Sporting Kansas City defender Matt Besler started and played the full 90 minutes last night as the U.S. Men's National Team advanced to the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final with a 3-1 victory over Honduras at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Besler earned his ninth cap and the U.S. will now play Panama -- surprise winners over Mexico in the other semifinal -- at 3 p.m. CT on Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago for the regional championship. Watch the game live at Kansas City's offiical watch party at the Power & Light District downtown.
Check out a compilation of comments on Besler's performance below from national media members, as well as match highlights...
It is easy to see why Klinsmann rates Besler highly. He is sturdy defensively and, unlike many American center backs in the past, he can pass well. All of these attributes were on display against Honduras, and the midtournament addition of Besler to the team should give the Americans an advantage in the final. -- Brian Sciaretta, New York Times
Put in his usual solid defensive shift. Was in good position to break up Honduras attacks, particularly getting a good block in during a clear-cut chance in the second half. - Seth Vertelney, Goal.com
The Sporting KC defender enjoyed perhaps his cleanest international performance. Besler made numerous clearances and moved the ball along safely all night. - Greg Seltzer, MLSSoccer.com
A much sharper performance compared to the quarterfinal, with more consistent defending. No complaints about his distribution either. He also delivered a vital block of a Palacios shot to prevent any chance of a Honduran comeback. - Jeff Carlisle, ESPN.com
Quietly turned in another outstanding game in central defense. His passing was sharp, he dominated his area of the field and gave Honduran attackers no room to operate. - Ives Galarcep, SoccerByIves.com
