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Austin FC Defender Matt Besler Retires After 13 Seasons in MLS

November 10, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Austin FC News Release


Austin, TEXAS - Austin FC defender Matt Besler announced his retirement from professional soccer on Wednesday, ending a career which spanned 13 seasons in Major League Soccer. During 12 years with Sporting Kansas City and one with Austin FC, Besler made over 300 appearances in addition to playing 47 matches for the U.S. Men's National Team. A five-time MLS All-Star and two-time MLS Best XI honoree, he was named MLS Defender of the Year in 2012.

"To the entire Austin community, thank you for welcoming my family and I to Austin," said Besler in an open letter to Austin published Wednesday at AustinFC.com. "We felt a part of this city from the moment we arrived and made memories we will carry with us forever."

Besler joined Austin FC as a free agent signing on January 6, 2021, and made 20 appearances for the Verde & Black during the Club's inaugural season. A vital presence on the backline, Besler's 90.2 percent pass completion rate (1,264 for 1,401) was the best of any player on the team with at least 50 pass attempts, and his 40 interceptions ranked second on the squad.

"We're very grateful to Matt and his family for all the time and energy they've given over the past year to help grow Austin FC," said Sporting Director Claudio Reyna. "Matt has had as stellar career and his contributions for club and country will not be forgotten. He'll always be a part of our organization and we wish him success in this next chapter of his life."

Besler started all four of the USMNT's matches at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and was a member of the USMNT sides that won the 2013 and 2017 Concacaf Gold Cups. While with Sporting KC, Besler was a key member of the Club's MLS Cup triumph in 2013. He also helped the Club lift the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup three times (2012, 2015, and 2017).

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