Sporting KC captain Matt Besler called up to U.S. national team

So much for rest.

Sporting Kansas City captain Matt Besler will join the United States men’s national team this week for its final two matches of 2014.

The U.S. will face World Cup semifinalist Colombia at 1:45 p.m. Friday in London before playing the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Nov. 18.

“I’m excited to join the U.S. Men’s National Team for these upcoming friendlies in Europe,” Besler said in a release. “Colombia and Ireland are tough opponents and will provide us strong tests as we look to close out 2014 on a high note.”

Besler has started 10 games for the national team this year, the most among all players.

He also started 24 MLS games with Sporting KC this season, despite battling through three injuries. He injured his hamstring with the national team during the World Cup in Brazil; he broke a bone in his hand a month later; and he suffered a deep hamstring contusion in the final month of the season.

Besler said last week that rest will be a major part of his of his offseason formula after the longest year of his career, but he will delay those plans one week.

“I think it’s important to give my body a break,” he said.

Sporting KC was eliminated from the MLS Cup playoffs on Oct. 30 with a 2-1 loss to New York in the Eastern Conference knockout round.

This story was originally published November 10, 2014 at 11:40 AM with the headline "Sporting KC captain Matt Besler called up to U.S. national team."