Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath always has supported his players' national-team duties because he knows what it meant to him — and what it means to them — to play for one's country.
But defender Michael Boxall's absence, for much of July when he plays for his New Zealand, is a tough one.
Boxall is the Loons' physical and emotional leader on their back line and Heath could have denied New Zealand when it asked to add the 32-year-old veteran to its U-23 team bound for Tokyo next month.
While all the details haven't been determined, Boxall could miss as few as two games and as many as seven for a Loons team that plays six games in July. The length of his absence will depend on whether New Zealand advances from Group B play and what length quarantine, if any, he must do on his return.
"Obviously, it's a big decision for us because he's such an integral part of what we do," Heath said. "We've still got a bit of stuff to sort out because the least amount of games he misses, the better. In one way, I'm pleased for him. In another, I'm disappointed for us because he's the cornerstone of our back four here."
Boxall said he talked with New Zealand's coach about the possibility a year ago. Discussions with Minnesota United have simmered the last six weeks.
Loons players Robin Lod, Jan Gregus and Jukka Raitala just missed three June games so they could play for the Finland and Slovakia national teams at the UEFA European championship. All three are expected back for a July 3 home game against San Jose after both countries were eliminated after group play.
The Loons allowed those three to play in Europe because it's a FIFA tournament and the sport's governing body obligates them to do so. The Olympics are not FIFA-run. Boxall is eager to play one more Olympics in a career that might never include a World Cup appearance.
In May he became the first Loon to play 100 games for the franchise. He has started every game he has played since he signed early in Minnesota United's inaugural 2017 season.
Loons star midfielder Emanuel Reynoso calls Boxall "a very important player for us. He's a leader."
"I don't need to tell anyone that I don't like to miss games at all, but we've got a full squad for a reason," Boxall said. "These are the types of tournament that when you look back at your career, you can't believe you were there. Anytime you can play these big international tournaments, it's a massive honor. Growing up, ever since I was 5 or 6 years old, whenever the Olympics are on, everything stops. Anytime you get to be a part of it, it has always been something special."
At the 2008 Olympics, Boxall's New Zealand team lost twice, including 5-0 to Brazil, drew once and was eliminated after group play. But it left him with memories forever.
Heath said his club could have denied New Zealand's request.
"We could say no, but when you speak to the kid, I get it," Heath said. "Maybe the World Cup is something that's not going to happen for him. This is the next thing for him, so we reluctantly agreed."
Heath will be sure to watch. He might have anyway. Loons midfielder Hassani Dotson came within one victory of qualifying for Tokyo with the U.S. U-23 team in a Concacaf tournament in Mexico in March.
"I'm a crazy sports fan and I love the Olympics," Heath said. "Part of me is quite jealous he's getting the opportunity to go and be part of the Olympics and part of the Olympic Village. I know it's not the same because of where we are with the pandemic. But I still think it must be pretty cool to represent your country in the Olympics.
"We're reluctant to let him go, but we hope he's back sooner rather than later."
