Get the nod for Defender of the Year from league analyst/columnist:
Defender of the Year
I’m leaning towards Michael Boxall, not only because Minnesota’s been very good defensively – by both the advanced and boxscore numbers, they have one of the best defenses in the league – but because Boxall’s long throws have been intrinsic to the Loons’ overall identity. Stylistically, it’s 180 degrees from what the Crew were last year. But in terms of impact within the system, you could argue Boxall is actually more valuable than what Steven Moreira provided Columbus, and I gladly voted for Moreira last season.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/decision-day-countdown-mvp-supporters-shield-golden-boot-storylines-messi-2025-mls
Defender of the Year
I’m leaning towards Michael Boxall, not only because Minnesota’s been very good defensively – by both the advanced and boxscore numbers, they have one of the best defenses in the league – but because Boxall’s long throws have been intrinsic to the Loons’ overall identity. Stylistically, it’s 180 degrees from what the Crew were last year. But in terms of impact within the system, you could argue Boxall is actually more valuable than what Steven Moreira provided Columbus, and I gladly voted for Moreira last season.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/decision-day-countdown-mvp-supporters-shield-golden-boot-storylines-messi-2025-mls