New York Red Bulls defender Andrew Boyens highlights the World Cup roster for the New Zealand national team, which was released on Monday.
Boyens, 26, made his first international appearance with the Kiwis in 2006. He’s earned 12 caps total with the club, including two starts against Spain and Italy in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.
Boyens -- who played college soccer at the University of New Mexico after emigrating to the U.S. before the Lobos’ 2004 season – has not logged any time during league games with the Red Bulls, but did play in the club's U.S. Open Cup play-in game against the Philadelphia Union on April 26. He joined the club as a free agent in 2008 from Toronto FC, who selected him with the 10th overall pick of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.
The Kiwis’ World Cup roster also includes Blackburn Rovers captain and former D.C. United defender Ryan Nielsen, who was a two-time Best XI selection during his run with D.C. from 2001-05.
Former New England Revolution defender Tony Lochhead was also named to the roster, as was former LA Galaxy, Columbus Crew and San Jose Earthquakes pro Simon Elliott. Lochhead made 16 appearances with the Revs from 2005-07, while Elliott appeared in 15 matches for the Quakes in 2009 and in 122 matches over five seasons with the Galaxy from 1999-2003. He was waved by the Quakes before the open of the 2010 season.
Also on the roster is Jeremy Christie, who joined the Tampy Bay Rowdies earlier this year after previously playing professionally in Australia and New Zealand.
New Zealand opens the World Cup against Slovakia on June 15.
