Boswell Traded To MLS Champion Dynamo

Chris Webb

December 12, 2007

Houston's Brian Ching and DC's Bobby Boswell keep their eye on the ball

Houston's Brian Ching and DC's Bobby Boswell keep their eye on the ball
Photo: ISI

After a sub par season for the Black and Red, fan favorite Bobby Boswell is on his way to Houston. Boswell's struggles on the field played a big part in his trade.

Washington, D.C. According to the Washington Post, D.C. United defender Bobby Boswell has been traded to the Houston Dynamo for goalkeeper Zach Wells and a conditional 2nd round draft pick in 2009.

Boswell's tenure at United ended on less than gracious terms as his time and effectiveness on the field diminished as the season wore on. Also adding to his premature exit might have been his dedication to bobbyboswell.com moreso than becoming a better soccer player. While watching what he did on that website was hilarious at times, his play on the field for United was anything but.

In return for Boswell United will get Houston backup keeper Zach Wells and a conditional 2nd round draft pick in 2009. In Wells United will get a keeper with good athleticism and shot stopping ability. Wells' 15 saves against United during the 2005 season in a 0-0 draw in New Jersey against the then Metrostars is all the proof you need as to his shot stopping ability. Wells also played well this past season in the CONCACAF Champions Cup in place of injured starter Pat Onstad.

This now leads to the question of what happens now to Troy Perkins. Apparently Perkins is on the cusp of a transfer to Norweigen team Valerenga. My guess is that Perkins informed United of this recently and this move is being made to cover the departure of Perkins.

What this also does is weaken an already thin defensive line now leaving only Vanney and McTavish as experienced central defenders in Tom Soehn's preferred 4-4-2 system. My guess is United will attempt to trade up in the draft to possibly get their hands on UC-Santa Barbara player Andy Iro or someone else from the college ranks that has a solid MLS future. I really don't expect any outside help coming in to the team.

Considering Perkins is adamant on leaving this winter, this is a good move for United as they get a decent replacement in Wells, though they will miss Boswell on and off the field in spite of a poor 2007 season.

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