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. Off and Running
Sporting KC will open the club's 2019 season on Thursday with a highly anticipated showdown against Mexican side Deportivo Toluca FC in the first leg of the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Round of 16, slated for 7 p.m. CT at Children's Mercy Park. Tickets for the marquee matchup are included in Sporting KC Season Ticket Member packages and remain available to the general public at SeatGeek.