The 2016 USL season will feature no shortage of storylines for the Swope Park Rangers. Familiar faces, like Jimmy Nielsen, will come back to KC. In-state bragging rights will be up for grabs against Saint Louis FC. Road trips will take the team north of the border to meet Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 and also to the U.S.-Mexico border to play RGV FC.
There will be homegrown talent on display in their own backyards and others who have already been seen on the international stage. And, of course, there are ultimately trophies to be won.
So before the games begin, let's take a look at who the Swope Park Rangers -- one of four newcomers in the Western Conference -- will be up against in 2016.