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The United States men's national team is heading home, and the exit was anything but clean. A four-one hammering at the hands of Belgium in Seattle ended the host nation's World Cup run, but the scoreline wasn't even the biggest story. Mauricio Pochettino called out what he described as politics and manipulation surrounding Folarin Balogun's availability, saying he's disappointed with too many people. For a program that had everything set up to make a statement on home soil, this raises serious questions about where American soccer actually stands.
Meanwhile across the Atlantic, the drama surrounding Alejandro Garnacho just shifted in Manchester United's favor. Chelsea have reportedly stepped away from a move for the Argentine winger, and that's significant. United had been fielding offers last summer, and with Chelsea now out of the picture, the club holds considerably more leverage over Garnacho's future and his market value heading into the window.
And shifting to the hardwood, Landry Shamet has earned himself a long-term deal after helping the New York Knicks capture a championship. The guard was one of those quietly essential pieces that championship rosters are built around, and the Knicks front office made sure he stays in Madison Square Garden. A well-earned payday for a player who delivered when the lights were brightest.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
