Starting XI: Done in the Desert

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.

Following Wednesday’s defeat to the New England Revolution, the Desert Diamond Cup crown is out of reach for Sporting Kansas City heading into the final matchday on Saturday. Peter Vermes’ men will square off against New York City FC in their preseason finale at 4:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, having gone 1-3-1 so far in their preparations for the 2017 MLS season. Once Sporting KC’s Desert Diamond Cup obligations are over, the side returns to Kansas City for a week of training before heading to the nation’s capital for the season opener against D.C. United on March 4.

2. Bangers and Mash

Wednesday’s 6-2 preseason loss to the New England Revolution on Wednesday was a game to forget — save a few magical moments from Jimmy Medranda (watch) and Graham Zusi (watch). Both players scored stunning goals from distance, offering a reminder of the qualities they bring to the pitch. Medranda has drawn extensive praise this offseason from Manager Peter Vermes, while Zusi continues to gain comfort in his well-documented transition to right back.

3. Captain’s Call

Homegrown defender Erik Palmer-Brown will lead the U.S. Under-20 National Team into their final Group B battle of the CONCACAF Championship on Friday, knowing a win against St. Kitts and Nevis will earn the side a berth in the classification stage next week. On Tuesday afternoon, Palmer-Brown captained the side as the U.S. came from behind to claim a 4-1 victory over Haiti behind a hat trick from Brooks Lennon.

4. We. Party. Together.

Sporting Kansas City is throwing a party on a rooftop — and you’re invited. The “We. Together.” Season Kickoff Party will take place Tuesday on The Green Roof, a rooftop park in downtown Kansas City that will be transformed into a soccer field for the special occasion. The event is free and open to fans who RSVP at SportingKC.com/rsvp, and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. CT with Sporting KC players and coaches in attendance. The kickoff party highlights a can’t-miss lineup of interactive fan activities in the Power & Light District on Tuesday, including the first chance to buy Sporting KC’s new jersey.

5. TV Guide

On Wednesday afternoon, Sporting KC and FOX Sports Kansas City announced the network’s 2017 TV schedule. All Sporting KC telecasts will air on FOX Sports Kansas City or FOX Sports Kansas City Plus in Kansas, Nebraska and western Missouri. Additionally, viewers who have FSKC or FOX Sports Midwest will have the ability to stream games through FOX Sports GO.

6. Crown Jewel

One of the most exciting developments in American soccer is taking shape right here in Kansas City. The world-class National Training and Coaching Development Center — set to open at the end of the year — will give the city another feather in its proverbial soccer cap, making KC the hub for overall soccer development in the United States. As NTCDC contstruction continues, SportingKC.com/ntcdc will offer photo galleries and a feature series showcasing the various components of the city’s latest flagship soccer venture. The series kicked off this week with a look at the state-of-the-art Sports Performance Gymnasium, shared by Sporting KC and Children’s Mercy.

7. Close Range

The Swope Park Rangers continued to add to their roster ahead of their USL Western Conference title defense, bringing in goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod after he completed a four-year college career at Drake University in Iowa. The Rangers will play their second preseason game on Sunday against the University of Tulsa at Swope Soccer Village, with kickoff set for 2 p.m. In addition, single-game tickets for the 2017 USL season went on sale Tuesday morning, with tickets available at four different price points via SeatGeek.

8. CCL Stalemate

The 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals are now underway, with three clubs bidding to become the first MLS outfit to win the continental tournament. The New York Red Bulls and Vancouver Whitecaps FC squared off Wednesday, drawing 1-1 to set up a pivotal second leg in Vancouver next Thursday. FC Dallas opens its quarterfinal tie tonight against Arabe Unido, hoping to secure a home win ahead of next week’s decisive return leg in Panama. MLSsoccer.com’s Franco Panizo breaks down tonight’s game at Toyota Stadium, which will stream live on CONCACAF’s Facebook page.

9. Fantasy Footy

It’s almost time to put those fantasy teams to the test with the opening weekend of MLS action almost upon us. Andrew Winner of MLSSoccer.com looks at the 10 players to avoid on opening weekend, while colleague Josie Becker caught up with last year’s fantasy gurus to shed some light on tips and tricks of the game.

10. Mobile Magic

The official app of Sporting Kansas City is primed to deliver an unmatched mobile experience in 2017. Sporting KC Uphoria users will enjoy a variety of exclusive offers and features on game day and throughout the year — whether they’re at Children’s Mercy Park, No Other Pub or in the comfort of their own homes. Download Sporting KC Uphoria for free on the App Store and Google Play, then register an account via Facebook or email. Don’t skip registration, or you won’t receive the full spectrum of perks the app has to offer—ranging from MySKC Cam and Experience upgrades to Price Chopper offers and perks at No Other Pub.

11. Get the Fox Out

Just nine months after achieving arguably the most remarkable accomplishment in sports history by winning the English Premier League at 5,000-1 odds, Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri was relieved of his duties on Thursday afternoon. Mark Ogden of ESPN FC notes that Ranieri could see this season’s relegation battle coming, while Aaron West of FOX Sports believes that Ranieri had to go for the Foxes to preserve their Premier League status.

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