Starting XI: All-Stars in Atlanta

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.

Sporting KC suffered a 3-2 defeat to FC Dallas on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park, ending the club’s 10-game home unbeaten run in all competitions. A hat-trick from Michael Barrios lifted first-place FC Dallas (12-3-6, 42 points) nine points clear of Sporting KC (9-6-6, 33 points) in the Western Conference standings and gave the team its first win at Children’s Mercy Park since 2011.

Barrios bagged his first in the 23rd minute before Gerso Fernandes equalized five minutes into the second half, scoring the 1,000th regular-season goal in Sporting KC history. Barrios netted twice in the final half-hour, however, as FC Dallas snapped its 10-game winless skid in Kansas City and avenged a 3-2 defeat to Sporting KC in the U.S. Open Cup on June 16. Forward Daniel Salloi managed a last-gasp consolation goal for the hosts, who are now winless in five straight MLS matches.

2. Busio Debuts

In the same game Sporting KC hit 1,000 regular-season goals, an age-related milestone was reached in the second half of Saturday's match. Homegrown midfielder and U.S. youth international Gianluca Busio replaced Felipe Gutierrez with 77 minutes on the clock, becoming the club’s all-time youngest player to feature in an MLS match at 16 years and 61 days.

3. Another Dynamo Duel

Sporting KC will look to bounce back from Saturday's loss when the club travels to meet rivals Houston Dynamo (7-8-6, 27 points) this Saturday. Kickoff at BBVA Compass Stadium is set for 8 p.m. CT, with three hours of live television coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. CT on FOX Sports Kansas City Plus, FOX Sports Midwest Plus and FOX Sports GO.

Listeners can catch Saturday's Western Conference clash on Sports Radio 810 WHB (English) and ESPN Deportes KC 1480 AM (Spanish), with The Final Whistle postgame show airing immediately afterward on 810 WHB. All supporters are welcome to the official watch party for the game at No Other Pub in the Kansas City Power & Light District (1370 Grand Blvd.). Beginning at 7:30 p.m. CT, No Other Pub will offer $6 Till Vodka cocktails and an all-you-can-eat buffet with bottomless soda and domestic draft beers.

4. Young Studs

Up to four Sporting KC players will take the field this week during 2018 MLS All-Star Atlanta, highlighted by Tuesday's MLS Homegrown Game presented by Energizer and Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game presented by Target.

Defender Jaylin Lindsey and midfielder Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal will join the MLS Homegrown Team to face the Tigres UANL U-20s in the MLS Homegrown Game on Tuesday at 7 p.m. CT. The match will be livestreamed exclusively on Twitter via live.twitter.com/mlsenunivision and @MLS from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground in Atlanta.

5. Veteran Studs

On Wednesday, Sporting KC midfielder Ilie Sanchez and defender Graham Zusi will join the MLS All-Star Team as the league's best players square off with Italian powerhouse Juventus in the 2018 MLS All-Star Game at 6:30 p.m. CT. The summer showcase at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will air live on ESPN and UniMas.

6. First Fridays

Sporting KC invites all fans to the First Fridays Block Party this Friday in the Crossroads Arts District (2020 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO). The free event will run from 5-9 p.m. CT, featuring yard games, free beer and a food and beverage pairing, and the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Sporting KC sampling glass. The food and beverage pairing will take place from 5-7 p.m. CT, while beverage stations and yard games will be open for the duration of the event. In addition, SportingStyle merchandise will be available for purchase. Click here to RSVP to the summer celebration.

7. SoCal Swing

Led by head coach Paulo Nagamura, the Swope Park Rangers (9-7-5, 32 points) will resume their 2018 USL campaign this week with a two-game road trip to Southern California. SPR will battle LA Galaxy II (5-11-4, 19 points) at 9:30 p.m. CT Wednesday at StubHub Center in Carson before meeting Orange County SC (11-6-4, 37 points) at 9 p.m. CT Saturday at Championship Soccer Stadium in Irvine. Both matches will stream live on ESPN+.

8. London Calling

Competing under the gamer name SKC Alekzandur, Kansas City native Alex Betancourt will compete at the 2018 FIFA eWorld Cup Grand Final this week at The O2 Arena in London. Alekzandur, one of 32 finalists who qualified via the FIFA 18 Global Series, will now battle it out for the main prize – the title of FIFA eWorld Cup champion, $250,000 in prize money and a trip to the Best FIFA Football Awards this fall. Live scores will be available on fifa.gg, with the group stage taking place Thursday and Friday and the knockout rounds set for Friday night and Saturday.

9. Sunk in the Semis

The Sporting KC Academy season officially ended Saturday when the U-14s suffered a semifinal defeat at the 2018 US Youth Soccer National Championships at Toyota Soccer Center in Frisco, Texas. Led by head coach Declan Jogi, the U-14s had earned a second-place finish in Group A to secure a spot in Saturday's semifinal round alongside three of the top U-14 clubs in the country. Sporting KC's run came to an end in the semifinals with a 4-0 loss to Michigan club Nationals Union Black on Saturday morning. Real Jersey FC would go on to beat Nationals Union Black 1-0 in Sunday's championship.

10. Sporting Stars

Sporting KC Youth Soccer has announced the launch of Sporting Stars, a new grassroots youth program tailored for players aged 5-8 that introduces technical skills, small-sided 4v4 gameplay and an emphasis on teamwork. Registration for Sporting Stars is now open with classes beginning Friday, Sept. 7. The program will feature a fast-paced curriculum that focuses on repetition and progression under the guidance of Sporting KC Youth Soccer coaches.

11. Prize Package

Fans can enter the Westlake Ace Hardware Ultimate Sporting KC Matchday Sweepstakes to win an all-inclusive prize package courtesy of Westlake Ace Hardware. The limited-time opportunity will see all participants entered for the chance to win 10 Bud Light Landing tickets to Sporting KC's game against Orlando City SC on Sept. 8, one customized replica jersey, a postgame photo on the pitch, a $250 Westlake gift card and a wide array of tailgating gear.

Games to Watch (July 31 - Aug. 2, 2018)