Matt Besler’s legendary status is secured in Kansas City.
Saturday night at Children's Mercy Park, Besler was inducted into the Sporting Legends hall of honor as part of a ceremony celebrating his massive contributions to the club.
Alongside his family, Besler attended the club’s 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake and was honored at halftime with a tribute video.
Besler played 11 seasons for SKC, anchoring a consistently strong backline as the club enjoyed arguably their greatest era of success. He was a key piece on their 2013 MLS Cup-winning team and helped them capture three US Open Cups.
The 2012 MLS Defender of the Year, he also made five MLS All-Star teams.
In addition to his club success, Besler was a longtime contributor to the US men's national team, with 47 caps. He remains the only person from Kansas to have appeared in a FIFA World Cup, starting all four games as Team USA reached the Round of 16 in 2014.
SKC added Besler’s name to their legends wall – which also includes current interim manager Kerry Zavagnin – as the former center back watched alongside his wife and three daughters.
Ironically, fellow Sporting icon Johnny Russell gave RSL the lead in first-half stoppage time before Erik Thommy salvaged a home point for Kansas City with a 59th-minute goal.
