Synopsis
No Other Home is a themed collection of inspirational stories, poignant moments, and life advice from midwestern boy-next-door, Matt Besler, who has made it to the elite level of playing internationally in the World Cup. No other country; no other club; no other home; no other story.
Sporting Kansas City captain Matt Besler has achieved something extraordinary in the least extraordinary way. At every level of his athletic career, Besler has heard the same questions and initial dismissal of his talent. Even as he made his slow, steady progression into the consciousness of his coaches, opponents, and fans, then onto the national and world soccer stage, he heard it still. How does a normal guy like Matt Besler end up playing in the World Cup, one of the most exclusive competitions in international sports?
If it’s true that he’s a rather typical Midwestern guy, it’s also true that Matt happens to be one of the best soccer players in the country. Professional soccer is a bastion for the flamboyant—the lifestyles, the hairstyles, the WAGs, the passionate fans—yet Matt has flourished as the anti-flamboyant. He is preternaturally calm. He is stalwart. He is relentlessly committed to his preparedness and his athletic success. Matt Besler may seem to be Mr. Average, but it is this very characteristic that has made him exceptional.
No Other Home offers an honest, first-person perspective into exactly what it takes to reach the highest levels of the sporting world. Matt shares his stories—from growing up in a loving but fiercely competitive family, to climbing through the ranks of high school, club, and college athletics, to dealing with injuries and professional setbacks, and even to his own rather extraordinary experience of becoming a father. The poignant lessons he’s learned so far hold value for soccer fans and nonfans alike. This is a book to be shared among family members, young and old. And for parents looking for positive influences in professional athletics, they will find no better role model than Matt.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the nonprofit charity, the BESLER FAMILY FOUNDATION.
About the Author
Captain and defender Matt Besler has played nine seasons at his hometown club, Sporting Kansas City. He recently lead the team to the 2017 Lamar Hunt Open Cup Championship. He has twice earned MLS Best XI and has been named to the MLS All-Star team five times. He received both MLS Defender of the Year and MLS Breakout Player of the Year honors in 2012 and was named the 2014 KC Sportsman of the Year by the Kansas City Sports Commission. He is a prominent presence on the team’s backline and has landed Sporting KC Defender of the Year honors four times.
Internationally, Besler has earned over forty caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team since debuting in January 2013. Matt helped the United States win the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup title and has been called up for the qualifying rounds for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He started all four games for the United States at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, becoming the first Kansan to play in the World Cup. He was joined on the roster by Sporting KC teammate Graham Zusi. He scored his first international goal in a World Cup qualifying win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines in September 2016. Besler helped lead the United States to the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup title and was named to the U.S. Men’s National Team for the 2016 Copa América Centenario.
Besler is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, receiving All-American and Academic All-American honors as a senior. He currently lives in Leawood, Kansas, with his wife, Amanda, and his daughter, Parker (who was born the day Matt scored his first international goal).
Patrick Regan is the third all-time leading goal scorer in his backyard—behind his two sons but ahead of his dog.
He is the author of many nonfiction books. Learn more at patrickreganbooks.com.
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