Sporting Kansas City defender Matt Besler has been ruled out for Sunday’s Sporting KC match as well as the 2016 AT&T MLS All-Star Game with a left MCL strain. Per MLS regulations, because Besler will miss the All-Star Game due to injury, he also has to sit out Sporting KC’s first match following the All-Star Game.
“It’s unfortunate to have to miss the All-Star Game,” Besler said. “It’s a fun event and a great showcase for MLS. But right now, my focus is on getting my knee healthy so I can help Sporting make a playoff push over these next three months.”
Besler has made 12 appearances in 2016 with 11 starts. He has one assist and scored the game-winning goal in a 3-2 victory over Columbus Crew SC on July 3.
“This injury is something that I have been battling for a few months and this week in training, I aggravated it past the point of being able to play,” Besler added. “After speaking with the training staff, we felt the best course of action was to stop training on it to allow it time to heal. I wish the best of luck to my teammates this weekend as well as to the MLS All-Stars next week against Arsenal.”
Sporting KC will host Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday at Children’s Mercy Park. The match will kick off at 2 p.m. CT and will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Sports Radio 810 WHB and La Grande 1340. Limited tickets are available for the match and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
