Minnesota United adds New Zealand international Michael Boxall

Minnesota United has dipped into the transfer market and shored up its right-back ranks, announcing Wednesday the signing of New Zealand international defender Michael Boxall.

The 28-year-old previously played for the Vancouver Whitecaps in their expansion 2011 season after being drafted first overall in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft. In the years since, Boxall has featured for Wellington Phoenix and SuperSport United. He joins Minnesota in its expansion year, too.

"We are really pleased to have added a player of his quality," Loons head coach Adrian Heath said in a club-issued statement. "He is a versatile player, can play right back, can play center back. He's got experience on the international stage with New Zealand and he's gotten better as (his) career has progressed.

"We think he is a player who (is) going to push everybody for a starting role on this team moving forward, we know he is chomping at the bit to get going."

Boxall has made 25 appearances for New Zealand, and most recently featured in the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.

"Excited to be here, I had heard a lot of positive things about the coaching staff here and that got me excited to join the club," Boxalsaid. "Being involved in something from the very start and the opportunity to build something special here meant a lot. I'm very excited to get to know my teammates, the coaching staff and all the fans here in Minnesota."