KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Matt Besler joins Austin FC as free agent after his time with Sporting Kansas City.
His signing comes ahead of Austin FC's 2021 expansion season, giving the new MLS club a veteran defender.
Besler, 33, has appeared in nearly 3,000 regular-season games for Sporting KC.
After the 2020 season, Besler was out of contract with SKC. He appeared in 10 games as Sporting earned the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.
“We are pleased to add a proven defender to the squad that fits the profile we are looking for in a player,” Sporting Director Claudio Reyna said in a club release. “Matt’s unique blend of leadership and competitive experience is a valuable combination of strengths, and we are excited to have him continue his career in Austin.”
Besler spent the past 12 seasons with Sporting, contributing three goals and 18 assists in 294 games. He helped Sporting lift the MLS Cup in 2013 and win three U.S. Open Cups.
On the international stage, Besler was part of the United States Team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
