SportsBeat KC
U.S. soccer’s exit from FIFA World Cup was ugly. What to make of team’s progress
Ouch. The U.S. team’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup occurred in ugly fashion — and sooner than many had hoped.
The U.S. team’s Round of 16 loss to Belgium in Seattle on Monday, by a 4-1 score, means the American team failed to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Star columnist Vahe Gregorian discusses the disappointment of the lopsided loss and what it means for the U.S. program going forward.
Also, was the U.S. affected by FIFA’s sudden reinstatement of forward Flo Balogun, who received a red card in the previous game but was allowed to play against Belgium after some maneuvering by President Trump?
SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.
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SportsBeat KC
Breaking down Chiefs’ imperfect 4-0 start & huge college football weekend
The Chiefs had a bye week to catch their breath, iron out problems and get injured players healed, and did so as one of three undefeated teams in the NFL. On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), beat writer Pete Sweeney and columnist Vahe Gregorian identify the team’s biggest needs and look ahead to Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s a big week in college football. The 124th Sunflower Showdown will kick off in Manhattan, where Kansas State plays host to Kansas. Beat writer Kellis Robinett breaks down this game and wonders if this is the year K-State’s winning streak in the series — a remarkable 17 games — comes to an end. Plus, No. 13 Missouri steps into the national spotlight in its game at No. 9 Ole Miss. The game comes with this added attraction: Tigers quarterback Austin Simmons started last season as Mississippi’s starter before getting injured and losing his job to current Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Seth Jahraus, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.
SportsBeat KC
Another week, another heart-stopping victory for Chiefs. This one came at a cost
After four weeks of the NFL season, the Chiefs are one of three teams to stand 4-0, but remaining undefeated wasn’t easy ... and it was costly from an injury standpoint. The Chiefs outlasted the Las Vegas Raiders 30-27, but lost wide receivers Tyquan Thornton and Rashee Rice during the game. Thornton’s ankle injury is more serious than Rice’s hamstring strain and Thornton is likely to miss the rest of the regular season. How does this affect the Chiefs, and do they sign a free agent, like former Chiefs star Tyreek Hill? Beat writer Pete Sweeney is here to discuss all the options on SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM). Also on the show, Chiefs cornerback Mansoor Delane sits down for an exclusive interview to describe his transition from college to the pro ranks. And you’ll hear from Royals majority owner John Sherman on the different experience fans will have getting to a new ballpark at Crown Center. SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Seth Jahraus, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.
SportsBeat KC
Chiefs found a way, Royals lost a once-promising season: SportsBeat KC podcast
The Chiefs didn’t win many style points, but they won the game. A 24-10 triumph in the first road game, at the Miami Dolphins, improved the Chiefs’ record to 3-0 for the 14th time in franchise history. On SportsBeat KC, the weekly sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3), beat writer Pete Sweeney and columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian broke down the game they covered in Miami, and what it means for the Chiefs going forward, starting with Sunday’s date against the surprising Las Vegas Raiders. They also stand 3-0. Also, Royals beat writer Jaylon Thompson wraps up the season of a team that finished a disappointing 69-93 and in last place in the AL Central. It wasn’t supposed to be this way for the Royals, who were coming off consecutive winning seasons. But instead of going to the postseason, they watched two other teams from their division, the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians, uncork champagne and celebrate their accomplishments at Kauffman Stadium, rubbing salt in the wound. SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It’s produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Seth Jahraus, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.
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