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Minnesota United sign New Zealand international Michael Boxall

By Tyler Hanson

SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 21: Michael Boxall of New Zealand fouls Hector Herrera of Mexico during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group A match between Mexico and New Zealand at Fisht Olympic Stadium on June 21, 2017 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 21: Michael Boxall of New Zealand fouls Hector Herrera of Mexico during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group A match between Mexico and New Zealand at Fisht Olympic Stadium on June 21, 2017 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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After Monday’s addition of Sam Nicholson, Minnesota wasted no time in adding more depth to the squad.

The club announced Wednesday morning that they had agreed to terms with New Zealand international defender Michael Boxall. Boxall is a Right back by trade, but has also spent a lot of time at Center back.

Boxall recently returned from the Confederations Cup in Russia, where he started all 3 matches at Center back for the All-Whites. It was a disappointing tournament for the Kiwis, as they were bounced in the group stage after failing to earn a single point. Boxall, however, was considered a bright spot for New Zealand, and thought by many in New Zealand to be the team’s best player in the tournament. This apparently impressed Minnesota’s front office, and they feel he can help their squad.

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 24: Nani of Portugal and Michael Boxall of New Zealand battle for possession during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group A match between New Zealand and Portugal at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 24, 2017 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 24: Nani of Portugal and Michael Boxall of New Zealand battle for possession during the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 Group A match between New Zealand and Portugal at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 24, 2017 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /

Boxall has some MLS experience, as he played for the Vancouver Whitecaps during the 2011-12 season, and his career has since taken him back to his native New Zealand, and most recently with SuperSport United in South Africa. Boxall became a free agent after failing to agree to terms on a new contract with the Pretoria-based side after 2 years with the club.

After watching yesterday’s training session, Boxall took part in this morning’s training session, and Head coach Adrian Heath seemed pleased with the addition, saying in the team press release: “He is a versatile player, can play right back, can play center back”. He then added: “We think he is a player who is going to push everybody for a starting role on this team moving forward, he know he is chomping at the bit to get going”.

Boxall provides depth at Center back, while probably giving the Loons a starter at right back. With Kevin Venegas struggling as of late, Boxall should have a good shot at the winning the job at right back, while Jèrôme Thiesson slides over to left back on a more permanent basis. It will be interesting to see how Boxall fits into the side, and how much he’s able to contribute to the Loons moving forward.

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