Photo by Miranda Christlock/UCSB Media Relations
BY ADAM SERRANO
The MLS combine is a high-pressure situation that is sometimes the most pressure-packed setting some players have ever faced.
Not so for UCSB defender Michael Boxall, who has played in his fair share of high-profile matches. In addition to being a three year starter and captain with the Gauchos, Boxall is an accomplished youth international for his native New Zealand.
The defender appeared in the three matches in the 2007 U-20 World Cup where he faced players like Mexico's Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela. Boxall followed that experience with two appearances in the 2008 Beijing Olympics where he lined up alongside New Zealand Captain Ryan Nelsen as the Kiwis faced the likes of Alexandre Pato, Ronaldinho and Brazil. With such experience under his belt before the start of his professional career, Boxall is optimistic this knowledge working in his advantage.
"I've been fortunate to play against some of the top players in the world in my international experience, but also to play with the veterans like Nelsen," said Boxall. "When you play at that level, it helps you develop as a footballer as you're able to pick up on aspects of the game in that you may never have been aware of before."
In his own preparation for the combine, Boxall returned to his native New Zealand to train before heading back to UCSB to workout with MLS Gaucho alums. UCSB Head Coach Tim Vom Steeg admits that the skills obtained in Boxall's international career has left him ready to face the challenges of the combine and MLS.
"His experience makes him type of player that can step onto the field right away in his first year and I don't know how many other guys that you could say that about," said Vom Steeg. "When you've covered Ronaldinho in the Olympics, you'll be more confident in your abilities. He is in the Ryan Nelsen build as a big strong defender that makes smart decisions, he's obviously got a ways to go to reach that mold, but the upside is there."
Boxall has been described as a burly and physical defender that has drawn comparisons to Nelsen from teammates and coaches alike. At 6-foot-2, Boxall's large frame makes it difficult for speedy and technical players to match up against him. Talented on set pieces and in the air, he also creates match-up problems on offense for opposing teams.
Despite his skills and experience, Boxall is ranked by many as the fourth or fifth central defender available in the draft.The Gaucho defender will have a rare opportunity to prove his skills at the combine as he has been placed in team AdiPro alongside another vaunted central defense prospect Cal's A.J. Soares.
"Its interesting because the combine is not necessarily the best place to rate a center back because so much of that position is based on a variety of other factors, said Vom Steeg. "So I'm not sure if the combine will make or break anything in terms of his status and I'm sure that he'll preform fine.
With an extensive tenure as a youth International, Boxall admits that a return to Oceania is not out of the question should he come up empty in his search for MLS success. The A-League may be home to a majority of the current Kiwi squad, Boxall seeks to play at the highest level that he can and that means MLS. Although he may never reach the heights of Nelsen, Boxall is optimistic that success is on the horizon wherever his pro career may take him.
"MLS is a higher level than the A-league and I want to play at the highest level possible so I need to make the most of this opportunity," said Boxall. "I'm just very excited and if I get picked up then I make the most of an opportunity to show people what I can do."
