New Zealand international Boxall joined MNUFC on July 12, 2017 after representing his country at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. The veteran defender adds experience and leadership to the backline and has been a key piece of the Minnesota defense since the club’s inaugural season.
In his six seasons with the team, Boxall has over 150 game appearances across all competitions, the most of any Loon since they joined MLS. Boxall has scored all four of his MLS goals with MNUFC, with his most recent tally coming in the final home game of the 2019 season to tie Supporters’ Shield winners LAFC. On September 19, 2020, Boxall surpassed Miguel Ibarra on the club all-time appearance list, finishing the season with 95 career Minnesota appearances. He first played in MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps after being selected first overall in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft ahead of the club’s inaugural MLS season.
Boxall’s experience outside of MLS includes seasons played with Wellington Phoenix in the Australian A-League, Central United FC (where he won the 2007 Northern Premier League title), Auckland FC (where he won the New Zealand Football Championship), and SuperSport United of the South African Premier Division (where he led the team to back-to-back Nedbank Cup titles).
Michael and his wife Libby split their offseason between Minnesota and their home in New Zealand. They have two children, a daughter named Maxwell Milou and a son named Beau Beckham. Like her father, Maxwell is a veteran amongst the Loon children. She was one of the originators of the post-game tradition at Allianz Field where players’ children join them on the field to thank fans and score goals in front of the Wonderwall. Since joining Minnesota United, Boxall has worked with and volunteered at the local non-profit organization ACES (Athletes Committed to Educating Students), selecting them as his Man of the Match organization for the past six seasons and being an e-mentor to several students throughout the years. Additionally, Boxall has his own business and is the founder of Mesa, a wellness company that sells high quality CBD products for overall health and wellness.
INTERNATIONAL: Boxall has over 40 appearances for the New Zealand National Team since making his debut in 2011. He has featured in World Cup Qualifying and the 2017 Confederations Cup. He got his first international assist on October 11, 2016 against the United States, tying the game at 1-1 late in the second half.
