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.
1. Rumble in Rip City
Sporting Kansas City (10-12-7, 37 points) slipped to a last-gasp 2-1 loss against the Portland Timbers (13-11-4, 43 points) on Saturday night in a pulsating Western Conference clash at Providence Park. Benny Feilhaber fired the visitors ahead with a magisterial strike near the hour-mark, but the Timbers rallied behind late strikes from Jeremy Ebobisse and Brian Fernandez to leave Sporting six points shy of playoff positioning with five regular season matches remaining.
Manager Peter Vermes' men will aim to bounce back and stage a dramatic climb above the playoff line next Sunday when they visit the eighth-place LA Galaxy (13-12-3, 42 points) in yet another pivotal Western Conference battle at Dignity Health Sports Park. Kickoff is slated for 9 p.m. CT with national television coverage on FS1. Currently on 37 points, Sporting are six points shy of a playoff spot that will go to each of the top seven finishers in the conference.
3. Gutierrez Serves Suspension
The Football Federation of Chile announced Friday that Sporting Kansas City's Felipe Gutierrez was released by the Chile Men's National Team, allowing the midfielder to serve his one-game MLS suspension for yellow card accumulation on Saturday when Sporting fell 2-1 in Portland.
Gutierrez, who was an unused substitute in Chile's 0-0 friendly draw against Argentina last Thursday in Los Angeles, was originally set to remain with La Roja for Tuesday's friendly at Honduras. His international absence for the Portland match would have forced Gutierrez to serve his yellow card suspension next Sunday when Sporting travels to face the LA Galaxy. Instead, Gutierrez was suspended this weekend versus Portland and becomes available for the all-important match at LA.
4. Benny in the Nets
Whether it was intended to be a cross or a shot is a moot point. The fact of the matter is that Benny Feilhaber's majestic goal in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Portland Timbers was one of the best Sporting Kansas City goals of the season. Not too surprisingly, It's also in the running for AT&T MLS Goal of the Week.
Feilhaber's long-range floater over Portland goalkeeper Steve Clark is one of five nominees on the Week 27 fan ballot alongside Jesus Medina of New York City FC, Benji Michel of Orlando City SC, Andre Shinyashiki of the Colorado Rapids and Michael Bradley of Toronto FC. MLS Goal of the Week voting is open through Wednesday night at MLSsoccer.com.
Sporting Kansas City's Nico Hasler helped the Liechtenstein Men's National Team secure its first point of UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying on Sunday, assisting Dennis Salanovic's 85th-minute equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Greece at Olympic Stadium in Athens. Making his 63rd senior international appearance, Hasler played the full 90 minutes in an advanced midfield position for the second time in three days, having done so in a 5-0 loss at Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday.
6. Big Monday
Up to three Sporting Kansas City players could represent their countries on Monday as September's international break comes to a close. Johnny Russell and Scotland will host No. 1-ranked Belgium at Hampden Park in Glasgow, while Botond Barath and Krisztian Nemeth will join Hungary in hosting Slovakia at Groupama Arena in Budapest. Both UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying matches will kick off at 1:45 p.m. CT and stream live on ESPN3 and the ESPN app.
7. SPR Slip-up
The Swope Park Rangers suffered a 4-2 defeat at Memphis 901 FC on Saturday night at AutoZone Park. Wilson Harris gave the Rangers a first-half lead and Ze Pedro equalized early in the second period, but it wasn’t enough as SPR fell to a frustrating seventh straight loss.
8. Zusi Talks Recovery
A new series from MLS, The Edge presented by AdvoCare highlights five keys to success: technology, preparation, recovery, nutrition and training. In the newest episode episode, recovery is highlighted as an integral part to Sporting Kansas City defender Graham Zusi's success.
Zusi is in his 11th MLS season, a milestone many players dream of achieving. He logged the most minutes of all SKC players in 2018, playing all 34 regular season games. In the episode, he explains how recovery, as well as the other significant keys to success from this season of The Edge — technology, preparation, nutrition and training — help him maximize his return to the field.
9. Take a Tour
Ever wanted to enjoy an all-access experience at the world-class home of Sporting Kansas City? Online sign-up for public stadium tours of Children's Mercy Park is now open at SportingKC.com/StadiumTours.
Fans can take a glimpse behind the scenes at one of the finest soccer venues in North America, walking in the footsteps of their favorite players past and present. Dedicated tour guides will provide insight and backstories, capturing the lure and history of Sporting Kansas City and Children’s Mercy Park.
10. Two on Tap
The Swope Park Rangers will return to Children's Mercy Park this week for a pair of home matches, facing the Charleston Battery at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday and North Carolina FC at 4 p.m. CT on Saturday. SPR tickets are available at SeatGeek.com and both games will stream live on ESPN Plus.
11. Good Samaritans
Sporting and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City are teaming up throughout 2019 to recognize Blue KC Sporting Samaritans, honoring students and teachers who make the Kansas City community a better place to live, work and play. Once a month, a Samaritan will be recognized on the pitch at Children's Mercy Park before a Sporting KC home game. The Samaritan and a limited number of guests will receive a behind the scenes VIP experience with a wide variety of all-inclusive perks. Supporters can nominate members of their community to be the next Blue KC Sporting Samaritan at SportingKC.com/bluekc.
