World News – USA – Michael Boxall returns after a rare hiatus for Minnesota United playoff game

In a curtailed and demanding season like no other, a collision with a goal post and a subsequent 11 stab leg injury required veteran Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall off the field.

Boxall played all 1 by the time he got into that post against Colorado late last month. 710 minutes in a season that for every other teammate had to contend with injuries, COVID-19 absences or national team recalls.

He was injured in an unsuccessful surcharge in the 70. Minute after a 2-1 win over Colorado, won on a very late own goal in October, a draw to save. 28. The team’s sports coach simply wrapped his knee and continued playing until the end of the game.

« I wouldn’t recommend it, » Boxall said of the human-metal collision. « I don’t think too many will win this match. ”

He missed the last two games in a regular season, in which he sometimes played with a severed shoulder, but declares himself fit and ready for the home game of the first round on Sunday against the same team from Colorado.

Loons coach Adrian Heath describes Boxall as low-maintenance, underrated, as one of the sportiest players and best leaders of his club, and as a player who “embodies all the good things in professional football. ”

Boxall is doing it all at 6-2, 32 years old on a defensive line anchored since the end of two-time MLS Defender of the Year Ike Opara in June.

He did this with a revived body and a discovered life. He credits an off-season exercise regimen he diligently does and his wife Libby’s collagen supplements for a teenage jump. He attributes a new balance in his life to his growing family – with three-year-old daughter Maxwell and two-month-old son Beau.

« I don’t feel 32, especially the way I can recover quickly and feel better than my mid-20s, » he said. “I remember being 28 or 29 years old and I couldn’t walk because I was so sore after the games. I think my body feels younger now. My attitude over the past few years has been: You have such a short time in the game while you’re at it, use whatever you can.

« When I know I’ve done this, I’m now in a place where I’m in good headspace right now, where I can just keep performing. « . ”

When his body feels younger, his mind has matured with a new point of view as a husband and father are seen through the eyes of their young children.

« It helps to get home to the family where they can distract you from the game and really keep you on the ground, » Boxall said. “Some people have hobbies, families and business on the side. Having something is important. Otherwise, your whole world is pretty much soccer, soccer, soccer, and whether you have a good day or a bad day always depends on the outcome of a game that is so far out of your control. ”

He returned to MLS in 2017, signing with the Loons midway through his inaugural season – and six years after the New Zealander played a season in Vancouver. He’s been a loon longer than anyone but Kevin Molino and Brent Kallman, who season after season Boxall calls Boxall « machine » and « massive » for his durability and improvement.

When Boxall lost his fight with the goal post, Kallman couldn’t believe his eyes. « I thought, » What? « Said Kallman. « That can’t happen. “

Seasoned midfielder Ethan Finlay praises the « continuity » that Boxall offers in his position among newcomers Bakaye Dibassy and Jose Aja and Kallman. He also notes how Boxall stays in his prime when it comes to center-backs.

« You look around the world and there are a lot of center-backs in their mid-30s, » said Finlay, referring to Arsenal’s David Luis. « It is a position that is so much experience and understanding. Sometimes your intelligence can make up for what you lack, even if you lose a step or two.

Minnesota United FC, Michael Boxall, Playoffs, Loons, Colorado Rapids, Brent Kallman, MLS, Adrian Heath and Kei Kamara