Michael Boxall (Minnesota United | USA)

Injury return. Unused sub as Minnesota (5th in the West) lose 0-1 to LA Galaxy (1st in the West).

Looking ahead if AWs do secure some friendlies later this year, we don't want Portland, Chicago or MU to make MLS playoffs. That's to avoid any club verus country problems. MLS looks like will be playing right through FIFA windows, and regular season finishes just before Nov window starts (Nov 11th).

33 years old today (in NZ anyway) and on the bench as Minnesota travel to San Jose Earthquakes.

He's only 46 days younger than Reid, plus actually older than Tommy Smith by about 18 months. Both of which I found surprising, as thought Boxall was a few years younger than both Reid & Smith for some reason. I guess them being at the 2010 WC, and him not. His body may also me in 'younger' condition, never having had season grinds of 35 plus games in the UK.

Unused sub as MU (5th in the West) draw 1-1 at San Jose (9th).

Earthquakes down to 10 men from 22nd min, when they were up 1-0. So I guess from that position MU were only ever going to sub on attackers not a CB.

https://www.mnufc.com/video/highlights-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-minnesota-united-fc-august-17-2021#highlights-san-jose-earthquakes-vs-minnesota-united-fc-august-17-2021

Finally gets to play after his injury. Full game as MU (5th in the West) draw 0-0 with SKC (2nd). Kansas down to 10 men from 21st min.

Boxall's (who had a late chance to win it) first game since 4th July. So Coach Heath not leading NZF on a merry dance after all.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-sporting-kansas-city-august-21-2021#highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-sporting-kansas-city-august-21-2021

In starting lineup as MU trail Houston 1-0 early in Texas.

MU come back from conceding in the first minute to win 2-1 at Houston (13th in the West). Full game Boxall snr.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-houston-dynamo-fc-vs-minnesota-united-fc-august-28-2021#highlights-houston-dynamo-fc-vs-minnesota-united-fc-august-28-2021

Minnesota looking good for the MLS playoffs in 5th spot Western Conference, 7 points ahead of Portland in 8th. Top 7 make post season. 10 games to go in the regular season for MU.

Will be age 35 at the end of this new 2 year deal (starts 2022). So one of the few AWs of his generation, who likely never got a gig in Europe. I guess will become fairly new club Minnesota's, Dura equivalent.

https://www.mnufc.com/news/michael-boxall-signs-new-contract

Full game in a 1-0 loss at Seattle (top in the West). MU 6th in the West.

Socceroo Brad Smith gets himself from Hanoi to Washington State over a few days, to play 30 mins off the bench for Seattle.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-minnesota-united-fc-september-11-2021#highlights-seattle-sounders-fc-vs-minnesota-united-fc-september-11-2021

This week's Flying Kiwis.

"Chuck another two years on this contract too. Michael Boxall extending with Minnesota United and very much feeling the love. Boxy’s emerged as probably the team’s most reliable defender and you could see how much he meant to the team by the sneaky way the coach tried to keep him out of the Olympic squad (though ultimately he didn’t recover from injury until after the tournament so it didn’t matter in the larger scheme of things).

Since signing with the then-expansion team in 2017, nobody has played more games for the Loons than Michael Boxall. He marked his 100th app earlier in the year. By the time he completes this new contract he may even be within range of Simon Elliott’s NZ record of 247 MLS appearances (220 in the regular season). And shout out to his daughter for allowing it to happen...

Michael Boxall: “Very happy to commit the next couple of years here — I’ve really enjoyed my time here. 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.”

MNUFC Head Coach Adrian Heath: “Fully deserved, really pleased for Michael. 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.”

Starting as Minnesota (6th in the West) visit Sporting Kansas (2nd).

Bad day at the office for Boxy and his team mates.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-sporting-kansas-city-vs-minnesota-united-fc-september-15-2021#highlights-sporting-kansas-city-vs-minnesota-united-fc-september-15-2021

Minnesota (6th in the West) get touched up 4-0 at Sporting Kansas (go top in the West with the win). Full game Boxall snr.

Full game in a 3-0 win over LA Galaxy (4th in the West).
Minnesota still 8th in the West, one spot out of the playoffs.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-la-galaxy-september-18-2021#highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-la-galaxy-september-18-2021

Hard to see MU agreeing to let Boxall travel 20 hours by plane to Bahrain, for a couple of October friendlies when their season is on the line over the next 3-4 weeks. He would miss at least one, maybe two games if away with AWs.

He's a better chance for some AWs games in the Nov FIFA window (when MLS will be in a 2 week hiatus before playoffs).

In the heart of defence as Minnesota lead Houston (2nd last in the West) 2-0 

Full game Boxall as MU (6th in the West) beat Houston (12th) 2-0.
So Minnesota currently in MLS playoff spots.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-houston-dynamo-fc-september-25-2021#highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-houston-dynamo-fc-september-25-2021

But it's tight in the West playoff race. Hard to see Boxall being available for AWs in October. Would miss 1 maybe 2 MLS games at a crunch time of the season.

Better chance for any Nov AWs games, when MLS will be on a break - pre playoffs starting.

Don't clubs have to release players during international windows?

BrockieTheGOAT

Don't clubs have to release players during international windows?

Indeed they do. Michael Boxall will miss one match for Minnesota United, at 10am on Monday, October 11 NZ time, v Colorado Rapids. Bill Tuiloma and anyone else called up will miss none.

Boxall for sure would miss MU's MLS game 11th Oct. 

But it also looks to be over 20 hrs travelling time from both Portland and Minny to Bahrain. AWs play 2nd game (Bahrain 13th Oct). Both Timbers & MU play 17th Oct. Boxall & Tuiloma would probably be back at their clubs about 15th Oct, after a full day travelling on 3-4 flights & 4-5 airports. Their clubs won't be keen on that at all.

For sure their MLS coaches will try pressure them to forgo a couple of international friendlies, at such an important time of their MLS seasons. 

Would Talay have been happy if say Hemed was called up by Israel just prior to Nix facing their last 5-6 crunch games season?! Israel for example to play Faroe Islands and Lithuania in a couple of friendlies, with a 40 hour round travel trip for Hemed.

Similar scenario to be fair, and don’t forget Boxall snr has just signed a new 2 deal with MU, where he earns his bread. Behind the scenes, it will be far from straightforward getting him and Tuiloma to Manama. Esp when just a month later in November, during that FIFA window, MLS will actually be on a 2 week break (8th to 21st Nov), pre playoffs starting 21st Nov. 

So MU & Portland could just say, why not miss the Oct window, when playing at least 1 game in the Nov window (8th to 16th Nov) for the AWs should be fine. Tuiloma & Boxall may even be able to skip their final regular season MLS games 8th Nov (so joining AWs for full Nov window) if their club teams are already guaranteed their MLS playoff spots.

Boxy's little daughter seems to have her own cult status, post MU home games.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1442257423272665093

Starting as MU (6th in the West) travel to DC United (6th in the East).

Minnesota change of formation with a back 3/5. Playing for the draw, as they scrap for a playoff spot?

Full game in a 3-1 loss at DC United (3rd in the East). From highlights Minnesota were unlucky.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-d-c-united-vs-minnesota-united-fc-september-29-2021#highlights-d-c-united-vs-minnesota-united-fc-september-29-2021

Boxall and his MU team mates will likely be cheering on Tuiloma & Portland (6th) now, who travel to play LAFC. With a win LAFC (8th) will close to within a point of MU (6th). Top 7 teams make playoffs.

Both of Vancouver (9th) & San Jose (10th) would also close within a point of MU, with wins later today.

Big day of MLS games today.

Looks like my fears all wrong, and Minnesota won't try stop Boxall snr heading to Bahrain. Good stuff. He's going to be a very important part of the AWs in 2022.

https://www.mnufc.com/news/four-loons-called-into-international-duty 

Wonder if Hay has agreed that Boxy, will not play the 2nd Bahrain game (13th Oct), and even be released early so is well rested for MU's likely crunch MLS game on the 17th. 

Starting as MU travel to Dallas.

Full game in a 0-0 draw at Dallas (11th the West).
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-fc-dallas-vs-minnesota-united-fc-october-02-2021#highlights-fc-dallas-vs-minnesota-united-fc-october-02-2021

Minnesota (7th) reverted to a back 4, after tinkering with a back 5, last game out.

MU in the last playoff spot, 4 points ahead of Vancouver (8th), who are playing now, ie have a game in hand.

At 73rd min Minnesota go from being up 1-0 against 10 man Colorado Rapids (send off 57th min), to losing 1-3 at home. Coach Heath probably have a little vent about his key defender Boxall being away, with their season at the crucial stage.

MU 7th in the West, in the last playoff spot. But Vancouver in 8th only a point behind. Rapids 3rd.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-colorado-rapids-october-10-2021#highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-colorado-rapids-october-10-2021

Hopefully this loss doesn't cost MU a spot in the playoffs, so Heath doesn't make things difficult re Boxall's future AWs availability.

coochiee

At 73rd min Minnesota go from being up 1-0 against 10 man Colorado Rapids (send off 57th min), to losing 1-3 at home. Coach Heath probably have a little vent about his key defender Boxall being away, with their season at the crucial stage.

MU 7th in the West, in the last playoff spot. But Vancouver in 8th only a point behind. Rapids 3rd.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-colorado-rapids-october-10-2021#highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-colorado-rapids-october-10-2021

Hopefully this loss doesn't cost MU a spot in the playoffs, so Heath doesn't make things difficult re Boxall's future AWs availability.

I don’t think their coach could have any real complaints that a national team player is called up during an international break, Olympics were different being an unofficial youth tournament. If he did, then they should be directed at MLS and not NZF. Minnesota also have 4 other players away at the moment (2 with Finland, 1 with Canada and 1 with Madagascar).

carlind

coochiee

At 73rd min Minnesota go from being up 1-0 against 10 man Colorado Rapids (send off 57th min), to losing 1-3 at home. Coach Heath probably have a little vent about his key defender Boxall being away, with their season at the crucial stage.

MU 7th in the West, in the last playoff spot. But Vancouver in 8th only a point behind. Rapids 3rd.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-colorado-rapids-october-10-2021#highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-colorado-rapids-october-10-2021

Hopefully this loss doesn't cost MU a spot in the playoffs, so Heath doesn't make things difficult re Boxall's future AWs availability.

I don’t think their coach could have any real complaints that a national team player is called up during an international break, Olympics were different being an unofficial youth tournament. If he did, then they should be directed at MLS and not NZF. Minnesota also have 4 other players away at the moment (2 with Finland, 1 with Canada and 1 with Madagascar).

Definitely AWs are within their rights to call up Boxall. 

But lets say it's the last 5 games of Nix's 2020/2021 season, with the whole playoff quest on the line. Remember how for those last 4-5 games, there was endless angst & permutations of would the Nix make it or not.

So would Talay have been happy if Hemed was called up by Israel for a pair of friendlies, that meant he missed at least one crucial A League late season game. That those friendlies also included a round travel trip of 40-50 hours, that meant he may have returned a bit fatigued for another crucial game 2 days later.

Club coaches like Heath are measured on their team making the playoffs, so he will be having an inhouse vent about Boxall & the other guys missing.

Also any coach complaining about any AWs players going away on NT duty should really consider themselves lucky as NZ has played an abysmal number of games over the last 3 or so years 

newzealandpower

Also any coach complaining about any AWs players going away on NT duty should really consider themselves lucky as NZ has played an abysmal number of games over the last 3 or so years 

This is true. In whole 3-4 odd years Boxall has been at MU, he's had 2 AW call ups.

But as a club coach you would naturally have some big frustration missing important players for last few crunch games, with your season on the line.

Less an issue you would hope getting Boxall released for March (OFC tourney), and June next year (buildup to Intercontinental Playoffs).

Hopefully Tuiloma's injury sustained against Curacao, doesn't cause him to miss any Timbers games.

coochiee

newzealandpower

Also any coach complaining about any AWs players going away on NT duty should really consider themselves lucky as NZ has played an abysmal number of games over the last 3 or so years 

This is true. In whole 3-4 odd years Boxall has been at MU, he's had 2 AW call ups.

But as a club coach you would naturally have some big frustration missing important players for last few crunch games, with your season on the line.

Less an issue you would hope getting Boxall released for March (OFC tourney), and June next year (buildup to Intercontinental Playoffs).

Hopefully Tuiloma's injury sustained against Curacao, doesn't cause him to miss any Timbers games.

Tuiloma should only be out for a couple of weeks max judging by his injury (adductor strain, though NZ media called it a tear), so hopefully won't miss too much

mrsmiis

coochiee

newzealandpower

Also any coach complaining about any AWs players going away on NT duty should really consider themselves lucky as NZ has played an abysmal number of games over the last 3 or so years 

This is true. In whole 3-4 odd years Boxall has been at MU, he's had 2 AW call ups.

But as a club coach you would naturally have some big frustration missing important players for last few crunch games, with your season on the line.

Less an issue you would hope getting Boxall released for March (OFC tourney), and June next year (buildup to Intercontinental Playoffs).

Hopefully Tuiloma's injury sustained against Curacao, doesn't cause him to miss any Timbers games.

Tuiloma should only be out for a couple of weeks max judging by his injury (adductor strain, though NZ media called it a tear), so hopefully won't miss too much

The All Whites coach* called it that, but I take the point that grade 1 = a strain, not a tear.

Boxall snr back into the starting lineup as MU (7th in the West - last playoff spot) travel to Austin (13th & last). 

Big game for Minnesota (38 pts) with LAFC & Vancouver (both 37 pts) breathing down their neck.

Full game & clean sheet in an important 1-0 win at Austin (13th & last in the West).

Minnesota 7th (38 pts) in the last playoff spot. They go 4 points clear of LAFC & Vancouver (both 37 pts), but Whitecaps with a game in hand play tomorrow.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-austin-fc-vs-minnesota-united-fc-october-16-2021#highlights-austin-fc-vs-minnesota-united-fc-october-16-2021

Starting vs Philly, Game is live on SS7 at 1pm.

RR

Starting vs Philly, Game is live on SS7 at 1pm.

Full game as MU despite being down to 10 men from 77 mins, beat Philadelphia Union (3rd in the East) 3-2.

Minnesota (up to 6th in the West) consolidate their spot in the MLS playoff spots (top 7 teams). Though Vancouver (7th) & RSL (8th) breathing down their necks. 4 regular season games left.

i havent seen boxall play many games in the MLS - how comfortable is he on the ball? Do MU try and play out? does he set the line for them for the offside trap?

I thought his passing was very ordinary vs bahrian - especially anything over 15 metres. i always thought of him as an athletic defender but just not sure about his ability in a team trying to keep the ball. 

hopefully the Aws get some good Nov games (as i know he wasnt 100% on the last tour)
 

Full game in a 1-1 draw with LAFC (41 pts, 9th in the West). Bit of a 6 pt game re MLS playoffs.

MU are 6th (45 pts), but RSL (8th) on 42 pts have a game in hand. Top 7 teams into playoffs.

Boxy misses the target with an open header. Starting to look cold in Minny.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-los-angeles-football-club-october-23-2021#highlights-minnesota-united-fc-vs-los-angeles-football-club-october-23-2021

Full game in a 1-2 loss to Vancouver (47 pts, 5th in the West). Another huge 6 pt game re MLS playoffs, with Whitecaps jumping into 5th spot and pushing MU (8th) out of the playoff spots.

Boxy with an oggie unfortunately.

MU are 8th (45 pts), with RSL (7th) edging them on GD but also having a game in hand. Top 7 teams into playoffs.

MU finish with SKC (1st) at home & LA Galaxy (6th & another 6 pointer) away. Tense finish to the season, and MU with 2 tough games will need some luck now to make playoffs.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-portland-timbers-vs-san-jose-earthquakes-october-27-2021-x3498#highlights-vancouver-whitecaps-fc-vs-minnesota-united-fc-october-27-2021

Full game in a vital 2-1 win over Sporting KC (1st in the West).

MU go 5th, but 4 teams below them all with a game in hand.

It will come down to the final round.

Starting as Minny (5th, 48 pts, -2 GD) travel to LA Galaxy (7th, 47 pts, -4 GD). Last match of regular season.

Huge game re qualifying for the playoffs. Top 7 teams make Western Conference playoffs.

Either team could be overtaken for a playoff spot by Real Salt Lake (8th, 45 pts, 0 GD) or LAFC (9th, 45pts, +5 GD).

That's presuming, if Minny lose, and either RSL or LAFC with wins today could bump them out on GD?? Or maybe it's head to head results that matter??

RSL are away to Sporting KC (2nd). 
LAFC are away to Colorado (3rd).

coochiee

Starting as Minny (5th, 48 pts, -2 GD) travel to LA Galaxy (7th, 47 pts, -4 GD). Last match of regular season.

Huge game re qualifying for the playoffs. Top 7 teams make Western Conference playoffs.

Either team could be overtaken for a playoff spot by Real Salt Lake (8th, 45 pts, 0 GD) or LAFC (9th, 45pts, +5 GD).

That's presuming, if Minny lose, and either RSL or LAFC with wins today could bump them out on GD?? Or maybe it's head to head results that matter??

RSL are away to Sporting KC (2nd). 
LAFC are away to Colorado (3rd).

a 3 all draw, so do they stay in play offs?