Sporting Kansas City captain Matt Besler made his customary appearance on The Border Patrol this morning, joining Sports Radio 810 WHB hosts Nate Bukaty and Steven St. John to reflect on his team's second straight shutout victory and look ahead to a gargantuan showdown with FC Dallas on Saturday night at Children's Mercy Park.
A 3-0 win over Vancouver last weekend has instilled further confidence in a side that has climbed within four points of FC Dallas, who currently hold the seventh and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Besler acknowledged that consistency along the back line has helped Manager Peter Vermes' men find a rhythm and string together consecutive clean sheets for the first time this season.
The Sporting center back was also quick to compliment Gerso Fernandes, who delivered a man-of-the-match performance with a goal and an assist just two days before he and his wife Emmy welcomed newborn son Gerso Jr. into the world.
"The one thing I will say about Gerso is that he has an unbelievable story," Besler said, referring to Gerso's upbringing as an orphan in Portugal. "For the last month, he has been carrying our team on his shoulders. He has been one of our best players, and if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't be in the position we're in with still a good chance at the playoffs.
"On the field, he's playing the best soccer of his life. Off the field, he is one of the greatest guys you'll ever meet," Besler continued. He has a huge heart, he's kind and what you see is what you get. He's always smiling and everyone talks about his smile, and that's really just who he is. I couldn't be happier for him and his wife Emmy."
Listen to the full podcast below, and click here to check out Sam McDowell's excellent Kansas City Star feature on Gerso from last season.
Besler and Sporting will return to home turf at 7:30 p.m. CT Saturday and tickets remain available at SeatGeek.com. Fans can also catch the game live on FOX Sports Kansas City Plus, FOX Sports Midwest Plus, FOX Sports GO, Sports Radio 810 WHB and ESPN Deportes KC 1480 AM.
