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. Rest and Recover
Sporting KC exited the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 4-2 quarterfinal loss to the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday at BBVA Compass Stadium. The result ends Sporting KC’s bid for a second consecutive Open Cup title and puts Houston through to the semifinals for the third time in their history.