Sporting KC’s Matt Besler, Graham Zusi named to U.S. national team roster for Copa America

Matt Besler and Graham Zusi will join the United States men’s national team for its top competition this year.

The Sporting Kansas City teammates were named Saturday to the U.S. roster for the Copa America Centenario, which begins June 3. They will depart Kansas City after the club’s match Saturday against Real Salt Lake.

But they will return soon. The U.S. is scheduled to participate in two exhibition matches next week, including a trip to Children’s Mercy Park on May 28.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I look forward to representing my country in such a historic tournament," Besler said in a news release.

The Americans will host this year’s tournament, and they open their Copa America schedule against Colombia on June 3 in Santa Clara, Calif. The 16-nation tournament also includes Mexico, Brazil and Argentina.

"Playing in a Copa America in front of our home fans will be an amazing experience," Zusi said. "I am excited and honored to join the national team for one of the best tournaments in the world."

Besler, 29, has made 31 appearances for the U.S. national team and started all four matches for the Americans in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He fell out of favor during the 2015 season and was not selected to the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but he has been a regular for coach Jurgen Klinsmann during the 2018 World Cup qualifying circuit.

Zusi, 29, has played in 33 matches with the Americans, including four appearances at the 2014 World Cup. He scored for the U.S. during a 2018 World Cup qualifying match against Guatemala in March.

This story was originally published May 21, 2016 at 4:12 PM with the headline "Sporting KC’s Matt Besler, Graham Zusi named to U.S. national team roster for Copa America."