Matt Besler
The 2012 MLS Defender of the Year opens up about constantly improving and composure.
- Juan Agudelo
- Eric Alexander
- Jozy Altidore
- Kyle Beckerman
- Tony Beltran
- Austin Berry
- Matt Besler
- Nat Borchers
- Terrence Boyd
- Will Bruin
- Edson Buddle
- Teal Bunbury
- Geoff Cameron
- Edgar Castillo
- Ricardo Clark
- Steve Clark
- Bobby Convey
- Kenny Cooper
- Joe Corona
- Sam Cronin
- Cody Cropper
- Danny Cruz
- Daniel Cuevas
- Charlie Davies
- Brad Davis
- Nick DeLeon
- Jay DeMerit
- Maurice Edu
- Michael Farfan
- Andrew Farrell
- Benny Feilhaber
- Greg Garza
- Eddie Gaven
- Luis Gil
- Alan Gordon
- Andy Gruenebaum
- Bill Hamid
- Matt Hedges
- Clint Irwin
- George John
- Sean Johnson
- Jermaine Jones
- Benji Joya
- Dan Kennedy
- Perry Kitchen
- Jeff Larentowicz
- Steven Lenhart
- Chad Marshall
- Jack McBean
- Dax McCarty
- Jack McInerney
- Matt Miazga
- Justin Morrow
- Patrick Mullins
- Lee Nguyen
- Conor O'Brien
- Amobi Okugo
- Michael Parkhurst
- Heath Pearce
- Chris Pontius
- Dillon Powers
- Christian Ramirez
- Nick Rimando
- Chris Rolfe
- Kelyn Rowe
- Omar Salgado
- C.J. Sapong
- Brek Shea
- Harry Shipp
- Tommy Thompson
- Wil Trapp
- Andrew Wenger
- Danny Williams
- Sheanon Williams
- Chris Wondolowski
- Graham Zusi
June 16, 2016
10:00 PM
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Bill Barrett/isiphotos.com
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?
Playing 3v3 tournaments around the Midwest.
WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?
Jon Parry and Kevin Koetters. Both played for the Kansas City Attack indoor team. I used to wear No. 7 as a kid because of Jon Parry, and Kevin Koetters had a sweet left foot.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.
It was one of the best feelings I've ever had. It definitely made me want more of them!
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?
Composure, especially in pressure-packed situations. It's something that can't really be taught. You either have it, or you don't.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?
I can't stand when a player argues every single call with the referee. It's okay to argue when you have to, but not every single play. Get on with the game.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?
Hard work and luck.
WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?
I always need to improve, but specifically I'll choose my right[weaker]-footed long balls.
WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
All of my coaches have molded me into the player I am. Youth, club, high school, college, professional.
WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?
All of my current teammates.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?
I'm not sure yet. I'll decide when I stop playing the game.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?
Losing.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?
Discipline and work ethic.
WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?
Graham Zusi. His talent is ridiculous.
WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?
[Besler did not answer]
IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
Either a doctor (I have a pre-med degree) or serving my country.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?
Knowing you gave everything possible to help you and your team be successful. That's the only way to be content at the end of the day.
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