KANSAS CITY, Kan—Matt Besler had a pretty full 2013. The center back established himself as a starter for the U.S. national team despite coming into the year with a single-digit cap count, helped clinch World Cup qualification, and won the MLS Cup.

With less than a month left in the year how what does Besler have left to do in 2013?

“Nothing big. I’m just getting married next weekend” he joked after Sporting Kansas City’s MLS Cup win, which came by way of a 1-1 result and a 8-7 triumph in the shootout.

It’s another highlight in what has been a year dotted by them for the 26-year-old. The year began with a call in to Jurgen Klinsmann’s January camp. Besler got his first cap in late January in a 0-0 friendly against Canada. Two months later, he’d start—and star—in a 0-0 draw in Estadio Azteca.

In addition to all these accomplishments, he’s had the good fortune to celebrate winning the top domestic prize, helping the U.S. qualify for the World Cup by finishing first in the Hexagonal, and playing in an All-Star Game in front of his home fans in Kansas City.

“This is, I think, my third time doing this this year. It’s been a lot of fun,” Besler said. “I hope I can continue to have celebrations like this. I haven’t really sat down to think about it. I told myself once this game ends I’m going to sit down and assess the year and it will probably be pretty positive."

"It’s a year I’ll always remember.”

Considering his upcoming nuptials, Besler may not have a lot of time for immediate reflection, but when he does get a chance there will be plenty to remember.

One thing to forget will be the penalty he had saved in the shootout. Besler says his strategy is to hit the ball confidently to the corner, a tactic he employs about 90% of the time. But the fact that he was staring down a fellow national team player added a layer of complexity to the situation.

“Earlier this year in Kansas City with the national team we each had to take five PKs,” Besler said. “I hit five out of five there against Nicky Rimando. I was honestly debating all week long if it went to PKs if I was going to change it up because we both know I go there.

“But at the end of the day, I stuck to what I felt confident with and he saved it.”

While 2013 was all but perfect, a new year is quickly approaching. “I have no idea” how to top 2013, Besler said. “Maybe a World Cup.”