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. Done and Dusted
Sporting KC returned to the Western Conference summit with a 1-0 victory over D.C. United on Saturday at Children’s Mercy Park. Felipe Gutierrez bagged his league-leading fifth goal of the season just three minutes into the game as Manager Peter Vermes’ men secured their first shutout of 2018 and extended their unbeaten run to four consecutive matches.