Sporting Kansas City's Matt Besler beat out San Jose Earthquakes centerback Victor Bernardez for the award, thanks to a media contingent that voted overwhelmingly in favor of the 25 year old.

Besler figured in all 31 matches his team played, and combined with fellow central defender Aurelien Collin (third in DoY voting) to allow just 27 goals. Not too shabby.

The question on everyone's mind is when will Jurgen Klinsmann give the former U-20 player a chance with the senior side? The answer, at least initially, would seem to be sooner rather than later. Carlos Bocanegra is injured and while Geoff Cameron looks to be a lock, there's no solid second centerback. Besler, who joined the United States in Mexico but did not appear, is on Klinsmann's radar. You'd think a cap was coming.

But I'm not so sure. Besler has the talent, but the American coach knows that he needs to prepare for the Hexagonal that starts in February. There isn't much time for tinkering with the backline. Admittedly, that lineup is in flux, but will Klinsmann trust a virtually unknown quantity in one of the most important positions on the field? Aren't the chances better that he turns to Clarence Goodson or, more likely I think, Maurice Edu to pair with Cameron? If that's the case, the January camp will be about getting the pairings comfortable with each other, not attempting to inject a new man into the situation.

I could see Besler getting a call and a cap in January. But if he's not there, don't say I didn't warn you.

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