana on June 22 in Nuremberg. The U.S. has chosen the northern port city of Hamburg as their base of operations throughout the tournament.
