Kyle Beckerman is in his 17th Major League Soccer season and his 385 career regular season matches is the most by a field player in league history. Since coming to the league as an 18-year-old with the Miami Fusion in 2000, he has learned a lot about how to maintain his body through the rigors of a long season.
Now 34 years old, he is leading a Real Salt Lake team with the fewest losses in MLS so far this season. In an appearance on the Soccer Matters radio show in Houston this week, Beckerman reflected on his longevity in the league, noting that he learned a lot from players like Preki, Mark Chung, Chris Henderson and Pablo Mastroeni about how to endure a rigorous season and get ready for each new year.
“I think the biggest thing is taking care of the body,” Beckerman said. “I really think it’s truly important what you’re putting into your body and are you getting massages and I’ve added pilates to my recovery. Different stuff to make sure you’re strong and ready to go again. I think it’s something maybe that got instilled in me at such an early age and guys were playing a lot longer than they do now.”
Playing alongside those four players with the Miami Fusion for his first two seasons, Beckerman saw what it took to be a successful player in the league. Although he only made three appearances in his first two seasons, he was still able to learn how to fight for a spot on the field and sustain it once it’s earned.
“When I was a young guy wanting to get on the field I made sure I was fit and ready to go and then I stayed with that mindset and be ready for the next game,” he said. “I really do enjoy the game. I love coming to practice every day and gamedays are awesome. It’s just been a lot of fun and I’m trying to keep it going.”
Beckerman and RSL host the Houston Dynamo on Saturday at Rio Tinto Stadium in the final home match before RSL plays five consecutive road matches while the pitch is replaced at the stadium.
To hear the full interview, click here.
