When the World Cup kicks off in South Africa next month, Red Bull defender Andrew Boyens will be there. Despite not having logged a single minute in MLS play this season, the big centerback was named to New Zealand’s squad, becoming only the fifth active player in club history to make a World Cup team.
“I’ve played a few times for my country, and that’s always an awesome honor to play in front of your home fans. To do it on the biggest stage in football is even better,” Boyens told the Post. “I’m still coming to terms with the fact that I’m going to the World Cup in a few weeks. I’m still trying to let it sink in.”
Boyens found out when the rest of the world did; yesterday morning on the internet, after his Red Bulls had just returned home from Saturday night’s road loss in San Jose.
“I kind of found out when everybody else did. They had a press release in Auckland; that’s how I found out. I was keeping an eye on the internet; when we landed I saw my name come up. It was pretty exciting,” said Boyens, a 6-foot-4, 180-pounder.
“It literally was about a half-hour after we landed and I was on the bus back to Montclair State University, trying to grab my car and head home. I kept refreshing the page and there it was…It’s a very special moment.”
And it likely seemed an impossible one two years ago, when he was cut early in the season by Toronto and he was left to wonder about his future.
“I’ve always had a confidence regarding being in the squad for the World Cup. I guess leaving Toronto was a big reality check. It was a quick turnaround, but there were a couple of weeks I had to contemplate my future and what was going on,” said Boyens, who got picked up by the Red Bulls on May 7, 2008 and became a starter en route to making that season’s MLS Cup final.
Now he’s the fifth player in team history to make a World Cup roster while on the club’s books. Forward/midfielder Clint Mathis made the U.S. squad in 2002, and midfielder Tab Ramos and defender Alexi Lalas both made the U.S. team four years earlier, while Marcelo Vega competed for Chile that same year.
“We are excited for Andy, as he will be able to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Red Bull sporting director Erik Soler. “He is a top professional and we wish him the best of luck in South Africa.”
Boyens will join a mostly-reserve lineup Wednesday against visiting New England in the U.S. Open Cup, and will be available for Saturday’s game against visiting Seattle, although he has since lost his starting spot to rookie Tim Ream and hasn’t appeared in a league game yet this season.
“It’s always difficult as a pro athlete (to lose a starting spot). You want be playing your game, getting as many minutes as possible,” said Boyens. “Unfortunately for me I didn’t get that chance this year, and the boys that did have performed really well. You can’t change a winning formula.
“I’m not too discouraged by it; it’s a long season. I’ll get my chance at some stage, and when I get my chance I’ll have to take it. I’ll push my chance and take it from then on.”
Boyens departs next Monday, with New Zealand opening camp in Auckland two days later. He’ll miss at least four regular-season tilts: against Columbus on May 20, at New England on May 29, against Houston on June 2 and Chivas USA on June 5. New Zealand opens Group F on June 15 vs. Slovakia, plays Paraguay on June 20 and closes the group against defending champion Italy on June 24.