Recent Sporting Kansas City training sessions at Compass Minerals National Performance Center haven’t exactly been a walk in the park.
After all, Sporting has started hitting the pitch for preseason-style two-a-days in the leadup to the MLS is Back Tournament, which will begin July 8 in Orlando. That’s not to mention the fact that the afternoon sessions take place during the hottest part of Kansas City’s scorching summer days.
Making his customary appearance on Sports Radio 810 WHB this morning with Border Patrol hosts Nate Bukaty, Steven St. John and Jake Gutierrez, captain Matt Besler remarked on Manager Peter Vermes’ challenging practice schedule and considered the endeavor well worth it, especially given the oppressively humid playing conditions the club will face in Florida.
“Peter finds ways to spin certain things in our favor,” Besler said. “When we get down to Orlando, there’s going to be times where it’s going to be really hot and we’re going to be looking around. Deep down, we’re going to know ourselves that we’re the only team that’s training in the hottest part of the day. That’s going to help us. Whether it’s conscious or subconscious, it is an advantage. Peter’s all about trying to find advantages for us.”
Besler—Sporting’s all-time leader in appearances, starts and minutes played—was delighted by last week's MLS is Back Tournament draw, which placed his team into Group D alongside Minnesota United FC, the Colorado Rapids and a Real Salt Lake side that features his younger brother Nick Besler.
“I love our group,” Besler said. “There’s just a ton of rivalries in each group, which I actually love. I figured there would be one or two rivalry games, just because it’s bound to happen. But when you look at the groups, it’s like you couldn’t draw it up any better.”
In addition to discussing the MLS is Back Tournament, Besler also shared his recent experience interacting former Sporting Kansas City Academy player Grant Calvert, who this week was named Kansas Male High School Athlete of the Year for the Kansas City Honorary ESPYS. Calvert starred for Blue Valley High School as a senior and will continue his soccer career in the fall at Saint Louis University.
