D.C. United’s backline entering the 2017 season seems as set as any arrangement on Ben Olsen’s squad.
Steve Birnbaum and Taylor Kemp were worthy of U.S. national team call-ups this winter and, upon their return in the coming weeks, they’ll reclaim their rightful places at center back and left back, respectively. Since rejoining United in 2014, central defender Bobby Boswell has served as captain and played in 98 of 102 matches. Sean Franklin, the first-choice right back for three years, briefly explored free agency before re-signing last month.
But as training camp commenced this week, beginning at RFK Stadium before shifting to Bradenton, Fla.