MARCH 30, 2022 • KANSASCITY.COM
MATT BESLER DEFENDER - NO TEAM
DEFENDER - NO TEAM
Retired soccer star Matt Besler returns to Sporting Kansas City in a new on-field role Overland Park native Besler is back in Kansas City and plans to be at Children’s Mercy Park for more of Sporting KC’s home games.
Austin FC defender Matt Besler retiring after 13-year career in Major League Soccer Besler appeared in 20 matches, making 19 starts for Austin FC and produced the club’s best pass completion rate of more than 90 percent.
NOVEMBER 12, 2021 • STATESMAN.COM
Sporting KC legend and Kansas City native Matt Besler retires from professional soccer Matt Besler, who spent 12 years with his hometown club, Sporting KC, but had moved on to play for the MLS club in Austin, announced his reti...
NOVEMBER 10, 2021 • KANSASCITY.COM
Former US defender Besler retires after 13 years in MLS
Former U.S. men’s national team defender Matt Besler announced his retirement Wednesday after 13 seasons in Major League SoccerNOVEMBER 10, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Matt Besler retires after illustrious MLS, United States career ' MLSSoccer.com Matt Besler has put a bow on a sterling 13-year Major League Soccer career, announcing his retirement Wednesday morning.
NOVEMBER 10, 2021 • MLSSOCCER.COM
Out with concussion Besler will miss Wednesday's clash against Sporting KC with a concussion, according to Kansas City's injury report for the game.
Impact Besler hasn't featured for Austin for two months now, and he is out again on Wednesday with a concussion. It is unlikely that the 34-year-old will be fit by Decision Day on Sunday, so Besler's 2021 is likely over, having kept four clean sheets in 20 MLS appearances during his first season at Austin.
NOVEMBER 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Western Conference-leader Sporting Kansas City and Austin FC meet
Western Conference-leader Sporting Kansas City and Austin FC meetNOVEMBER 1, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pepi, Ferreira each score twice, FC Dallas beats Austin 5-3
Ricardo Pepi and Jesús Ferreira each scored two first-half goals to help FC Dallas beat Austin FC 5-3 on Sunday nightAUGUST 30, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Creates chance in loss Besler made a block, two clearances and three interceptions in Wednesday's 2-1 defeat against Vancouver. He also created a chance in the match.
Impact Besler defended well statistically on Wednesday, but that will be no comfort to him after allowing the Whitecaps to come from behind and win in the second half. He will want to do better Saturday against the seventh-placed Timbers, which have scored 26 goals in 19 matches this season.
AUGUST 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Logs two interceptions Besler recorded two interceptions and one clearance during a 1-0 loss Saturday versus Colorado.
Impact Playing for a lackluster Austin team on the defense, even during home games. Besler recorded 11 interceptions and four blocks across five of its last matchups at Q2 Stadium.
AUGUST 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Starting against Columbus Besler (leg) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Columbus.
Impact Besler is good for Sunday's match despite dealing with leg swelling leading up to the game. His start is a bit surprising after not appearing midweek, but it looks like he's healthy enough to play, so it's a boost to Austin's back line.
JUNE 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Swelling still an issue Besler is still dealing with swelling in his leg ahead of Sunday's match against Columbus, reports Mike Craven of Austin Statesman.
Impact Besler missed Wednesday's match with the same issue and a couple days later it's still a problem. It's clearly not a good sign for the veteran and all signs point to him missing out Sunday with Julio Cascante and Jhohan Romana again starting at center-back.
JUNE 25, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Dealing with leg contusion Besler was left on the bench for Wednesday's match against Minnesota because of a leg contusion, according to head coach Josh Wolff.
Impact Wednesday was the second absence of the season for Besler, who has been a rock for Austin in their expansion season. Julio Cascante and Jhohan Romana manned the back line against Minnesota on Wednesday in a 2-0 loss. Fortunately, the injury doesn't look serious for Besler, which is why he was on the bench.
JUNE 24, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Makes six clearances in draw Besler created one chance and made six clearances, one interception and one block while helping his side to keep a clean sheet during Saturday's scoreless draw against San Jose.
Impact Besler had another huge performance at the heart of the defense, leading all players in clearances and being a huge reason why his side was able to shut the opposition down. The centre back racked up 26 clearances over his last three starts and will try to keep it up during Wednesday's visit to Minnesota.
JUNE 21, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Austin FC defender Matt Besler discusses upcoming match versus San Jose On Saturday, Austin FC will host the San Jose Earthquakes in the first home match in club histiry,
JUNE 18, 2021 • STATESMAN.COM
'His worth ethic is second to none': Former teammate Graham Zusi lauds Austin FC's Matt Besler Matt Besler spent most of his life in Kansas City, including 12 years as a starter for Sporting Kansas City. He returns home on Saturday.
JUNE 11, 2021 • STATESMAN.COM
Blocks two shots in 2-0 defeat Besler had two tackles (one won), two interceptions, two blocked shots, two aerials won and two clearances in Saturday's 2-0 loss to LA Galaxy.
Impact Besler remained active and very productive on the defensive side of the ball. He's held very little upside though and with merely one clean sheet and six goals allowed in four matches already his production his been seriously hampered.
MAY 15, 2021 • ROTOWIRE
Matt Besler gave hand-written letter to SKC fans during emotional return | MLSSoccer.com You’re not the only one who’s getting emotional. Matt Besler returned to Children’s Mercy Park last weekend with Austin FC, allowing for a s...
MAY 11, 2021 • MLSSOCCER.COM
Gianluca Busio excited about reunion with Matt Besler: "I don’t think I’d be in this position without him” | MLSSoccer.com Gianluca Busio has a lot to look forward to when Sporting Kansas City host Austin FC Sunday (7:30 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes). The expansion...
MAY 9, 2021 • MLSSOCCER.COM
Minnesota United FC faces Sporting Kansas City following Molino's 2-goal game
Minnesota United FC visits Sporting Kansas City after Kevin Molino registered two goals against ColoradoDECEMBER 1, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nashville SC takes tough defense into matchup against Sporting Kansas City
Nashville SC faces Sporting Kansas City on a defensive hot streak after allowing only nine goals over the past 10 gamesOCTOBER 10, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sporting Kansas City faces Chicago after Pulido's 2-goal game
Sporting Kansas City hosts Chicago after Alan Pulido scored two goals against HoustonOCTOBER 6, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Orlando City 2, Sporting Kansas City 1
SEPTEMBER 24, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
FC Dallas 3, Sporting Kansas City 2
SEPTEMBER 19, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
