Starting XI, presented by Ford, 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. Hop Off the Plane at LAX
Western Conference leaders Sporting Kansas City (7-4-6, 27 points) travel to California for the second straight weekend, this time visiting StubHub Center for a Saturday night showdown with the red-hot LA Galaxy (6-5-4, 22 points). The match will kick off at 9:30 p.