Boxall, who played for New Zealand at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada a year earlier, was selected by expansion club Vancouver Whitecaps after a solid university career with UC Santa Barbara.
Keat was also a member of the Junior All Whites’ campaign in Canada but injury ruled him out of New Zealand’s Olympic debut. A former All Ivy League and 3rd team All American selection, Keat was picked up by David’s Beckham’s LA Galaxy as the third pick.
The supplemental draft follows last week’s super draft and neither guarantees a contract. Boxall and Keat will have to impress their new clubs during pre-season.
Boxall was disappointed to not be picked up in the earlier super draft but is excited about the prospect of earning a contract with Vancouver.
“It’s great to have the opportunity now to step up to the next level,” Boxall says.
“Everything is going to be a huge learning process over the next few weeks. As of right now, nothing is guaranteed but I’m looking forward to earning my spot on the team.
“Because Vancouver is an expansion team, my chances of landing a contract may be better than at a club where they have an established squad of players.”
The former Auckland City defender was also excited for his friend and age-group team mate Keat and hoped that a successful stint stateside would help his dream of making his debut on the All Whites’ road to Brazil 2014.
“I definitely think a move to the MLS would help put me back on the national team radar,” Boxall says.
“I loved being in the New Zealand set up with the U-20s and Olympic team, so I’d love to graduate to the All Whites with the likes of Dan and guys I’ve played with in the past.”
Story courtesy of NZ Football.
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