Defender
Matt Besler
6'0"
Biography of former USMNT soccer player Matt Besler who was an MLS Cup winner with Sporting Kansas City.
Caps: 47 | Goals: 1
USMNT player Matt Besler joined MLS in 2009 and immediately made his presence felt as a regular with the Kansas City Wizards. With the club during their transition from the Wizards to Sporting Kansas City, Besler raised his game to go along with his club’s restatement of purpose. Besler became an elite MLS player as his team became an Eastern Conference contender. In 2013, Sporting won the MLS Cup in front of their home fans. At National Team level, Besler established himself as an option in the back four early in 2013. He started his first World Cup Qualifier at Estadio Azteca on March 26th. Prior to the 2021 season, Besler signed with Austin FC and retired at the end of the season. In April, 2025 Sporting Kansas City added him as a member of the club’s Sporting Legends.
Photo by John Dorton – ISIPhotos.com
USMNT Experience
2017
Started against Ghana on Jul 1. Started against Panama on Jul 8 in the Gold Cup opener. Started against Nicaragua on Jul 15. Started the Jul 22 semifinal against Costa Rica and the final against Jamaica on Jul 26. Started against Honduras on Sep 5. Started the World Cup qualifier against Panama on Oct 6 and against Trinidad & Tobago on Oct 10.
2016
Started against Iceland on Jan 31 and Canada on Feb 5. Started against Ecuador on May 25 and against Bolivia on May 28. Started against Ecuador in the Copa Centenario quarterfinals on Jun 16. Started against Colombia in the 3rd-place game on Jun 25. Started the World Cup qualifier against St Vincent and the Grenadines on Sep 2 and scored his first goal for the USMNT. Started against New Zealand on Oct 11. Started against Mexico on Nov 11 and against Costa Rica on Nov 15.
2015
Started against Chile on Jan 28 and Panama on Feb 8. Subbed on against Peru on Sep 4. Started the Confederations Cup playoff against Mexico on Oct 10. Started the World Cup qualifier against St Vincent and the Grenadines on Nov 13 and against Trinidad & Tobago on Nov 18.
2014
Started against Korea on Feb 1 and Mexico on Apr 2. Named to the final World Cup roster. Started against Azerbaijan on May 28th, Turkey on June 1st, and Nigeria on June 7th in the World Cup Send-Off Series. Started against Ghana in the World Cup Group G opener on June 16th. Started against Portugal in the World Cup on June 22nd and against Germany on June 26th. Started against Belgium in the Round of 16 on July 1st. Started the Oct 14 friendly against Honduras and Nov 18 against Ireland.
2013
Won his first cap on Jan 29th. Started against Mexico in the Mar 26 World Cup Qualifier. Started against Germany on Jun 2nd. Started against Jamaica in the Jun 7 World Cup Qualifier, against Panama on Jun 11, and Honduras on Jun 18. Started in the Gold Cup quarterfinal against El Salvador on Jul 21, the semifinal against Honduras on Jul 24, and the final against Panama on Jul 28. Started on Sep 6 against Costa Rica. Started against Jamaica on October 11.
Professional Experience
2021
Joined Austin as a free agent in January, finishing out of the playoffs. Announced his retirement following the regular season.
2020
Made the Eastern Conference semifinals in his final season with Sporting KC.
2019
Finished in 11th-place in the West.
2018
Won the Western Conference and advanced to the conference final.
2017
26 games with Sporting finishing 5th and exiting in the opening round of the playoffs. Won the US Open Cup.
2016
Played in 18 games for Sporting KC, finishing 6th and exiting in the opening round of the playoffs.
2015
Finished 6th in the Western Conference with Sporting KC. Won the US Open Cup.
2014
Finished 5th with Sporting KC.
2013
Part of a Sporting Kansas City squad that won the 2013 MLS Cup.
2012
Regular with Sporting, playing in 31 games and two playoff games.
2011
An MLS All-Star with two goals in 32 games. Played three games in the playoffs.
2010
Limited to 12 games in his sophomore season in MLS.
2009
Played in 28 games in his rookie season with Kansas City. Drafted 8th in the SuperDraft after three seasons with Notre Dame.
