Matt Besler is no stranger to success. Since joining MLS in 2009, Besler has won an MLS Cup title and two U.S. Open Cup titles. He’s also been to the playoffs five straight years and featured for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
So it’s fair to say that Besler has experienced as much success as most in MLS and would have his fair share of wisdom to offer. The Sporting KC captain chose to share some of that wisdom on The Players’ Tribune this week with players on the Columbus Crew and Portland Timbers as they prepare for the MLS Cup Final.
“But pain is good. It’s a reminder of all the sacrifices you’ve made up until this point. Trust me, you can push yourself a lot farther than you think, and you won’t even feel those injuries when you win the Cup. (Disclaimer: You will feel your injury if it’s an open wound during the champagne celebration. It stings like hell).”
Click here to read Besler’s full letter. Sunday’s MLS Cup Final will kick off at 3 p.m. CT and can be seen on ESPN and UniMas.