Michael Boxall
MIN
Center Back
Ball-Playing Center Back
Aug 18, 1988 (38)
Right
6'2"
209 lb
Returns from international duty
Boxall has returned to Minnesota training after international duty with New Zealand, putting him in line to face Houston on Saturday, according to the club.
Analysis: Boxall is back with Minnesota United and should be available for selection against Houston Dynamo on Saturday. The 38-year-old defender has made 16 starts across 18 MLS appearances this season, contributing 57 clearances and 19 interceptions to the defensive effort. His return restores a key senior figure to a back line that has relied heavily on his leadership and physical presence throughout the campaign.
Called up by New Zealand
Boxall has been called up for international duty with New Zealand but will not miss any club games, since the next fixture comes against Houston on Oct. 10 and he will be back available for that clash, according to the NZ national team.
Analysis: Boxall recently served a one match suspension before making the trip to Seattle, continuing to anchor central defense after another steady season that includes 57 clearances and 19 interceptions in 18 appearances, for only one clean sheet secured. His call up now gives him a chance to add to his international appearances without any disruption to his club schedule.
Making trip to Seattle
Boxall has served his one match suspension and will make the trip to Seattle on Saturday.
Analysis: Boxall should slide back into center back without issue, continuing to anchor his spot after another steady season. He'll still need more support around him, though as he hasn't kept a clean sheet in his last eight outings, even while stacking 25 clearances and 13 interceptions in that stretch.
Set for ban
Boxall registered three clearances and one interception in Saturday's 4-2 defeat against St. Louis City SC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 47th minute and is set for a one match suspension.
Analysis: Boxall will miss his first match since April as he serves a suspension for yellow‑card accumulation. He's been a steady presence in the back line, posting 34 clearances and six blocks through 10 games, and his absence should open the door for Jefferson Diaz to start against the Galaxy on Saturday.
One cross in 2-2 draw
Boxall recorded one cross (zero accurate) and eight clearances in Monday's 2-2 draw against Iran.
Analysis: Boxall made eight clearances, second-most by a New Zealand player in the match. To go with that, he also made a couple of interceptions. Boxall won a couple of aerial duels as well.
Set to anchor defense
Boxall has been named in New Zealand's World Cup squad and is expected to start at center-back under coach Darren Bazeley, bringing MLS experience to the heart of the All Whites' defensive unit.
Analysis: Boxall made seven MLS appearances for Minnesota this season, posting three tackles and three interceptions in limited action that reflects a reduced role at club level heading into the tournament. Despite the limited playing time, his physical presence, aerial dominance and experience at international level make him a reliable option in the heart of New Zealand's defense. For New Zealand, Boxall's ability to organize those around him and win aerial duels in both penalty areas will be crucial in a tournament where the All Whites will face some of the most technically gifted attacking units in the world. His leadership and defensive authority give New Zealand the backbone they need to remain competitive and organized throughout the group stage.
Made return
Boxall had one clearance in Saturday's 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew.
Analysis: Boxall makes his return to the pitch Saturday after missing the last two months with an injury. He is typically a starter at center back, however will need to regain fitness before returning to the starting XI, making two start prior to his injury for Minnesota.
Training with team
Boxall (groin) has returned to practice with the squad, according to pictures posted by the club Thursday.
Analysis: Boxall appears to be in the final stages of his recovery after being inactive since Feb. 28. The veteran defender will aim to be an option at some point in upcoming fixtures, joining the competition for center-back spots with current starters Morris Duggan, Jefferson Diaz and Nicolas Romero. Prior to the issue, Boxall tallied 14 clearances over 167 minutes of league pay in 2026.
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