Michael Boxall is always in front of the goal, but it’s usually at his back. MNUFC’s captain and veteran defender took his talents to the other side of the pitch this weekend, scoring the opening goal in Minnesota United’s 1-1 draw with Austin FC at Allianz Field.

Though not known for his goalscoring, Boxall presents a constant threat going forward, with his long throw-ins becoming a fixture of his side’s attacking strategy this season. Just this year, the Kiwi defender has added a pair of assists in league play and helped to create countless more dangerous opportunities. This weekend’s goal was his second of the year, with the first coming on international duty when he helped his native New Zealand secure their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Boxall has been a leading presence in MNUFC’s impressive defensive run this season, helping to keep seven clean sheets and giving the Loons the second-best goals-against record in the entire league. As the Black and Blue continue what has been the busiest period of the season, the leadership, experience, and two-way contributions of Boxy are more important than ever if they want to keep challenging for a trophy in 2025. Keep up the good work, captain!

F: Patrick Agyemang (CLT), Brian White (VAN), Sam Surridge (NSH)

M: Chucky Lozano (SD), Pep Biel (CLT), Mark Delgado (LAFC), Lionel Messi (MIA)

D: Žan Kolmanič (ATX), Derrick Williams (ATL), Griffin Dorsey (HOU)

GK: Carlos Coronel (RBNY)

Coach: Ronny Deila (ATL)

Bench: Brad Guzan (ATL), Michael Boxall (MIN), Eduard Atuesta (ORL), Albert Rusnák (SEA), Diego Luna (RSL), Wilfried Zaha (CLT), Hannes Wolf (NYC), Preston Judd (SJ), Tai Baribo (PHI)