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  • New Zealand Defender Michael Boxall “Very Likely” to Sign for Minnesota United

    Wes Burdine

    July 11, 2017
    News

    Minnesota United have turned their attention to former Vancouver Whitecaps defender, Michael Boxall. Recently released from the South African club SuperSport United, Boxall is looking to make a return to MLS with the Loons.

    Update: Minnesota United made this signing official.

    ???????? ???????? ????????#MNUFC signs New Zealand international defender @Boxall2.

    More » https://t.co/t4NyhhYnY9 pic.twitter.com/5v3UuV9LXh

    — Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 12, 2017

    FiftyFive.One confirmed with a source that Boxall is “very likely” to sign for the Loons.

    After Minnesota United started a recent match with only one fit centerback, the club is looking to shore up its back line. The 28-year-old is a right back by trade, but has featured as a centerback in his career.

    SuperSport released Boxall last week after they failed to come to a new contract agreement with him. He would be available to the Loons on a free transfer. Joe Crann first reported the interest from Minnesota United.

    Boxall came to the United States to play at the University of California, Santa Barbara. From there, he was drafted by the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Supplemental Draft, where Minnesota United’s goalkeeping coach Marius Røvde would have watched him closely. He only made 19 MLS appearances before moving back to New Zealand to play for Wellington Phoenix. He moved to South Africa’s SuperSport in 2015.

    The defender is a regular in the New Zealand All-Whites squad and started all of their Confederations Cup matches as a right center back in a back three.

     


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    Michael Boxall, Minnesota United FC, MLS, New Zealand, SuperSport, Transfers
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    7 responses to “New Zealand Defender Michael Boxall “Very Likely” to Sign for Minnesota United”

    1. Steve Lindley Avatar
      Steve Lindley
      July 11, 2017

      Is this a “just survive 2017” signing or someone that could actually be a part of the plan for 2018/19?

      Reply
      1. Scherbs Avatar
        Scherbs
        July 11, 2017

        Great question. All that bouncing around between clubs is a little concerning. That said, we really need depth, and if the price is right, let’s give it a shot.

        Reply
    2. Benjamin MacKenzie Avatar
      Benjamin MacKenzie
      July 11, 2017

      If Boxall was at UC-Santa Barbara from 2007-2010…wouldn’t he have played with a young striker named Christian Ramirez? (Or am I conflating the many fine institutions of the California State College System?)

      Reply
      1. BJ Avatar
        BJ
        July 12, 2017

        Looks like maybe they crossed paths.

        Reply
    3. Matt Avatar
      Matt
      July 11, 2017

      It will be interesting to see how this one pans out. This will definitely be a test of how wise we’re being with our international roster spots.

      Reply
      1. Scherbs Avatar
        Scherbs
        July 12, 2017

        Start the countdown to John Alvbage being released… Now if only we could off load Demidov.

        Reply
    4. Troy Kadlec Avatar
      Troy Kadlec
      July 11, 2017

      At 6’2″ and 200 lbs, he will be the biggest defender we have after Greenspan. (he outweighs Kallman who is also 6’2″ but 190 lbs) He can play CB and LB, so that shores up two positions we’re thin at. He’s experienced, played at an international level, and at 28, he’s got several good years in him yet. If he’s even just serviceable, he’s worth a spot. If he pans out, he’s a great pickup at a likely bargain price. The team he was with wanted to keep him but couldn’t come to terms. Sounds like he’s hungry and if he plays with any intensity, it would help us out.
      I agree that he is a good test of MN United’s ability to marshal those international spots effectively. I’d rather have him taking a spot instead of the goalkeeper rumors that have been floating around.

      Reply

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