Boxy in the centre of a 3 CBs
Bad day out for Boxall and friends.
Minny lose 2-4.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-minnesota-united-vs-san-diego-fc-june-14-2025
Minny lose 2-4.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-minnesota-united-vs-san-diego-fc-june-14-2025
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Minnesota (3rd in the West) host Houston (11th)
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/06/26/united-states/mls/minnesota/houston/4579498/
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/06/26/united-states/mls/minnesota/houston/4579498/
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Boxy is an MLS All-Star.
Thought we might get the Kiwi CB pairing of Boxall x Surman, but alas it was not meant to be.
All bangers. No skips. 🎶
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 25, 2025
Introducing your 2025 MLS All-Star team headed to Austin, TX. ✨ pic.twitter.com/J6yfcJwfhl
Thought we might get the Kiwi CB pairing of Boxall x Surman, but alas it was not meant to be.
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Endorsed by
Him and Nellie.
Boxy may deny it, but I bet he's secretly pretty chuffed to be selected. A chance to play alongside Messi?
There was a cocerted social media campaign to get the very popular Kiwi veteran picked. Regardless he's having a high quality season in the MLS.
Starting today verus Houston.
Boxy may deny it, but I bet he's secretly pretty chuffed to be selected. A chance to play alongside Messi?
There was a cocerted social media campaign to get the very popular Kiwi veteran picked. Regardless he's having a high quality season in the MLS.
Starting today verus Houston.
Pretty sure this mean Michael Boxall joins Ryan Nelsen (in 2003) as the only other NZer to feature in the MLS All Star game #FlyingKiwis
— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) June 25, 2025
(Finn Surman shoulda been there too though) https://t.co/1Iu2lqLSom
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Who was the first Kiwi to play against Messi? Tuiloma?
Sadly for Surman doesn't look like Portland play Inter Miami this MLS season.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360736581/all-whites-defender-michael-boxall-play-alongside-lionel-messi-mls-all-star-team
Six weeks after coming up against Lionel Messi — and beating him — All Whites defender Michael Boxall has been given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play alongside the global football icon.
Sadly for Surman doesn't look like Portland play Inter Miami this MLS season.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360736581/all-whites-defender-michael-boxall-play-alongside-lionel-messi-mls-all-star-team
Six weeks after coming up against Lionel Messi — and beating him — All Whites defender Michael Boxall has been given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play alongside the global football icon.
The Minnesota United captain has joined the Argentine FIFA World Cup winner, widely viewed as the greatest player of all time, in earning selection for Major League Soccer All-Star team ahead of their game against LIGA MX's best in Austin, Texas on July 24 (NZT).
It is the first time Boxall has been selected in the MLS All-Star team in his nine seasons with Minnesota.
The 36-year-old won his spot on the 26-player roster through fan voting after leading Minnesota to their current third-placing on the Western Conference standings.
Boxall was only the second New Zealander to share the pitch with Messi when Minnesota faced Inter Miami in May and he will be the first to play on the same team as the former Barcelona superstar in the All-Star game.
Boxall was only the second New Zealander to share the pitch with Messi when Minnesota faced Inter Miami in May and he will be the first to play on the same team as the former Barcelona superstar in the All-Star game.
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Full game in a 3-1 win over Houston.
Minny 3rd in the West, behind San Diego (2nd) on GD. Though both SD and Vancouver (1st) have games in hand. But Minnesota looking genuine contenders this season.
https://www.mnufc.com/news/loons-bag-three-goals-three-points-in-electric-second-half-vs-houston
Minny 3rd in the West, behind San Diego (2nd) on GD. Though both SD and Vancouver (1st) have games in hand. But Minnesota looking genuine contenders this season.
https://www.mnufc.com/news/loons-bag-three-goals-three-points-in-electric-second-half-vs-houston
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Who was the first Kiwi to play against Messi? Tuiloma?
Sadly for Surman doesn't look like Portland play Inter Miami this MLS season.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360736581/all-whites-defender-michael-boxall-play-alongside-lionel-messi-mls-all-star-team
Six weeks after coming up against Lionel Messi — and beating him — All Whites defender Michael Boxall has been given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play alongside the global football icon.
Sadly for Surman doesn't look like Portland play Inter Miami this MLS season.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360736581/all-whites-defender-michael-boxall-play-alongside-lionel-messi-mls-all-star-team
Six weeks after coming up against Lionel Messi — and beating him — All Whites defender Michael Boxall has been given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play alongside the global football icon.
The Minnesota United captain has joined the Argentine FIFA World Cup winner, widely viewed as the greatest player of all time, in earning selection for Major League Soccer All-Star team ahead of their game against LIGA MX's best in Austin, Texas on July 24 (NZT).
It is the first time Boxall has been selected in the MLS All-Star team in his nine seasons with Minnesota.
The 36-year-old won his spot on the 26-player roster through fan voting after leading Minnesota to their current third-placing on the Western Conference standings.
Boxall was only the second New Zealander to share the pitch with Messi when Minnesota faced Inter Miami in May and he will be the first to play on the same team as the former Barcelona superstar in the All-Star game.
Boxall was only the second New Zealander to share the pitch with Messi when Minnesota faced Inter Miami in May and he will be the first to play on the same team as the former Barcelona superstar in the All-Star game.
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Endorsed by
Him and Nellie.
Boxy may deny it, but I bet he's secretly pretty chuffed to be selected. A chance to play alongside Messi?
There was a cocerted social media campaign to get the very popular Kiwi veteran picked. Regardless he's having a high quality season in the MLS.
Starting today verus Houston.
Boxy may deny it, but I bet he's secretly pretty chuffed to be selected. A chance to play alongside Messi?
There was a cocerted social media campaign to get the very popular Kiwi veteran picked. Regardless he's having a high quality season in the MLS.
Starting today verus Houston.
Pretty sure this mean Michael Boxall joins Ryan Nelsen (in 2003) as the only other NZer to feature in the MLS All Star game #FlyingKiwis
— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) June 25, 2025
(Finn Surman shoulda been there too though) https://t.co/1Iu2lqLSom
Him and Nellie.
Boxy may deny it, but I bet he's secretly pretty chuffed to be selected. A chance to play alongside Messi?
There was a cocerted social media campaign to get the very popular Kiwi veteran picked. Regardless he's having a high quality season in the MLS.
Starting today verus Houston.
Boxy may deny it, but I bet he's secretly pretty chuffed to be selected. A chance to play alongside Messi?
There was a cocerted social media campaign to get the very popular Kiwi veteran picked. Regardless he's having a high quality season in the MLS.
Starting today verus Houston.
Pretty sure this mean Michael Boxall joins Ryan Nelsen (in 2003) as the only other NZer to feature in the MLS All Star game #FlyingKiwis
— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) June 25, 2025
(Finn Surman shoulda been there too though) https://t.co/1Iu2lqLSom
My understanding is there’s something of a backlash about this noveau riche Barcelona retirement home amongst MLS stalwarts and fans elsewhere. Boxy was a bit non—plussed when asked if he was excited about playing Miami and perhaps there’s a bit of that in voting him in to this team?
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Good day for Boxy capped off by the pre assist for Minny's first goal today. Another one of his long throws into the penalty box, FDV like.
The scorer Bongokuhle "Bongi" Hlongwane - like Boxall has played in Sth Africa's PSL. He was at Maritzburg United from 2019–2022. So would have crossed paths if briefly with Jeremy Brockie (2019-2020) and more with Dan Morgan (2019-2022) who who were both also at Maritzburg
Boxall had earlier in the game conceded a pen, that was rightly over turned by VAR as he won the cleanly in a tackle outside the box. The Houston player with the dive, and looks like he got a yellow card for simulation.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/goal-b-hlongwane-vs-hou-61#highlights-minnesota-united-vs-houston-dynamo-fc-june-25-2025
The scorer Bongokuhle "Bongi" Hlongwane - like Boxall has played in Sth Africa's PSL. He was at Maritzburg United from 2019–2022. So would have crossed paths if briefly with Jeremy Brockie (2019-2020) and more with Dan Morgan (2019-2022) who who were both also at Maritzburg
The Boxy long throw strikes again https://t.co/WHUbcfSeHF
— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) June 26, 2025
Boxall had earlier in the game conceded a pen, that was rightly over turned by VAR as he won the cleanly in a tackle outside the box. The Houston player with the dive, and looks like he got a yellow card for simulation.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/goal-b-hlongwane-vs-hou-61#highlights-minnesota-united-vs-houston-dynamo-fc-june-25-2025
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Sunday
Minny (3rd in the West) travel to the Big Apple to play FC New York (7th in the East)
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/06/28/united-states/mls/fc-new-york/minnesota/4579515/
Minny (3rd in the West) travel to the Big Apple to play FC New York (7th in the East)
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/06/28/united-states/mls/fc-new-york/minnesota/4579515/
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Yet again another lethal Boxall long throw.
From memory that is the 3rd MLS goal Minny have scored from a Boxy throw this season. One assist and two pre assists??
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/goal-a-markanich-vs-rbny-45#goal-a-markanich-vs-rbny-45
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-new-york-red-bulls-vs-minnesota-united-june-28-2025#highlights-new-york-red-bulls-vs-minnesota-united-june-28-2025
From memory that is the 3rd MLS goal Minny have scored from a Boxy throw this season. One assist and two pre assists??
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/goal-a-markanich-vs-rbny-45#goal-a-markanich-vs-rbny-45
Darren Bazeley take note https://t.co/N3PCnOiTus
— The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) June 29, 2025
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-new-york-red-bulls-vs-minnesota-united-june-28-2025#highlights-new-york-red-bulls-vs-minnesota-united-june-28-2025
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Minny (3rd in the West) travel to toasty hot Dallas (11th).
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/07/05/united-states/mls/dallas/minnesota/4579522/
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/07/05/united-states/mls/dallas/minnesota/4579522/
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Boxy starts.
Edit - full game, as Minny win 2-1.
They are 3rd in the West, only 2 pts behind new boys San Diego (1st), though SD with a game in hand.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-fc-dallas-vs-minnesota-united-july-04-2025
Edit - full game, as Minny win 2-1.
They are 3rd in the West, only 2 pts behind new boys San Diego (1st), though SD with a game in hand.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-fc-dallas-vs-minnesota-united-july-04-2025
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Minny host Chicago in the US Open Cup quarters.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/07/09/united-states/us-open-cup/minnesota/chicago/4656869/
Niche Cache
That’s three games in a row in which the Loons have scored from a Michael Boxall long throw being flicked on at the near post and finished at the far post. It’s happened from both sides of the pitch. It’s happened in other games outside of this recent burst. Minnesota United have scored 13 goals from set pieces this year which is the most in all of Major League Soccer and the most fruitful of those situations has been Boxy’s throw-ins.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/07/09/united-states/us-open-cup/minnesota/chicago/4656869/
Niche Cache
That’s three games in a row in which the Loons have scored from a Michael Boxall long throw being flicked on at the near post and finished at the far post. It’s happened from both sides of the pitch. It’s happened in other games outside of this recent burst. Minnesota United have scored 13 goals from set pieces this year which is the most in all of Major League Soccer and the most fruitful of those situations has been Boxy’s throw-ins.
everyone likes a Boxall Long Throw ™️ pic.twitter.com/Fynx8JNcFc
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 5, 2025
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Minny beat Chicago 3-1 in ET.
Boxall got a rest on the pine until introduced at 75 mins (1-1).
Minnesota into the US Open Cup semis. All 8 quarter finalists were MLS teams.
Boxall got a rest on the pine until introduced at 75 mins (1-1).
Minnesota into the US Open Cup semis. All 8 quarter finalists were MLS teams.
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Minnesota (3rd in the West) host San Jose Earthquakes (7th)
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/07/13/united-states/mls/minnesota/earthquakes/4579545/
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/07/13/united-states/mls/minnesota/earthquakes/4579545/
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Minny (2nd in the West) host LAFC (6th).
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/07/17/united-states/mls/minnesota-united/los-angeles/4579556/
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/07/17/united-states/mls/minnesota-united/los-angeles/4579556/
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Boxy starts.
Edit - Minny down 0-1 at HT.
Edit 2 - bugger finishes as a 0-1 loss. Minny slip to 3rd in the West. Full game Boxall
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-minnesota-united-vs-los-angeles-football-club-july-16-2025
Lost opportunity for Minny with Conference leaders San Diego upset at home 0-1 by lowly Toronto.
Edit - Minny down 0-1 at HT.
Edit 2 - bugger finishes as a 0-1 loss. Minny slip to 3rd in the West. Full game Boxall
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-minnesota-united-vs-los-angeles-football-club-july-16-2025
Lost opportunity for Minny with Conference leaders San Diego upset at home 0-1 by lowly Toronto.
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Boxy a bit meh about playing with the GOAT.
Game verus Mexico's Liga MX All Stars is tomorrow
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/07/24/world/mls-all-star/mls-all-stars/liga-mx-as/4580216/
Niche Cache
Meanwhile, Michael Boxall has (begrudgingly) linked up with the MLS All Stars ahead of that showcase game on Thursday. That’s probably why they tried to rest him for the Portland game. Those fellas are sneaking in a few days of training before they face the Liga MX All Stars... with the exception of Lionel Messi who apparently only has to turn up for the game itself. His Inter Miami teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are also missing in action and it’s not clear if they’ll be involved or not. For some dumb reason, they scheduled this thing in the midweek between two full rounds of MLS games so a few of the coaches are playing silly buggers about their players.
Game verus Mexico's Liga MX All Stars is tomorrow
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/07/24/world/mls-all-star/mls-all-stars/liga-mx-as/4580216/
Niche Cache
Meanwhile, Michael Boxall has (begrudgingly) linked up with the MLS All Stars ahead of that showcase game on Thursday. That’s probably why they tried to rest him for the Portland game. Those fellas are sneaking in a few days of training before they face the Liga MX All Stars... with the exception of Lionel Messi who apparently only has to turn up for the game itself. His Inter Miami teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are also missing in action and it’s not clear if they’ll be involved or not. For some dumb reason, they scheduled this thing in the midweek between two full rounds of MLS games so a few of the coaches are playing silly buggers about their players.
Got a pic of @boxy smiling with his MLS All-Star jersey and had to share. pic.twitter.com/i7KyIOM5fB
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 21, 2025
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Messi hasn't turned up but Boxy has.
Some solid picks, imo 🔥 https://t.co/ANf8oHMqkI
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 24, 2025
Steady. Unbothered. Boxy. pic.twitter.com/XZE0qxwBLM
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 24, 2025
"Hi. I'm Maxwell Boxall, and I'm going to interview my dad"@MLS All-Star Michael Boxall (@boxy) answers your fan-submitted questions, as asked by his daughter Maxwell. pic.twitter.com/cUNk5Xqimn
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 23, 2025
Some fans in Austin are not happy that Lionel Messi will not be at the MLS Allstar Game.
— Favian Renkel (@FavianRenkel) July 23, 2025
Even showing up to Q2 Stadium with their own shirts made. #MLS #Messi #MLSAllStar pic.twitter.com/pYgGfsvIj5
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MLS All Stars XI win 3-1. Looks like game ain't taken seriously at all. Can see why Lionel skipped the midweek trip to Austin, Texas.
MLS XI made 7 changes at 34 mins. 18 changes in all, guys coming in & out of the match.
Boxy started and off at HT.
MLS XI made 7 changes at 34 mins. 18 changes in all, guys coming in & out of the match.
Boxy started and off at HT.
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Good weekend for the 3 Kiwi MLS defenders. Minny the valuable 2-1 road win.
Full game Boxall.
Great goal line clearance from Boxy first half.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-st-louis-city-sc-vs-minnesota-united-july-26-2025#highlights-st-louis-city-sc-vs-minnesota-united-july-26-2025
Full game Boxall.
Great goal line clearance from Boxy first half.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/highlights-st-louis-city-sc-vs-minnesota-united-july-26-2025#highlights-st-louis-city-sc-vs-minnesota-united-july-26-2025
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This match all 3 goals were pens. Unfortunately Boxall gave away a soft one for St Louis to score first.
But at least he saw his team to go on to win, SL with a DOGSCO red card to make it 1-1. And then Minny getting a 2nd late on. Their pen taker Yeboah loves the stutter step walk in.
But at least he saw his team to go on to win, SL with a DOGSCO red card to make it 1-1. And then Minny getting a 2nd late on. Their pen taker Yeboah loves the stutter step walk in.
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Boxy the goal line clearance.
Both him and GK Dwayne St-Clair (DSC) were team mates in the All Star game as well.
Both him and GK Dwayne St-Clair (DSC) were team mates in the All Star game as well.
Michael Boxall saves a goal for DSC #MNUFC pic.twitter.com/2Nxojhc5pL
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) July 27, 2025
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Leagues Cup. Minnesota host Queretaro.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/07/31/nc-america/leagues-cup/minnesota/quer-taro/4612415/
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/07/31/nc-america/leagues-cup/minnesota/quer-taro/4612415/
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Leagues Cup. Minny play Club America in Houston.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/08/03/nc-america/leagues-cup/club-am-rica/minnesota/4612433/
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/08/03/nc-america/leagues-cup/club-am-rica/minnesota/4612433/
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Unfortunate oggie for Boxy, right in front of the Club America fans in Houston.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/#own-goal-m-boxall-vs-min-27
Minny up 3-2 at 70 mins.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/video/#own-goal-m-boxall-vs-min-27
Minny up 3-2 at 70 mins.
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Finished 3-3.
Went to a pen shootout that Club America won 8-7.
Both teams perfect from spot including Boxy who took his to make it 7-7.
But the next Minny pen taker Romero failed to convert.
Went to a pen shootout that Club America won 8-7.
Both teams perfect from spot including Boxy who took his to make it 7-7.
But the next Minny pen taker Romero failed to convert.
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Leagues Cup. Minnesota host San Luis
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/08/07/nc-america/leagues-cup/minnesota/san-luis-fc/4612451/
Minny with a win & a draw (pen shootout loss) are apparently a good chance to move to the next round - even if they lose this game. So they may rotate their squad, though a quick read says that Troy Putt (from the Minny II side) is unlikely to feature.
https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2025/08/07/nc-america/leagues-cup/minnesota/san-luis-fc/4612451/
Minny with a win & a draw (pen shootout loss) are apparently a good chance to move to the next round - even if they lose this game. So they may rotate their squad, though a quick read says that Troy Putt (from the Minny II side) is unlikely to feature.
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Boxall an unused sub in an upset 0-2 loss.
Now Minnesota (W D L) wait to see whether they progress to the next round of the Leagues Cup or not. Quietly they probably don't care, as they know they have their best chance ever in their short history to win the MLS Cup.
Currently 3rd in the West, with 1 & 2 pts of Vancouver (2nd) & San Diego (1st)
Now Minnesota (W D L) wait to see whether they progress to the next round of the Leagues Cup or not. Quietly they probably don't care, as they know they have their best chance ever in their short history to win the MLS Cup.
Currently 3rd in the West, with 1 & 2 pts of Vancouver (2nd) & San Diego (1st)
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