Minnesota United has signed defender Michael Boxall to a new two-year contract, starting in 2022.
“Fully deserved, really pleased for Michael,” said MNUFC Head Coach Adrian Heath. “I was asked about Boxy the other week for an article and they asked me what is the best about him – consummate professional, great teammate, consistent, know what you’re getting and if every manager had plenty of Boxys in their club, they would be very, very happy. Delighted that he’s got a contract that he fully deserves. He’s earned his reward of a new deal.”
Boxall has been a key piece in the Minnesota backline since he joined the club in 2017. In his four-plus seasons with the team, he has made the most appearances for the Loons since they joined MLS. Boxall has scored all four of his MLS goals with MNUFC, his last coming in the final home game of the 2019 season to tie Supporters’ Shield winners LAFC. On September 19, 2020, Boxall surpassed Miguel Ibarra on the club all-time appearance list, becoming the first player in Minnesota United history to play and surpass 100 MLS club appearances.
“Very happy to commit the next couple of years here — I’ve really enjoyed my time here,” said MNUFC defender Michael Boxall. “I’m delighted that [my daughter] Maxwell has given me permission to stay here for a couple more years. Already the family makes so many sacrifices with my schedule and moving countries once or twice before, so now that the little ones are in school, with a good circle of friends, I want to affect them as little as possible. Happy to be setting deeper roots here for a couple more years.”
Boxall was selected first overall in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft by Vancouver Whitecaps FC ahead of its inaugural MLS season. He made 19 league appearances for the Whitecaps that year, starting 18, and helped the team to the Canadian Championship Final, where they fell 3-2 on aggregate to Toronto FC.
Internationally, Boxall has 32 appearances for the New Zealand national team since making his debut in 2011. He mainly featured in international friendlies to start, but has since become a mainstay in World Cup qualifying matches. He got his first international assist on October 11, 2016 against the United States, tying the match at 1-1 late in the second half. On March 24, 2018, Boxall captained his country for the first time in a 1-0 defeat to Canada.
Transaction: Minnesota United sign defender Michael Boxall to a two-year contract.
VITALS
Michael Boxall
Position: Defender
Date of birth: 08.18.1988
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 200 lbs
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Citizenship: New Zealand
