Matt Besler

Matt Besler
5
Defender
  • Sporting Kansas City
  • 6'
  • 170 lbs.
  • 02-11-1987
  • Kansas City, MO

Click here to view Besler's 2013 MLS Regular Season Highlights

The 2012 MLS Defender of the Year, MLSSoccer.com Breakout Player of the Year and Best XI selection, Besler has appeared in more than 100 MLS matches since being drafted in the first round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft out of Notre Dame. An Overland Park, Kan. native, Besler was voted an MLS All-Star in 2011 and debuted for the U.S. Men’s National Team in 2013. 

MLS:

2013: Besler has started nine of Sporting Kansas City's thirteen games this season (missing one game on National Team duty). Besler anchors a defense that just earned its eighth shutout of the season. Besler earned his first assist of the season against the Portland Timbers on April 27th.

2012: Besler appeared in 31 matches this season, making 30 starts and playing a total of 2,769 minutes at center back for Sporting Kansas City. Besler notched the game-winning assist in 2-1 victory over D.C. United on August 11 at Sporting Park. Besler also tallied a game-winning assist on September 19 during Sporting Kansas City’s 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. Besler played in all five Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches and converted PK in championship shootout. Besler was named Sporting Kansas City’s Defensive Player of the Year, MLS Defender of the Year, MLSsoccer.com Breakout Player of the Year, and MLS Best XI.
 
2011: Named a 2011 MLS All-Star, Besler featured in 32 MLS regular season matches for Sporting Kansas City, playing the full 90 minutes in each one. Registered two goals and two assists on the season, scoring his first career goal on March 26 v. Chicago. Scored the game-winning goal on Oct. 22 v. D.C. United to secure the top seed for Sporting Kansas City in the Eastern Conference. Team leader in minutes played in 2011.
 
2010: Had 10 starts and played in 12 matches, primarily in central defense. Also played 46 minutes in Kansas City’s 2-1 upset of Manchester United in summer friendly, entering after Jimmy Conrad’s ejection in the first half. 
 
2009: Selected 8th overall in the first round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Appeared in 28 matches with 26 starts as a rookie, either as a left back or in central defense. 
 
NATIONAL TEAM: Named to U.S. Men's National Team for first time in August 2012 as part of 23-player roster for friendly against Mexico at Estadio Azteca. The Americans defeat of Mexico snapped a 20 game winless streak for the USMNT in matches played in Mexico City. Called into the 2013 USMNT January Camp along with Sporting KC teammates Graham Zusi and Benny Feilhaber. He trained with the U.S. U-20 National Team in December 2006. Played on the U.S. U-15 National Team. Earned his first cap for the USMNT on January 29, 2013 (0-0 draw against Canada). Besler was named to the USMNT squad for the FIFA World Cup Qualifying games against Costa Rica (March 22, 2013) and Mexico (March 26, 2013). He earned his first start and second cap for the USMNT against Mexico at Estadio Azteca and helped the team to a 0-0 draw, marking only the second time in USMNT history that the team has earned a point at Estadio Azteca in World Cup Qualifying history. Named to the U.S. Men's National Team (May 26th, 2013) for two friendlies (Belgium and Germany) and three FIFA World Cup Qualifying matches (Jamaica, Panama, Honduras). 
 
COLLEGE: Played 4 seasons at the University of Notre Dame, receiving All-American and Academic All-American honors as a senior. Named the NSCAA 2008 Senior College Men's Scholar All-America Player of the Year. Was named to the All Big East Team 3 times, playing in 90 games (73 starts) during his college career. Finished college career with 5 goals and 7 assists. Helped Notre Dame gain 4 straight berths to the NCAA Championship, including the program's first 2 trips to the quarterfinals in 2006 and 2007.
 
YOUTH: Four year All-Conference player at Blue Valley West High School in Overland Park, KS. Led Blue Valley West to the Kansas 5A State Championship as a senior, scoring 23 goals with 19 assists. Holds season and career marks in total points (124), goals (40) and assists (44) at Blue Valley West. Member of the KCFC Alliance club team, where he was teammates with current Sporting Kansas City defender Seth Sinovic. Also a key member of the Region II Olympic Developmental Program (ODP). Competed in the 2004 ESP All-Star game.
 
PERSONAL: Winner of the 2012 preseason beep test. Has two younger brothers, Mike and Nick. Also enjoys basketball, golf, tennis, completing the daily crossword in USA Today and spending with his dog Gipper. Graduated from Notre Dame in 3.5 years with degree in psychology/pre-medicine, where he was roommates with current Carolina Panthers quarterback Jimmy Clausen. Attended many of Sporting Kansas City’s MLS matches during his childhood, and is a supporter of all sports organizations in Kansas City. Favorite athlete growing up was Michael Jordan. Aunt Marsha Pankratz was a two-time Olympian in field hockey. Lists playing on opening night at Sporting Park as his top soccer memory. Played youth soccer with current Sporting KC defender Seth Sinovic. Sinovic and Besler's fathers were teammates for the Kansas State Wildcats football team in college. Wears the number five in honor of former Royals third basemen George Brett.  

Career Statistics (Regular Season)

Year Club GP GS G MIN A SHT SOG FC OFF Y R
2013 Sporting Kansas City 9 9 0 810 1 4 0 7 1 0 0
2012 Sporting Kansas City 31 30 0 2769 2 7 1 26 1 3 0
2011 Sporting Kansas City 32 32 2 2880 2 10 3 23 0 2 0
2010 Kansas City Wizards 12 10 0 1016 0 4 3 13 1 2 0
2009 Kansas City Wizards 28 26 0 2236 0 3 1 19 3 5 0
Career Totals 112 107 2 9711 5 28 8 88 6 12 0

2013 Season Statistics

Competition Club GP GS G MIN A SHT SOG FC OFF Y R
MLS Regular Season Sporting Kansas City 9 9 0 810 1 4 0 7 1 0 0

2012 Season Statistics

Competition Club GP GS G MIN A SHT SOG FC OFF Y R
MLS Playoffs Sporting Kansas City 2 2 0 180 0 1 0 2 0 0 0
MLS Regular Season Sporting Kansas City 31 30 0 2769 2 7 1 26 1 3 0

2011 Season Statistics

Competition Club GP GS G MIN A SHT SOG FC OFF Y R
MLS Playoffs Sporting Kansas City 3 3 0 270 0 0 0 3 1 0 0
MLS Regular Season Sporting Kansas City 32 32 2 2880 2 10 3 23 0 2 0

2010 Season Statistics

Competition Club GP GS G MIN A SHT SOG FC OFF Y R
MLS Regular Season Kansas City Wizards 12 10 0 1016 0 4 3 13 1 2 0

2009 Season Statistics

Competition Club GP GS G MIN A SHT SOG FC OFF Y R
MLS Regular Season Kansas City Wizards 28 26 0 2236 0 3 1 19 3 5 0
GP: Games Played, GS: Games Started, G: Goals, MIN: Minutes Played, A: Assists, SHT: Shots, SOG: Shots on Goal, FC: Fouls Committed, OFF: Offsides, Y: Yellow Cards, R: Red Cards, GF: Goals For, GA: Goals Against, SO: Shutouts, SV: Saves, PKA: Penalty Kick Attempts, PKG: Penalty Kick Goals, PKS: Penalty Kick Saves

Regular Season Game Log

Date Match Result Appearance MINS G A SHT SOG FC FS Y R
5/19/2013 KC @ DC T 1-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
5/12/2013 KC @ HOU W 1-0 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5/8/2013 SEA @ KC L 1-0 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5/5/2013 CHV @ KC W 0-4 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/27/2013 POR @ KC L 3-2 Started 90 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 0
4/20/2013 KC @ LA L 0-2 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
4/17/2013 KC @ NY W 1-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/5/2013 DC @ KC W 0-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3/30/2013 MTL @ KC W 0-2 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
3/23/2013 KC @ NE T 0-0 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3/16/2013 CHI @ KC T 0-0 Started 90 0 0 2 0 2 3 0 0
3/9/2013 KC @ TOR L 1-2 Started 90 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
3/2/2013 KC @ PHI W 3-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
10/24/2012 PHI @ KC W 1-2 Started 90 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0
10/20/2012 KC @ NY T 0-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10/7/2012 KC @ CLB T 1-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
9/28/2012 CHI @ KC W 0-2 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
9/22/2012 KC @ MTL T 0-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9/19/2012 KC @ NY W 2-0 Started 90 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
9/14/2012 HOU @ KC T 1-1 Started 90 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
9/1/2012 TOR @ KC W 1-2 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8/26/2012 NY @ KC T 1-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0
8/18/2012 KC @ TOR W 1-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
8/11/2012 DC @ KC W 1-2 Started 90 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
8/4/2012 KC @ NE W 1-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 5 1 1 0
7/28/2012 CLB @ KC L 2-1 Started 90 0 0 2 1 3 1 0 0
7/21/2012 NE @ KC T 0-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0
7/18/2012 KC @ HOU L 1-2 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7/14/2012 KC @ CLB W 2-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
7/7/2012 HOU @ KC T 0-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
7/4/2012 KC @ MTL W 3-1 Started 90 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0
6/29/2012 CHI @ KC L 1-0 Subbed On 71 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
6/23/2012 KC @ PHI L 0-4 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6/20/2012 KC @ SEA T 1-1 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6/16/2012 TOR @ KC W 0-2 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5/27/2012 SJ @ KC W 1-2 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
5/19/2012 KC @ COL T 2-2 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
5/12/2012 KC @ CHI L 1-2 Started 88 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
5/5/2012 MTL @ KC L 2-0 Started 90 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
4/21/2012 KC @ POR L 0-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
4/18/2012 KC @ VAN W 3-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
4/14/2012 RSL @ KC W 0-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
4/7/2012 LA @ KC W 0-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/1/2012 KC @ CHV W 1-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3/25/2012 DAL @ KC W 1-2 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
3/17/2012 NE @ KC W 0-3 Started 90 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
3/10/2012 KC @ DC W 1-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10/22/2011 KC @ DC W 1-0 Started 90 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0
10/15/2011 NY @ KC W 0-2 Started 90 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
10/1/2011 KC @ SJ T 1-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
9/28/2011 CLB @ KC W 1-2 Started 90 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 0
9/23/2011 PHI @ KC T 1-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
9/17/2011 KC @ RSL L 0-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
9/10/2011 HOU @ KC W 0-3 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
9/5/2011 LA @ KC T 2-2 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8/27/2011 DAL @ KC L 3-2 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
8/21/2011 DC @ KC W 0-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
8/17/2011 POR @ KC W 1-3 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8/6/2011 SEA @ KC L 2-1 Started 90 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
8/3/2011 RSL @ KC W 0-2 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
7/30/2011 NE @ KC T 1-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
7/23/2011 TOR @ KC W 2-4 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7/16/2011 KC @ HOU T 1-1 Started 90 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
7/9/2011 CHV @ KC T 1-1 Started 90 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0
7/6/2011 COL @ KC T 1-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
7/2/2011 KC @ POR W 2-1 Started 90 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0
6/25/2011 VAN @ KC W 1-2 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6/22/2011 KC @ PHI T 0-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
6/17/2011 SJ @ KC W 0-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
6/12/2011 KC @ DAL W 4-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
6/9/2011 CHI @ KC T 0-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0
6/4/2011 KC @ TOR T 0-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
5/28/2011 KC @ COL T 1-1 Started 90 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0
5/21/2011 KC @ SEA L 0-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
5/14/2011 KC @ LA L 1-4 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/30/2011 KC @ NY L 0-1 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/23/2011 KC @ NE L 2-3 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
4/16/2011 KC @ CLB L 0-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
4/2/2011 KC @ VAN T 3-3 Started 90 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
3/26/2011 KC @ CHI L 2-3 Started 90 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0
3/19/2011 KC @ CHV W 3-2 Started 90 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
10/23/2010 SJ @ KC W 1-4 Started 90 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
10/16/2010 KC @ NE L 0-1 Started 90 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
10/12/2010 KC @ CHI W 2-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
10/9/2010 SEA @ KC L 2-1 Started 90 0 0 2 2 1 1 0 0
10/2/2010 KC @ NY L 0-1 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9/25/2010 DAL @ KC L 3-1 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9/22/2010 HOU @ KC W 3-4 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9/19/2010 KC @ CHV W 2-0 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9/4/2010 KC @ PHI T 1-1 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8/28/2010 KC @ LA W 2-0 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8/21/2010 NE @ KC W 1-4 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8/14/2010 KC @ SJ L 0-1 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8/7/2010 RSL @ KC T 1-1 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7/31/2010 TOR @ KC W 0-1 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7/17/2010 KC @ COL T 1-1 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7/14/2010 KC @ CLB W 1-0 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7/10/2010 CHV @ KC L 2-0 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7/3/2010 KC @ DAL L 0-1 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6/26/2010 NY @ KC L 3-0 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6/10/2010 PHI @ KC W 0-2 Subbed On 58 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
6/5/2010 KC @ TOR T 0-0 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5/29/2010 KC @ RSL L 1-4 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
5/23/2010 CLB @ KC L 1-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
5/15/2010 CHI @ KC T 2-2 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5/5/2010 KC @ DC L 1-2 Unused Sub 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5/1/2010 KC @ HOU L 0-3 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
4/24/2010 LA @ KC T 0-0 Started 90 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
4/17/2010 KC @ SEA L 0-1 Subbed On 58 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4/10/2010 COL @ KC W 0-1 Started 90 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0
3/27/2010 DC @ KC W 0-4 Started 90 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0
GP: Games Played, GS: Games Started, G: Goals, MIN: Minutes Played, A: Assists, SHT: Shots, SOG: Shots on Goal, FC: Fouls Committed, OFF: Offsides, Y: Yellow Cards, R: Red Cards, GF: Goals For, GA: Goals Against, SO: Shutouts, SV: Saves, PKA: Penalty Kick Attempts, PKG: Penalty Kick Goals, PKS: Penalty Kick Saves