Starting XI, presented by StorageMart, is a biweekly series on SportingKC.com that highlights 11 of the biggest storylines and news updates from Sporting Kansas City, MLS and soccer around the globe. Click here to visit the Starting XI archive.
1. And Then There Were Four
The daunting climb up the Champions League mountain continues tonight when Sporting Kansas City visits Mexican powerhouse CF Monterrey in the first leg of the heralded tournament’s semifinals. Kickoff at the world-class Estadio BBVA Bancomer is set for 9 p.m. CT as Sporting and Rayados lock horns for the first time, hoping to build an aggregate lead heading into next week’s decisive return leg at Children’s Mercy Park.