Starting XI 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. Two on Tap
Sporting Kansas City will take the field for two matches in Arizona this week as the club continues its 2018 preseason, presented by Children's Mercy. Manager Peter Vermes’ men will kick off the Mobile Mini Sun Cup at 6 p.m. CT on Wednesday against the New York Red Bulls at Kino Sports Complex in Tucson before traveling north to Scottsdale to play Phoenix Rising FC at 4 p.