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The Chicago Cubs are in freefall and the timing could not be worse. A month ago they looked like legitimate NL Central contenders, but a prolonged swoon has dropped them down the standings and now the trade deadline is bearing down fast. The front office has decisions to make, and they need answers quickly.
Shifting to the international stage, Folarin Balogun put on a show as the USMNT dismantled Paraguay four goals to one on Friday, and the conversation is shifting in a serious way. The United States has long searched for a reliable scorer to complement its creative core, and Balogun may be exactly that. If this performance is the baseline, the Americans are a different animal heading into World Cup play.
And speaking of the World Cup, Brazil will be without Neymar when they face Morocco in their opener on Saturday evening. The Brazilian star won't suit up, which is a massive blow to a side that still leans heavily on his presence even at this stage of his career. Morocco will fancy their chances, and the pressure on Brazil's supporting cast just jumped considerably.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
