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Sporting KC’s Besler named MLS Defender of the Year

Sporting Kansas City defender Matt Besler was a consistent force for the Sporting Kansas City defense, helping the unit emerge as the stingiest defense in the league. His steady and continuously improving play turned heads in 2012, earning him a look from the U.S. Men’s National Team and now the first major award of his career.

Besler was named MLS Defender of the Year on Tuesday, edging out San Jose’s Victor Bernardez for the honor. Sporting KC teammate Aurelien Collin, Vancouver centerback Jay DeMerit and Philadelphia centerback Carlos Valdes rounded out the top four in the voting.

Besler’s third season in MLS was his best as he anchored the back-line with a combination of smooth defending and sharp passing. He was also named SBI MLS Defender of the Year.

What did you think of the pick? Who would have earned your vote for MLS Defender of the Year? Who were you surprised to not see make the list of five finalists?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. This decision was too easy. I was flummoxed that Collin was also up for the award.

    Sporting was a different, and much better, team with Besler in the lineup.

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  2. Can’t argue with the selection. Could potentially be starting for the USMNT by WC 2014. Paired with Cameron. He is a better passer, and is faster than Gonzo. He reads the game a little better as well.

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  3. Victor Bernardez got robbed.
    Look at the Quakes goals against (and for) with and without Bernardez.
    Heck just look at the playoff series against the Galaxy: +1 with Bernardez, followe4d by three goals in like 20 minutes without him.

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  4. Can’t argue with the selection. Now lets starting see how he adapts to the national team. Pair him up with Omar Gonzalez and see how they do. Or with Cameron. We need youth and skill in the our National Team center backs. Time for Boca to take a step back.

    I also think Demerit should be getting another look. Do you all agree?

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    • Interesting that you push youth and then mention Demerit. I think we definitely need to include Besler in the Jan. camp to evaluate him against a better talent pool. I really like Demeit and had been disappointed he had gotten so little playing time after the WC2010, but his club situation was mess until he finally got signed with MLS. Anyway, I think he’s probably past it now like Boca is getting to be. Loved him in the past, but thing its time to move on.

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  5. he kind of, sort of, looks lilke a young val kilmer. anyways, can’t argue with the selection he was pretty solid last year too.

    Reply

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