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. Tied at the Top
Sporting KC and Columbus Crew SC moved into a tie atop the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings after the sides scrapped to a 0-0 draw on Sunday at sold-out Children’s Mercy Park. Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia saved a penalty kick in the 43rd minute before Crew SC were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of halftime when Federico Higuain received a straight red card for a high challenge on Roger Espinoza.