WASHINGTON, D.C. - Major League Soccer announced today D.C. United's Bobby Boswell has been named the MLS Defender of the Year. The 23-year old garnered the honor following just his second season in the League. Boswell's award comes on the heels of the League's Goalkeeper of the Year award, which went to United teammate, Troy Perkins. Boswell will be available to the media today from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Lucky Bar (1221 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036) during the club's 'Blackout' party.
"Anytime you win an individual award, it's a tribute to the team and not you as an individual," said Boswell. "The guys on the field are working hard and doing what needs to be done in order to make my job easier. I'm grateful, but I want to win trophies for the team - it's not about individuals."
Boswell - born on March 15, 1983 - becomes the second-youngest player to earn the Defender of the Year award, following Carlos Bocanegra who was 23 years and five months old (May 25, 1979) when he won the award in 2002 as a member of the Chicago Fire. Eddie Pope was also 23 years old when he won the award as United's top defender in 1997, but he was just two months from his 24th birthday (December 24, 1973).
Signed as an un-drafted rookie last year, Boswell was at the heart of the United defense that gave up the third-fewest goals (38) in MLS this season. He established himself as a permanent and critical member of United's backline, starting 30 games for the Black-and-Red. He also chipped in with a goal and an assist and in August was selected to his first MLS All-Star game. In two seasons with the Black-and-Red, Boswell has started in 56 of the 57 games he has seen time in and notched four goals and two assists.
