Nikko Boxall is a defender on New Zealand's U-20 squad that is competing at the World Cup.Nikko Boxall is a defender on New Zealand's U-20 squad that is competing at the World Cup.

Incoming 'Cat Named to Kiwis' U-20 World Cup Team

July 11, 2011

EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern incoming freshman Nikko Boxall has been named to the final squad of 21 players to represent New Zealand at the FIFA U-20 World Cup beginning later this month in Columbia.

A native of Aukland, New Zealand, Boxall was named to the team as a defender. The Junior All Whites are slated to depart for Columbia on July 18 and open group play July 30 against Cameroon. The team also plays Uruguay (Aug. 2) and Portugal (Aug. 5) in group play.

It is just the second all-time appearance for the Kiwis at the U-20 World Cup. The team is participating in four tune-up matches in preparation of the World Cup, including a pair of matches in Los Angeles. New Zealand qualified for the World Cup by winning the OFC U-20 Championship back in April. The United State failed to qualify for this year's event.

Boxall captained Central United at the 2010 National Championships and was selected to the All-Championship team. His older brother, Michael, was an All-American at UC Santa Barbara, where he was recruited by current Northwestern assistant coach and former New Zealand National team member Neil Jones.

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