Matt Besler turned 30 earlier this year, and with nine seasons of professional soccer and 47 US national team appearances under his belt, the Sporting Kansas City standout has done some living over the past decade.
That helped drive the hometown kid and World Cup veteran's decision to pen a book about his experiences, "No Other Home," that hit shelves this month. As part of the promotional push behind that project, Besler invited KC-based soccer journalist Andy Edwards into his basement – yes, his basement – for a wide-ranging chat for the Sporting-centric "Talkin' Touches" podcast.
One of the most consistent defenders in modern MLS history, Besler tasted life on world soccer's biggest stage at Brazil 2014, and also felt the deep pain of the USMNT's failure to qualify for next summer's showcase event in Russia. Those memories are just a few of the items that he discusses with Edwards, as well as the roots of his decision to pen a book of his own.
Listen to the full, fascinating conversation here: