All Whites defender Michael Boxall is leading the way for Kiwi male players in the return of Major League Soccer (MLS) action in the United States. 

As was the case with most competitions in other parts of the world, the top flight of the American system was placed on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has now returned in the form of the MLS is Back Tournament.

All games are being held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida’s Walt Disney World with a final set to take place on 11 August.

Boxall wore the captain’s armband for Minnesota United in the club’s first match in around four months against Sporting Kansas City, in which an All Whites reunion was on the cards.

Aside from Boxall, also on the books of Minnesota are fellow All Whites James Musa and Noah Billingsley while Winston Reid is currently on loan to Sporting from English Premier League outfit West Ham United.

Reid did not get to come up against Boxall on the pitch though as the 32-year-old was named on the bench and was not brought on to make his debut.

In contrast, Boxall played the full 90 minutes for Minnesota and was his usual commanding self in the middle of defence as the Loons secured a dramatic 2-1 win.

Sporting dominated the first half and claimed a well-deserved 1-0 lead at the break but the game changed when goalkeeper Tim Melia was sent off with 15 minutes remaining. 

Boxall and co eventually made full use of their numerical advantage, scoring twice in stoppage time to steal all three points. 

Amid all the late drama, there was also time for Musa to make his Minnesota debut as he entered the fray as a late substitute. Ironically, his only other MLS appearance was in Sporting Kansas City colours three years ago.

The other All Whites to come off the bench were Bill Tuiloma and Elliot Collier, the former being introduced for the last 15 minutes as the Portland Timbers earned a 2-1 win over LA Galaxy.

Collier was also able to celebrate a victory but played for only the final few minutes as Chicago Fire edged out defending champions the Seattle Sounders 2-1. 

Deklan Wynne was meanwhile an unused substitute as the Colorado Rapids fell to a 2-0 loss against Real Salt Lake.

Article added: Wednesday 15 July 2020