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. Bound for the Playoffs
Johnny Russell bagged a sensational late equalizer on Saturday night as Sporting KC clawed back to earn a 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy and clinch a berth in the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs. A hotly contested encounter at rain-soaked Children’s Mercy Park saw the Galaxy (12-11-9, 45 points) surge ahead on a 25th-minute penalty kick from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but Russell’s dazzling solo effort in the 83rd minute restored parity and gave Sporting KC (15-8-8, 53 points) the requisite point to seal a club-record eighth straight playoff appearance.