Starting XI: Caging the Lions

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 (14-7-6, 48 points) claimed a 1-0 victory over Orlando City SC (7-17-3, 24 points) on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park to move within a point of first place in the Western Conference. Midfielder Felipe Gutierrez bagged the game-winner in the 53rd minute, his sixth goal of the season and his first since March 31, as Sporting KC leapfrogged Los Angeles Football Club for second place in the West and closed the gap on leaders FC Dallas. Goalkeeper Tim Melia posted his MLS-leading 12th shutout of 2018 and the 38th of his regular season career, taking sole possession of second-most in Sporting KC history.

2. Call It When You See It

Sporting KC and Children’s Mercy have partnered to launch the anti-bullying initiative Red Card: Call It When You See It. The program will unite local communities in taking a stance to end bullying, one of the most significant social issues impacting children and teens nationwide.

3. Three’s Company

Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia, defender Seth Sinovic and midfielder Felipe Gutierrez have earned MLS Team of the Week plaudits from MLSsoccer.com after playing pivotal roles in Sporting KC's 1-0 victory over Orlando City SC on Saturday at Children's Mercy Park.

4. Russell-Mania

Sporting KC forward Johnny Russell started and played 70 minutes on Monday as the Scotland Men’s National Team claimed a comprehensive 2-0 home victory over Albania in its 2018-19 UEFA Nations League opener at rainy Hampden Park in Glasgow.

5. Rubio Ready in Korea

Sporting KC forward Diego Rubio and the Chile Men’s National Team ventured to Asia last week for the first of what they thought would be two friendlies against Japan and South Korea, respectively. Mother nature intervened, however, as a 6.7 magnitude earthquake rocked the island of Hokkaido and canceled Friday’s match between Chile and Japan at the Sapporo Dome. Chile has since traveled safely from Japan to South Korea, where they will battle the hosts at 6 a.m. CT Tuesday at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon.

6. Salloi Set for Hungary

Sporting KC homegrown forward Daniel Salloi remains in contention for his first Hungary cap at the senior level when the Magyars welcome Greece for their second UEFA Nations League clash on Tuesday at Groupama Arena in Budapest. Kickoff is set for 1:45 p.m. CT with a live stream on ESPN+.

7. Earthquake Warning

Manager Peter Vermes' men will continue their pursuit of an eighth straight playoff berth this weekend when the side visits the San Jose Earthquakes (4-15-8, 20 points) at Avaya Stadium. Saturday's clash will kick off at 9:30 p.m. CT, with three hours of live coverage beginning at 9 p.m. CT on FOX Sports Kansas City, FOX Sports Midwest Plus and FOX Sports GO.

All supporters are invited to attend the official watch party for Saturday's match at No Other Pub in the Kansas City Power & Light District (1370 Grand Blvd.). Beginning at 9 p.m. CT, No Other Pub will offer an all-you-can-eat buffet with bottomless soda and domestic draft beers, plus $6 Till Vodka cocktails and a variety of giveaways on Sporting KC and Till Vodka-branded items signed by Sporting KC players.

8. Malaysian Messi’s Masterpiece

Sporting Kansas City homegrown midfielder Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal is the recipient of the USL Goal of the Month for August, the USL announced on Monday. His stunning free kick for the Swope Park Rangers in a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Tulsa Roughnecks FC on August 29 at Children’s Mercy Park received the most votes among 10 finalists for the award.

9. Rangers Rolling

The Swope Park Rangers (13-9-7, 46 points) vaulted to fifth place in the USL's Western Conference after collecting their fourth straight win on Sunday, defeating Fresno FC 1-0 on a 14th-minute goal from Hadji Barry. The SPR forward has now scored in five straight appearances and leads the team with 13 goals on the season.

The Rangers will continue their 2018 campaign Saturday at Children's Mercy Park when they host archrivals Saint Louis FC (11-8-9, 42 points) in a crucial Western Conference clash. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. CT and tickets are available via SeatGeek.com or at the stadium's east box office on matchday. The game will also stream live on ESPN+.

10. Vote for Johnny

EA SPORTS is giving fans the opportunity to pick players to appear on a custom cover for the upcoming FIFA 19. Sporting KC forward Johnny Russell is among the players on the ballot, having enjoyed an excellent first MLS season after spending the first decade of his career in England and his native Scotland. Visit the poll at MLSsoccer.com through Friday, Sept. 21 to select Russell for the downloadable MLS FIFA 19 custom cover.

11. Kids Cruise

The Sporting KC Academy U-19s continued their strong start to the 2018-19 U.S. Soccer Development Academy season on Saturday with a second straight win, while the Sporting KCU-15ss earned an emphatic 5-1 victory during a tripleheader against perennial DA powers FC Dallas at Children's Mercy Victory Field in Swope Soccer Village.

Games to Watch (Sept. 11-12, 2018)