Starting XI, presented by StorageMart, 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. Battle in Seattle
Two of the hottest teams in Major League Soccer will put their respective winning streaks on the line Saturday as second-place Sporting Kansas City (13-6-6, 45 points) visits sixth-place Seattle Sounders FC (11-9-5, 38 points) at CenturyLink Field in downtown Seattle. Kickoff is set for 3 p.