Starting XI: Comeback Kids

Starting XI 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 Kansas City staged an insane comeback to win 3-2 against the Houston Dynamo on Saturday night in front of a sold-out crowd at Children’s Mercy Park. Houston's Mauro Manotas scored in the first 90 seconds of the match, then followed with another goal in the 45th minute. Sporting KC came out with fire power in the second half, and Daniel Salloi slotted home in the 59th minute. Diego Rubio tied the game in the 85th minute, just 23 seconds after entering the match, and just three short minutes later, Salloi drove into the box and squared for Khiry Shelton to score the game-winner. In one of the greatest comebacks in Sporting KC history, the club collected its first regular-season home win over the Dynamo since 2011.

2. Smith Solid in Debut

Graham Smith, a regular starter for the Swope Park Rangers during his rookie season in 2018, made his MLS debut with Sporting KC this Saturday against Houston. Manager Peter Vermes was satisfied with Smith’s performance and sees plenty of potential in the 22-year-old center back from Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

“Graham has been playing well, and I thought he did an excellent job tonight,” Vermes said. “He was good on the ball, he was calm in the game, and when I told him he was going to play, he responded really well.”

3. No Other Watch Party

Sporting KC heads to play the Montreal Impact at Stade Saputo on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT. All supporters are welcome to attend the official watch party for Saturday's match at No Other Pub in the Kansas City Power & Light District. Starting at 5:30 p.m. CT, No Other Pub will offer $4 Bud Light drafts and an all-you-can-eat buffet with bottomless soda and domestic draft beers.

4. Rubio-Goal of the Week

Sporting Kansas City striker Diego Rubio didn’t need long to make an impact on Saturday night against the Houston Dynamo. Entering the match in the 85th minute, Rubio was fed the ball by other Sporting KC forward, Daniel Salloi, just 23 seconds after he stepped on the pitch, leveling the match at 2-2. The Chilean's goal — his third from off the bench this season — is one of five nominees for AT&T MLS Goal of the Week in Week 17.

5. Zusi an All-Star

Veteran Sporting KC defender Graham Zusi has been named to the 2018 MLS All-Star Fan XI presented by Target, Major League Soccer announced today. Zusi, 31, receives MLS All-Star accolades for the sixth time in his career, tied with former defender Jimmy Conrad for second-most in club history behind Preki’s seven. The right back previously earned All-Star accolades in 2012-2015, again in 2017, and now 2018. Zusi and the MLS All-Star Team will face Italian powerhouse Juventus in the 2018 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, set for 6:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Aug. 1, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

6. Rangers Move Upward

The Swope Park Rangers welcomed expansion side Las Vegas Lights FC to Children’s Mercy Park on Sunday afternoon. After a thrilling 90 minutes, the Rangers walked away with three points after defeating the Lights 3-2 with goals all from Sporting KC loanees Seth Sinovic, Kharlton Belmar and Wan Kuzain Wan Kamal. Now at fourth place in the Western Conference, head coach Paulo Nagamura's men will have the next weekend off. SPR will head to face Seattle Sounders FC 2 on July 5 in a game that will stream live on ESPN+.

7. Up for ESPYS

Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Tim Melia and defender Ike Opara are nominated for Best MLS Player at the 2018 ESPYS, which will air July 18 on ABC. Melia and Opara are the second and third Sporting KC players to be nominated for an ESPY. Graham Zusi was one of four finalists in 2013. Fan voting is open online until the show begins at 7 p.m. CT on July 18.

8. Scooter's Grand Opening

On Friday, Scooter's Coffee will celebrate the grand opening of its new cafe in Independence, Missouri (2300 S. Missouri 291 Hwy) with a Day of Giving, donating 100 percent of the location's proceeds to The Victory Project. The Day of Giving is part of a season-long collaboration in which Scooter’s Coffee raises money and awareness for The Victory Project, the philanthropic arm of Sporting KC that unites players, staff and fans to help children fighting cancer and other serious illnesses.

9. U-14s Advance to Regional Semifinals

The Sporting KC U-14s have traveled to Westfield, Indiana to compete in the 2018 US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional Championships. The U-14s finished the weekend group stage with three victories and have advanced to the tournament semifinals, where they will face Des Moines Menace Soccer Academy at 9 a.m. CT. Should the U-14s prevail, they will advance to Wednesday's championship game at 7 a.m. CT to play for a berth in the 2018 US Youth Soccer National Championships, which run July 23-29 in Frisco, Texas.

10. Playoff Journeys End

The Sporting KC U-17s and U-19s played three games each at the 2018 Development Academy Playoffs, both earning third-place finishes in their respective groups. The U-17’s began their playoff campaign with a 4-2 win on Tuesday, they lost to the Seattle Sounders FC and to Concorde Fire to end their playoff run. The U-19’s tied their first match last Monday against eventual group winners Columbus, lost to the New York Red Bulls, and defeated Kendall SC 3-0 on Friday. For more, visit SportingKC.com.

11. Toyota Tour Continues

From 5-7 p.m. CT on Friday, Sporting KC fans of all ages are welcome to attend the next stop of the 2018 Toyota Tour at Hendrick Toyota of Merriam (9505 W 67th St, Merriam, KS). Supporters will have photograph opportunities with a Sporting KC player and the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophy. All in attendance will also have the chance to receive a special “Be a Player” experience, which includes 10 passes to tour and watch Sporting KC training at Pinnacle followed by a meet-and-great with select players. In addition, Sporting KC will conduct ticket giveaways for home games on Aug. 18 and 25 against Portland and Minnesota, respectively.

Games to Watch (June 26-28, 2018)