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MLS: Every team’s best starting XI for 2019

By Joshua Bowers

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, KS – FEBRUARY 21: Krisztian Nemeth of Sporting Kansas City celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the match between Sporting Kansas City and Toluca as part of the CONCACAF Champions League 2019 at Children’s Mercy Park on February 21, 2019 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)”n
KANSAS CITY, KS – FEBRUARY 21: Krisztian Nemeth of Sporting Kansas City celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the match between Sporting Kansas City and Toluca as part of the CONCACAF Champions League 2019 at Children’s Mercy Park on February 21, 2019 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)”n /

Sporting Kansas City

4-3-3

GK Tim Melia

RB Graham Zusi

CB Andreu Fontas

CB Matt Besler

LB Seth Sinovic

CDM Ilie Sanchez

CM Kelyn Rowe

CM Felipe Gutierrez

RW Johnny Russell

LW Daniel Salloi

ST Krisztian Nemeth

I had to change this line-up after seeing Sporting Kansas City dismantle Toluca last week. I had Daniel Salloi playing in the middle because I believe he is the team’s best scorer. That allowed me to play speedster Gerso Fernandes on the left. I had Nemeth on the bench. However, following Nemeth’s brace, I have moved him into the line-up at the expense of Fernandes. Russell, Nemeth, and Salloi are a dangerous trio. They will all score ten goals this season.

The only change in the midfield my team has is Kelyn Rowe starting in place of Roger Espinoza. Espinoza has been the heart-and-soul of Sporting Kansas City. He’s an icon. However, I want to see Rowe’s attacking quality on the pitch with the likes of Gutierrez, Russell, Nemeth, and Salloi. Gutierrez and Ilie are locks to start. Ilie is a top-five defensive midfielder in MLS.

The backline only has one change and it is an obvious one. Sporting Kansas City dumped Ike Opara because they believe Fontas can be just as effective as the former MLS Defender of the Year.

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