News New Zealand Defender Michael Boxall “Very Likely” to Sign for Minnesota United by Wes Burdine on 11 July 2017

Minnesota United have turned their attention to former Vancouver Whitecaps defender, Michael Boxall. Recently released from the South African club SuperSport United, Boxall is looking to make a return to MLS with the Loons.

Update: Minnesota United made this signing official.

FiftyFive.One confirmed with a source that Boxall is “very likely” to sign for the Loons.

After Minnesota United started a recent match with only one fit centerback, the club is looking to shore up its back line. The 28-year-old is a right back by trade, but has featured as a centerback in his career.

SuperSport released Boxall last week after they failed to come to a new contract agreement with him. He would be available to the Loons on a free transfer. Joe Crann first reported the interest from Minnesota United.

Boxall came to the United States to play at the University of California, Santa Barbara. From there, he was drafted by the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Supplemental Draft, where Minnesota United’s goalkeeping coach Marius R�vde would have watched him closely. He only made 19 MLS appearances before moving back to New Zealand to play for Wellington Phoenix. He moved to South Africa’s SuperSport in 2015.

The defender is a regular in the New Zealand All-Whites squad and started all of their Confederations Cup matches as a right center back in a back three.

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Tags: Michael Boxall, Minnesota United FC, MLS, New Zealand, SuperSport, Transfers