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Up To Date

Sporting KC's Historic Season | 'Hiding In Plain Sight'

By Steve Kraske,
Danie Alexander, Liam Mays, Chris Young
Published November 18, 2020 at 1:48 PM CST
Greg Echlin
/
KCUR 89.3
Sporting KC will host the San Jose Earthquakes at Children's Mercy Park on Sunday, November 22, in their first game of the playoffs.

Sporting's coach-manager on what was behind the team's turnaround, and the dangers Donald Trump poses to American democracy

Segment 1 beginning at 4:42: The Kansas City players pulled off the greatest season-to-season ranking change in league history.

After finishing in 11th place out of 12 in the Western Conference last year, Sporting secured the number one seed on their way to this season's playoffs. That success was achieved while having to navigate through key injuries and adhering to COVID-19 safety guidelines .

Segment 2, beginning at 27:54: One of the few and first who predicted Trump's win in 2016, autocracy expert identifies the authoritarian traits Donald Trump displays .

Citing corruption, glad-handing policy, and criminal impunity, Sarah Kendzior submits that Donald Trump is a kleptocrat and the centerpiece of a fractured political infrastructure. "This is a deep-rooted problem that didn't begin with Trump," Kendzior said.

Tags
Up To Date Talk ShowSporting KCChildren's Mercy ParkMajor League SoccersportsCoronavirusDonald Trumpforeign relationscorruptionpoliticsPresidential PoliticsRussiaauthorcrime
Steve Kraske
When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
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Danie Alexander
As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.
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Liam Mays
See stories by Liam Mays
Chris Young
Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.
See stories by Chris Young