Starting XI: American Pie

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.

The U.S. Men’s National Team will return to Kansas City on June 26, 2019, when Children’s Mercy Park hosts the final two games of the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup group stage, Concacaf announced on Tuesday. Tickets for the doubleheader will go on sale at a later date and fans are encouraged to visit GoldCup.org to sign up to receive ticketing updates and information. As reigning Gold Cup champions, the USA are unbeaten in seven previous appearances in Kansas City and will return to world-class Children’s Mercy Park for the third time in Gold Cup competition (2011, 2015, 2019).

2. Season Finale

Sporting KC will host its Fan Appreciation Match on Sunday, Oct. 28, when the club meets LAFC in a dramatic conclusion to the 2018 MLS regular season at Children’s Mercy Park. Tickets for the all-important Decision Day clash, set for 3:30 p.m. CT, are available via SeatGeek.com as Sporting KC and LAFC battle for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Supporters who attend the highly anticipated regular season finale are guaranteed to win a prize exclusively through the Sporting KC Uphoria mobile app, available for free download on the App Store and Google Play.

• A pair of 2019 Sporting KC season tickets
• Player-autographed merchandise
• VIP experiences
• 50 percent off authentic jerseys
• Discount offers at SportingStyle and concessions

3. Bring It Home

Five points from Sporting KC's final three MLS matches would guarantee a top-four finish in the West and a home playoff game that goes with it. Manager Peter Vermes' side faces a pivotal two-game road swing next week — facing a desperate Vancouver outfit on Wednesday before venturing south to meet leaders FC Dallas on Sunday, Oct. 21 — then closes out the regular season ledger with an all-important Decision Day clash against LAFC on Oct. 28 at Children's Mercy Park.

If Sporting KC win out, they will be assured of a top-two finish and a Knockout Round bye to the conference semifinals. This outcome would see Sporting KC play away in the first leg on Nov. 4 and host the second leg on Nov. 11. At this point in time, that remains the club's best-case scenario.

4. Support SPR

The two-time defending USL Western Conference champion Swope Park Rangers (14-11-8, 7th place) will host LA Galaxy II (10-16-7, 13th place) at 2 p.m. CT Sunday at Children's Mercy Park in the team's regular season finale. Tickets are available online at SeatGeek.com and the first 500 fans in attendance will receive SPR t-shirts as part of Fan Appreciation Day festivities, which will also include specials on food, drinks and merchandise. The Rangers will clinch a third straight playoff berth with a win on Sunday as one of the top eight finishers in the Western Conference.

In conjunction with Sunday's match, the Rangers are offering a Matchday Clinic package that includes a pair of tickets plus a one-hour postgame on-field clinic with player photos and autographs for $45. Call 888-4KC-GOAL for more information.

5. Johnny in Israel

A stellar debut season with Sporting KC has propelled Johnny Russell back into the Scotland Men’s National Team picture. The forward has joined his country for the third straight international window as the inaugural UEFA Nations League rolls into October. Russell, who started in a 2-0 home win over Albania last month that vaulted Scotland to the top of Group 1 in UEFA Nations League C, has ventured across the Atlantic for today's contest in Israel, which Sporting KC fans can catch live on ESPN+ at 1:45 p.m. CT.

6. Nemo in Athens

Sporting KC striker Krisztian Nemeth has joined the Hungary Men’s National Team for the first time since March ahead of two UEFA Nations League away matches against Greece and Estonia. The first test beckons Friday as the Magyars travel to Olympic Stadium in Athens for an important duel against Euro 2004 champions Greece, streaming live on ESPN+ at 1:45 p.m. CT.

7. Felipe in Florida

For the first time in 12 months, Felipe Gutierrez is set to represent the Chile Men’s National Team. The Sporting KC midfielder is included in a formidable 24-man squad assembled by head coach Reinaldo Rueda, with Manchester United forward Alexis Sanchez and FC Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal among the world-class stars to join La Roja for a pair of friendlies during the FIFA international window in October. Chile’s first test comes Friday against Peru, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. CT inside Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins.

8. Busio Abroad

Sporting KC midfielder Gianluca Busio has joined the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team for the 2018 Under-17 International Youth Tournament in England. Busio is part of a 21-man roster led by head coach Shaun Tsakiris, with the Americans set to play three matches over a five-day span across the Atlantic.

Busio and the U.S. will kick off the tournament against hosts England on Friday before facing perennial powerhouse Brazil on Sunday and Russia on Tuesday. Matches will take place at five different venues in the counties of Cheshire and Shropshire.

9. Lindsey Lauded

Sporting KC defender Jaylin Lindsey has been named the No. 11 player on the United Soccer League’s 20 Under 20, a list highlighting the best young talent to play in the USL this season.

The USL began its 20 Under 20 countdown Monday and announced players ranked No. 8-11 today. The USL will unveil No. 4-7 on Thursday and the top three players in the 20 Under 20 rankings on Friday. The annual list is compiled through input from head coaches and technical staffs at all 33 clubs across the league.

10. Pitch Black

Sporting KC will host the club’s 2018 Pitch Black awards celebration on Friday at Children’s Mercy Park. Pitch Black, presented by Audi, will see Sporting KC announce the following award winners for the 2018 season:

• Most Valuable Player, presented by Audi
• Offensive Player of the Year, presented by Ivy investments
• Defensive Player of the Year, presented by Firedoor Solutions
• Newcomer of the Year, presented by Rosnet
• Goal of the Year, presented by Heartland Coca-Cola

11. Meet Ilie

Sporting KC will hold a Meet and Greet with Ilie at the adidas Store in Legends Outlets (1811 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS) on Saturday. Ilie will be available for autographs and photo opportunities with fans from 3:30-5 p.m. CT.

Games to Watch (Oct. 11-14, 2018)