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. Aye Aye, Captain
Captain Matt Besler penned a letter to Sporting Kansas City fans on Friday, offering an emphatic message that his team is ready to fight to improve its positioning in the Western Conference as the second half of the season commences. Click here to give it a read.