Sporting Kansas City defender Matt Besler started and played 90 minutes on Tuesday as the United States Men's National Team tied New Zealand 1-1 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
Forward Julian Green fired the U.S. ahead on 27 minutes before Monty Patterson equalized in the 72nd minute to split the spoils in the nation's capital. Tuesday's friendly match was the Americans' final tune-up before hosting arch rivals Mexico on Nov. 11 to kick off the Hexagonal round of FIFA World Cup qualifying.
Besler delivered a stout performance in central defense, leading all players with 12 interceptions and three defensive blocks. The Kansas City native made his 37th international appearance as part of a four-man backline that included fellow center back Omar Gonzalez, Kellyn Acosta and Michael Orozco.
U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann will now begin preparations for the Americans' first two matches in the Hexagonal next month, both of which will present stern challenges. The U.S. MNT faces Mexico on Nov. 11 at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, then travels to face Costa Rica on Nov. 15. at Estadio Nacional in San Jose. Widely considered two of the top powers in the CONCACAF region, Mexico and Costa Rica are currently 15th and 18th in the FIFA rankings, respectively.
Besler will return to Sporting Kansas City ahead of Sunday's pivotal Western Conference clash at rivals Real Salt Lake. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. CT as sixth-place Sporting KC (12-13-7, 43 points) looks to leapfrog fourth-place Real Salt Lake (12-11-9, 45 points) in the Final Push to the Playoffs. Supporters can follow the action live on 38 The Spot, SKCTV and Sports Radio 810 WHB.
