Boxall set to join Minnesota United for second MLS stint
Michael Boxall’s varied club career has taken another twist, with the All Whites defender inking a deal with Minnesota United in Major League Soccer. Pending a successful medical, the 28-year-old was set to be confirmed as Minnesota’s latest signing overnight.
Boxall, who featured in all three games for the All Whites at the Confederations Cup, has spent the past two years in the South Africa Premier League, playing alongside Jeremy Brockie at Super Sport United. But the club said last week it had failed to agree terms with Boxall, leaving him a free agent.
The move is also a timely boost for the All Whites. Not only is the MLS a higher level of football, but the regular season runs until the end of October, perfect timing ahead of New Zealand’s probable World Cup intercontinental playoff matches in mid-November.
Boxall has previous MLS experience, playing 21 games for the Vancouver Whitecaps during 2011-12, and the physical, athletic league will suit the pacey defender.
His latest move continues an ocean-hopping career. After coming through the grades at Three Kings, Central and Auckland City, Boxall gained a football scholarship to the University of Santa Barbara in 2007.
Following four years in California, Boxall joined the Whitecaps in 2011 and then the Wellington Phoenix in 2012. He played 39 games in three seasons in the capital but failed to cement a first team position and was often shuffled across the backline.
Boxall will join four other Kiwis in the MLS: Jake Gleeson (Portland Timbers), Kip Colvey (San Jose Earthquakes), Deklan Wynne and Myer Bevan (both Whitecaps).
Minnesota are an expansion club playing their first MLS season. Coached by former Everton striker Adrian Heath, they are bottom of the tightly-contested Western Conference but still in playoff contention.