Kansas City, KS (Sports Network) - Sporting Kansas City announced on Wednesday that the club has come to terms with defender Matt Besler on a new contract.

The 25-year-old has opted to remain with his hometown club after a standout campaign that saw Besler win the 2012 MLS Defender of the Year award in addition to being included in the MLS Best XI.

"Kansas City is my home," Besler said in a statement. "This organization is fantastic, I love all my teammates and the fans are the best around. My goal to help bring championships to Kansas City has never wavered and I am ecstatic to re-sign with the club. I promise to continue to work hard and serve this team and community through my actions on and off the field."

Besler started 30 games in his fourth season with Sporting and helped the club to the best defensive record in the league, conceding 27 goals in 34 games.

Kansas City also secured the top spot in the Eastern Conference and captured the U.S. Open Cup.

"Matt not only developed into a very important piece of our team, but also into a strong leadership role within the group," manager Peter Vermes said. "Obviously this was a very high priority to get done and we are very, very pleased we were able to retain him as he is a key piece to our puzzle and a great asset for the successes of our team."

The Sports Network