Since entering MLS with the Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting Kansas City) in 2009, Matt Besler proved a solid American center back prospect. After three-and-a-half fruitful seasons at Sporting Park, Besler received his first international call for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s friendly against Mexico at the famed Estadio Azteca in August 2012.
“I remember talking with [then USMNT head coach] Jurgen Klinsmann in that camp and it almost felt like it was a reward for having a good MLS season,” Besler recently told ussoccer.com. “It was my first taste of the national team, but it was standalone friendly so a very short camp. I thought I did fine in training, but in those types of camps it’s hard to really show who you are as a person and a player.”
Though an unused substitute in the match, Besler got a front-row seat to the USMNT’s historic 1-0 victory – it’s first at the famed Mexican venue. The experience gave him a foot in the door, but his first cap would have to wait.
“I walked away from that camp grateful for the opportunity and experience, but I was hoping eventually I would get another chance to show myself and what I was capable of doing.”
THE EXTENDED LOOK
The opportunity came in January 2013, where a month-long camp in Carson, Calif., preceded a friendly match in Houston against regional foes Canada. Along with getting another chance with the senior team, the length of the camp gave Besler confidence when it came to showcasing his best attributes.
“My style as a player and a person, I don’t think I’m ever going to absolutely dominate a game,” he said. “I think I’m a player that you have to see on a consistent basis -- how I’m able to handle myself in training, warmups, off the field, how I can impact the team in training, the competitive nature of the drills -- all that stuff.
