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. Prepare for Battle
Less than a week remains until top-seeded Sporting KC and the No. 5 seed Portland Timbers lock horns in the Western Conference Championship of the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs. Sporting KC will visit Portland in the first leg of the aggregate-goal series on Sunday at Providence Park.