Starting XI: Gotta #Get3More

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.

With the March international break in the rearview mirror, Sporting Kansas City can direct its attention on Friday’s nationally televised clash with star-studded Toronto FC on FS1. Kickoff is at BMO Field set for 6:30 p.m. CT as Sporting KC looks to improve an already impressive 14-4-5 all-time record against the Reds, who boast the likes of Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley.

Listeners can follow the action live on Sports Radio 810 WHB (English) and La Grande 1340 AM (Spanish), while the Sporting KC Uphoria app will provide live updates. Friday’s atmosphere shouldn’t disappoint: Toronto FC will be playing its first home game since the 2016 MLS Cup Final, and both clubs enter the fixture unbeaten through three games with identical 1-0-2 records.

2. No Other Party

All Sporting KC supporters are invited to the official watch party for Friday’s match at No Other Pub in the Kansas City Power & Light District (1370 Grand Blvd.). In addition to offering $5 Boulevard drafts and other drink specials, fans can enjoy one of two all-inclusive buffet options consisting of burgers, hot dogs, wings, cheese curds, soda and domestic beers.

3. Rangers Ride to Victory

The Swope Park Rangers began defense of their USL Western Conference title in style, defeating Jimmy Nielsen-coached OKC Energy FC by a 3-1 scoreline Saturday at Children’s Mercy Victory Field inside Swope Soccer Village. Kharlton Belmar, Latif Blessing and Daniel Salloi bagged goals to secure all three points and give the Rangers momentum heading into Wednesday’s home game against Portland Timbers 2. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early for the 7:30 p.m. CT kickoff, as $1 hot dogs will be available until the 10th minute of the match. Tickets can be secured at SeatGeek.com, and the action will stream live on SportingKC.com.

4. Gotta #Get3More

The U.S. Men’s National Team enters Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier at Panama with renewed confidence, having blitzed Honduras 6-0 on Friday to collect its first win in the Hexagonal. Head coach Bruce Arena’s side will now look to build on that momentum and #Get3More at Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, with kickoff set for 9 p.m. CT on beIN Sports, Telemundo and NBC Universo. Sporting KC defenders Matt Besler and Graham Zusi remain with the 23-man squad as the U.S. looks to remain unbeaten (5-0-1) against Panama in World Cup qualifying matches.

Charles Boehm previews the battle for MLSsoccer.com, while Goal.com’s Ives Galarcep revisits the epic Hexagonal encounter between the USA and Panama in October 2013 — a fateful night that dashed Panama’s World Cup hopes and ultimately allowed rivals Mexico to qualify for the sport’s grandest tournament.

5. Honduran Hosts

Sporting KC midfielder Roger Espinoza and the Honduras Men’s National Team will look to bounce back from a humbling defeat to the United States when they host Costa Rica at 4 p.m. CT Tuesday at Estadio Francisco Morazan in San Pedro Sula. The World Cup qualifier pits two teams who suffered losses on Friday in the Hexagonal. Costa Rica fell 2-0 at Mexico before Honduras incurred a 6-0 setback to the United States — a match that saw Espinoza start and play 90 minutes in his 51st international appearance.

6. Hex Mex

Trinidad and Tobago will host Mexico in Tuesday’s other CONCACAF qualifier as El Tri looks to stay atop the Hexagonal standings. BeIN SPORTS will broadcast the game live at 6 p.m. CT as Javier Hernandez looks to become Mexico’s all-time leading scorer, having tied Jared Borgetti with a goal in Friday’s 2-0 win over Costa Rica. CBSsports.com’s Roger Gonzalez takes a closer look at the matchup.

7. Didic Debuts

Swope Park Rangers defender Amer Didc debuted for the Canada U-23 National Team in a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan on Saturday in Qatar. The 22-year-old center back started and played 90 minutes, anchoring a defense that kept a clean sheet under Canada’s new head coach and former Sporting KC assistant Octavio Zambrano. Mark Anthony Gonzalez, Didic’s SPR teammate, was also called into the Canada squad for the tournament but was sidelined Saturday with a minor injury. Canada closes the tournament Tuesday against hosts Qatar.

8. My Generation

Select players from the Sporting KC Academy have begun preparations for the 2017 Generation adidas Cup, Major League Soccer's annual elite youth tournament for U-17 academy teams that showcases the best talent in the country and the future stars of MLS. Thanks to a strong qualifying campaign in October and February, Sporting KC will compete in the Championship Division among the best Academy clubs from across the globe.

The competition runs from April 7-15 at Toyota Soccer Center in Frisco, Texas, where Sporting KC will begin pool play in Group B alongside LA Galaxy, German club Eintracht Frankfurt and Brazilian outfit Flamengo. Follow @SKCAcademy on Twitter for live updates throughout the prestigious tournament.

9. Trail to 2018

CONCACAF isn’t the only region laying witness to pivotal World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday night. CONMEBOL action hits full swing in South America as Brazil looks to extend its lead atop the table against Paraguay, while Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia, Equador, Chile and Paraguay — all separated by just five points from top to bottom — look to strengthen their respective positions in the logjam.

10. We See You, Crew SC

Week 4 in Major League Soccer showcased just three matches, as most clubs were off for the weekend during FIFA’s international break. Two of the three games were treated to a deluge of goals, as the New England Revolution hung five goals on a historically woeful Minnesota United defense en route to a 5-2 victory before Columbus Crew SC ended the Portland Timbers’ perfect start with a 3-2 home win at MAPFRE Stadium. Elsewhere, Real Salt Lake held the New York Red Bulls to a 0-0 draw in interim head coach Daryl Shore’s first game in charge. MLSsoccer.com's Susannah Collins and Calen Carr broke down the three MLS matches, and also talked about the U.S. MNT’s big win in San Jose.

11. Dogfight in Dallas

We have great news for anyone hoping to participate in the Roaddron to FC Dallas on Saturday, April 22. Away ticket requests for that match have reopened after Sporting KC was recently allotted more seats at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, meaning supporters can click here to secure their free away tickets to the fixture before the April 7 deadline.

Games to Watch (March 28-30)