Starting XI, presented by Ford, 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. Model of Consistency
The 2017 campaign saw Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia continue his meteoric rise. The 31-year-old ultimately attained Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors after spending the first five seasons of his professional career as a backup or league pool goalkeeper. Needless to say, Melia's career arch is unconventional, and the high points he has experienced in recent seasons were made possible by a special combination of fortitude, belief and consistency in his approach.