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. High Risers
Sporting KC earned a 3-2 aggregate victory over Phoenix Rising FC last Thursday, prevailing over the course of two 75-minute scrimmages at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Tempe, Arizona. Johnny Russell tucked home in the 56th minute to give Sporting KC a 1-0 advantage before Graham Zusi’s exquisite free kick on 72 minutes made the score 2-1.