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. Best in the West
Sporting KC sealed first place in the Western Conference and a No. 1 seed in the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs with a thrilling 2-1 win over LAFC at Children’s Mercy Park. Goals from Roger Espinoza and Daniel Salloi were enough to overcome Carlos Vela’s penalty kick in Sunday’s regular season finale and give Sporting KC their sixth first-place conference finish in club history.