Michael Boxall knew his first attempt was short.
After having trotted upfield from his usual central defensive role to the left sideline, Minnesota United’s most veteran player took a throw-in. Not just any throw-in aimed at getting the ball back in play as quickly as possible, mind you. Boxall’s throw-in was hurled into the box in hopes of finding one of his teammates close to the opposing goal, more like a corner kick than a simple short pass.
On his first try, there wasn’t enough power behind the throw, allowing CF Montreal’s Bryce Duke to head the ball away with ease. But what’s the old expression? If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again? No, not that one. If at first your long throw-in comes up short, throw it ever further? Yeah, that’s the one.
Boxall readied himself for another hurl, stepped forward, and let the ball fly. Three touches and five seconds later, Minnesota had the ball in the back of the net for the first time in the 2025 MLS season.
