11 - Per Opta data, here is the best XI from the 2019 MLS regular season. Distinction. #OptaXI
— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) October 8, 2019
Bodes well for his contract being renewed at the end of the year
Michael Boxall (Minnesota United | USA)
But but I wanted to see him at the Nix again
Could Boxy push at playing at a higher level? Would A low table premierleague team have a look at him?
From this week's Flying Kiwis.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1181947428397821952
MLS playoffs this weekend.
Starts with his regular CB partner Opara, as Minnesota host LA Galaxy in MLS knockout football.
Ibrahimović upfront for Galaxy.
Winner has tough task of travelling to LAFC for Western Conference Semi Final, on Friday. LAFC with nearly 2 weeks off.
0-0 at HT.
Same score after 70 minutes...come on Boxy, a nice header from a corner kick is all you need!
Sadly not to be for Boxy and his team mates.
Lose 1-2 to Galaxy, which sets up an all LA (Galaxy v LAFC) Western Conference semi final.
Galaxy with goals at 71 & 75 mins. The 2nd a lovely curling shot by Jonathan dos Santos.
Boxall could have done maybe better with 1st goal conceded, block of a Zlatan lead up shot being a bit weak.
Minnesota pulled a goal back at 87 mins, but it was too late.
Still a really good MLS season for them, and Box senior.
Sadly not to be for Boxy and his team mates.
Lose 1-2 to Galaxy, which sets up an all LA (Galaxy v LAFC) Western Conference semi final.
Galaxy with goals at 71 & 75 mins. The 2nd a lovely curling shot by Jonathan dos Santos.
Boxall could have done maybe better with 1st goal conceded, block being a bit weak.
Minnesota pulled a goal back at 87 mins, but it was too late.
Still a really good MLS season for them, and Box senior.
Clearly my fault - I posted at 70 saying it was still 0-0...!
Shame for Boxy but a pretty good season by the sound of it.
From this week's Flying Kiwis. Boxall resigned re-signed by Minnesota.
"But that point about where they came from is huge. This is a team that made enormous strides between its first two seasons and this one, and of course as mentioned last week they’ve moved quick to set up for 2020 success as well – re-signing 2019 MLS Defender of the Year Ike Opara and his old mate Michael Boxall both to multi-year contracts. No official word on the specifics there but fantastic to see one of these kiwi MLS dudes with their long-term future nice and settled, that doesn’t happen as often as it would be preferred. Also great to see Boxall being rewarded fullstop since all the dudes around him are raking it up while he just sorta slides under the radar. Keeper Vito Mannone was also named as Goalkeeper of the Year for the MLS."
Twin Cities Pioneer Press: “The Loons agreed to guaranteed multi-year contracts with center back duo Ike Opara and Michael Boxall earlier this summer, a source confirmed Monday. The pair helped solidify a defense that allowed 43 goals this season, fifth-best in MLS. Opara was named MLS defender of the year last week, and Boxall has become United’s all-time minutes leader at 6,627 since he joined the club in summer 2017. Each player will be 31 years when the 2020 season starts next spring.”
I hate how 'resignation' resigned and 're-signed' resigned look exactly the same - gets me looking stupidly for the scandal everytime
This week's Flying Kiwis.
MNUFC: “Minnesota United announced today defender Michael Boxall has received his U.S. Green Card. The New Zealand international will no longer occupy an international spot on the Loons’ roster. Boxall, 31, joined MNUFC in July of the Loons’ inaugural MLS season in 2017 and has been a mainstay in the Minnesota backline since then. In his three seasons with the team, he has the second-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.”
From this week's Flying Kiwis. The Boxalls obviously didn't grow up in Taihape. Good to hear Billingsley is making an early impression.
Good chat with Boxy there, you can listen to the full audio on the Minnesota website there or on their Sound of the Loons podcast but here’s the bit you wanna know about straight away... Michael Boxall talking about his new kiwi teammates...
“And then there are his countrymen — James Musa and Noah Billingsley — each of whom intersects with Boxall’s career across several dimensions, from playing on the same Wellington Phoenix team years apart to playing with Boxall’s younger brother, Nikko. Boxall praised Musa’s dependability as a holding midfielder and said everyone’s been blown away by Billingsley’s athleticism. Boxall’s always been one of the most down-to-earth and easy-to-talk-to Loons — a quality that both Musa and Billingsley seem to share as fellow New Zealanders. It’s one of the things that’s made it easy for Boxall and his countrymen to fit in — a must in a long MLS season that’s just getting started.
“It's just a way of life down there,” he said. “Wherever you grow up in New Zealand, the weather's pretty nice all year round. You've got the beaches to go chill out at. Twenty minutes from just about anyone's house, there's a nice beach to relax on. All of that comes together for all of us to be fairly happy-go-lucky.””
0-0 at HT, between Portland and Minnesota.
Boxall only Kiwi involved.
Neither Musa or Billingsley in match day squad for Minnesota.
And no Tuiloma for Portland - presume still injured.
0-0 at HT, between Portland and Minnesota.
Boxall only Kiwi involved.
Neither Musa or Billingsley in match day squad for Minnesota.
And no Tuiloma for Portland - presume still injured.
Finishes a comfortable 3-1 win for Minnesota.
Shows they are likely a very real contender this year. Full game Boxall senior. Might be awhile before either Musa or Billingsley get a chance.
Alternatively just quietly probably not a bad result for Tuiloma, and his chances of coming straight back into the Timbers squad when he is fit.
Starting as Minnesota travel to San Jose Earthquakes.
Neither Musa or Billingsley in the match day squad.
Seems MU have a relationship with USL League One (USL 2nd tier) side Forward Madison (Wisconsin). The latter 2 Kiwis may end playing some games for them. USL League One season starts 28th March.
Full game as Minnesota spank San Jose 5-2.
Up 4-1 at HT. Boxall's CB partner Opara with a double.
Two very impressive road wins in 2 weeks, MU look the goods early on.
Musa and Billingsley look like they will need to be patient, re getting an opportunity.
Surely there is ample evidence for all of those officers to be arrested. Justice!
One down, a couple to go!
Boxall Snr starting as Minnesota begin their MLS tourney against Sporting Kansas City.
Reid on the bench for Sporting KC, and Musa likewise for Minnesota. With 5 subs who knows both might get on to debut for their new clubs. Though SKC have a 12 man bench according to Soccerway!
Only Billingsley is missing.
Drama late with Minnesota snatching a 2-1 win. Goals at 92 & 97 mins.
SKC played the last 25 odd mins with 10 men, after their keeper was sent off at 74 mins.
Unfortunately no mins for Reid, but Musa was bought on for a club debut in 98th minute.
Full game for Boxall snr.
Full game for Boxall, and Musa an unused sub, as Minnesota and Real Salt Lake play out a 0-0 draw.
Minnesota in dark grey.
The sole Kiwi starting as Minnesota take on Colorado.
Musa and Wynne on their respective teams benches.
The sole Kiwi starting as Minnesota take on Colorado.
Musa and Wynne on their respective teams benches.
Full game in a 2-2 draw.
No minutes Musa or Wynne
Starting against Columbus Crew in Florida. Musa on the bench, no Billingsley.
Starting against Columbus Crew in Florida. Musa on the bench, no Billingsley.
Finished 1-1, and then went to pen shootout, where Minnesota prevailed 5-3 (didn't miss).
Full game Boxall (no 15). Musa unused sub.
Looks like next stage is quarterfinals, where MU will play San Jose Earthquakes.
Full game for Minnesota in a 4-1 win over San Jose in their quarterfinal.
Musa an unused sub. Billingsley not in match day squad.
Looks like Minnesota play Orlando in their semi.
Starting in semi against Orlando.
Musa on the bench. No Billingsley.
Starting in semi against Orlando.
Musa on the bench. No Billingsley.
Unfortunately Orlando won 3-1. Third goal at 96 minutes.
Nani with a double.
Orlando verus Portland final.
Some class from Nani for the 2nd goal. Boxall with a tricky header over the bar late on when MU chasing an equaliser.
Major League Soccer intends to resume its regular season when teams play in their own markets shortly after its MLS is Back final Tuesday in Orlando
In some cases, that will include a limited number of spectators where local health regulations allow.
In a halftime interview Wednesday with FS1 during its first semifinal, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said the league will announce a schedule that gets teams from under the tournament’s protective “bubble” and home to their own stadiums and training facilities.
That’s expected to come Friday. Minnesota United officials declined to comment Thursday.
“We will get back to our markets,” Garber said. “We’re going to be able to play with fans where we can and not play with fans in most of our markets.”
Schedule for remainder of MLS season revealed.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/schedule/2020/return-to-season
Major League Soccer revealed the schedule for the first phase of the return of the 25th season in home markets. As was the case during the MLS is Back Tournament, the continuation of the season will feature comprehensive health and safety protocols, including regular testing of players, coaches and essential staff for COVID-19.
The revised schedule will see each team will play an additional 18 regular-season games, in a phased approach. The first phase will consist of most teams playing six matches against regional opponents through Sept. 14. The exception to this is FC Dallas and Nashville SC: They will play an additional three games to make up for those missed after they were withdrawn from the MLS is Back Tournament.
Due to travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada, Major League Soccer is working with the league’s three Canadian clubs regarding plans to continue the regular season. More details on schedules for the Canadian teams will be announced in the near future.
The regular season will culminate on Decision Day on Nov. 8, and the league aims to release the remainder of the schedule in early September.
Team travelTeams will take chartered flights, or buses, and for the majority of road trips they will arrive in the host market on matchday and depart after the match later in the day.
SupportersAt this time, the majority of the matches will be played without fans in attendance. MLS and club leadership are working with local health authorities and government officials on a plan for limited capacity at certain games where allowed.
Boxy with a shocker of an oggie.
#MNUFC defender Michael Boxall with a coded — yet forthright — quote to FSN after his own goal was a key piece in 2-1 loss to #SportingKC on Friday.
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) August 22, 2020
"It doesn’t help when I put us in the Sugar Honey Iced Tea with that tap in," Boxy said.
Put that into an acronym ... and voila
Video here:
Johnny Russell buscaba a @AlanPulido, pero Michael Boxall termina anotando un autogol en la intercepción.#MINvSKC pic.twitter.com/AYajdjbt3c
— MLS Español (@MLSes) August 22, 2020
When does Boxall's contract expire?
When does Boxall's contract expire?
From October last year. Boxall re-signed by Minnesota.
"But that point about where they came from is huge. This is a team that made enormous strides between its first two seasons and this one, and of course as mentioned last week they’ve moved quick to set up for 2020 success as well – re-signing 2019 MLS Defender of the Year Ike Opara and his old mate Michael Boxall both to multi-year contracts. No official word on the specifics there but fantastic to see one of these kiwi MLS dudes with their long-term future nice and settled, that doesn’t happen as often as it would be preferred. Also great to see Boxall being rewarded fullstop since all the dudes around him are raking it up while he just sorta slides under the radar. Keeper Vito Mannone was also named as Goalkeeper of the Year for the MLS."
Twin Cities Pioneer Press: “The Loons agreed to guaranteed multi-year contracts with center back duo Ike Opara and Michael Boxall earlier this summer, a source confirmed Monday. The pair helped solidify a defense that allowed 43 goals this season, fifth-best in MLS. Opara was named MLS defender of the year last week, and Boxall has become United’s all-time minutes leader at 6,627 since he joined the club in summer 2017. Each player will be 31 years when the 2020 season starts next spring.”
After doing so well to make semis at the Orlando tourney, wheels have fallen off a little for Minnesota.
2nd consecutive loss, this time 3-1 at Dallas.
MU were 2 goals down after 12 mins. Coach obviously not happy, he made 4 changes at HT!
5th change at 81 mins, was Musa getting a run. At that stage was 2-1, but unfortunately late at 95 mins, it's the Moose with a clumsy challenge in the box, and Dallas score their 3rd goal from the spot to kill it off.
Full game and a yellow for Boxall snr.
Minnesota (3rd Western Conference) arrest their slump with a 4-0 win over Real Salt Lake.
Full game Boxall. Musa an unused sub.
Boxall snr with a goal line clearance with MU up 2-0.