Starting XI: Spreading the Wealth

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.

Three opponents, three wins, 20 goals scored, zero goals allowed. Sporting KC took another positive step forward Wednesday in Tempe, Arizona, defeating a team of FC Tucson trialists over the course of three 60-minute scrimmages to close out the first leg of the 2019 preseason, presented by Children’s Mercy. Manager Peter Vermes gave playing time to 37 players over the course of three exhibition victories at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex. Click here for a current look at the preseason stat log, with another batch of friendlies still to come next month.

2. Defender Departs

Sporting KC announced Monday night that the club has traded defender Ike Opara to Minnesota United FC in exchange for $900,000 in Targeted Allocation Money and a potential $100,000 in future Targeted Allocation Money. Opara, 29, joined Sporting KC ahead of the 2013 campaign and started 120 of 136 appearances for the club in all competitions. The center back ends his six-year stay in Kansas City after recording 15 goals, six assists and garnering 2017 MLS Defender of the Year honors.

3. GAM and TAM

As Manager Peter Vermes told media on Tuesday, ““In our league, $1 million of Allocation Money is very valuable.” So how can Sporting use the Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) it acquired in the Opara trade? And how does TAM differ from General Allocation Money (GAM)? Click here for a TAM and GAM breakdown.

4. Kit Launch

Sporting fans are invited to attend the 2019 Season Kickoff and Kit Launch Party presented by Ivy Investments on Monday at the iconic Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri (4525 Oak St.). Supporters planning to attend must secure a free ticket via SeatGeek.com, the official ticketing partner of Sporting KC. Guests will gain entry through mobile ticketing only and can obtain their tickets through the SeatGeek app, available for download on the App Store and Google Play.

The season-opening party will begin at 6 p.m. CT in the scenic Bloch Lobby of the Nelson-Atkins Museum, giving fans the opportunity to purchase food and beverages in an open space adorned by Sporting decorations. From there, supporters will be ushered into the stunning Kirkwood Hall, where Sporting’s new primary jersey will be showcased and available to buy. Sporting KC Season Ticket Members in attendance will get expedited entry into Kirkwood Hall.

5. Fresh Face

The Swope Park Rangers have signed Brazilian midfielder “Alexsander” Jhonatta de Oliveira Andrade on loan from Athletico Paranaense for the 2019 USL season, the club announced today. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Alexsander, 20, has spent the last three years with Brazilian club Atletico Paranaense, rising through the youth ranks and most recently representing the club at the U-20 and U-23 levels in 2018.

6. Rangers Return

The Swope Park Rangers this week announced the club's 2019 preseason schedule, which will consist of six matches in the lead-up to the new USL Championship campaign. SPR's preseason slate includes three contests at Swope Soccer Village, all of which are free and open to the public. Head coach Paulo Nagamura's side will take the field for the first time this Saturday, hosting Barton Community College at 2 p.m. CT before welcoming Iowa Western Community College a week later.

7. Toluca Test

Deportivo Toluca FC, Sporting KC’s opponent in the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 next month, will look to bounce back from consecutive 1-0 defeats on Saturday when they travel northwest to face Tijuana in a Liga MX matchup. The contest at Estadio Caliente will air live in English on FS1 with kickoff slated for 9 p.m. CT.

8. Miggy a Magpie

After weeks of speculation, it’s finally official: Atlanta United FC have sold attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron to English club Newcastle in a groundbreaking deal. The transfer fee was undisclosed, but it's been heavily reported to be a $27 million move, with Atlanta confirming that the amount sets a new MLS record for an outgoing transfer.

9. Seba Overseas

Toronto FC announced on Wednesday night that the club has transferred star forward Sebastian Giovinco to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal FC. The 2015 Landon Donovan MLS MVP helped lead TFC to five trophies, including the treble in 2017 when the Reds won MLS Cup. In four seasons with TFC, Giovinco made 142 appearances with 83 goals and 64 assists across all competitions.

10. Stars and Stripes

After opening a new era under head coach Gregg Berhalter with a promising 3-0 win against Panama on Sunday, the U.S. Men’s National Team ends its month-long January camp with a friendly versus Concacaf rival Costa Rica on Saturday at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on FOX.

11. Deadline Day

Almiron is officially a Newcastle player, while French giants Paris-St. Germain have been linked to D.C. United midfielder Luciano Acosta. With the deal go through, and will any other high-profile transfers take place today in Europe, where the January transfer deadline is prompting dozens of clubs into action? ESPN FC’s transfer tracker will provide live updates throughout the day.

Games to Watch (Jan. 31 - Feb. 3, 2019)