Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back to break down a full slate of soccer action. The CONCACAF Nations League Semifinals are set. The final four teams of USA, Panama, Canada, and Mexico will face off at SoFi Stadium on March 20th. The CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers wrapped up for the year with Argentina finishing atop the standings. In Lionel Messi’s last game of 2024, he had a beautiful assist to Lautaro Martinez to take down Peru. Emma Hayes also released the USWNT roster for their European Tour. They will be without a few big names including Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson. Staying in Europe, four Americans will face off in Serie A this weekend. Tim Weah and Weston McKennie versus Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah will be a match you cannot miss. (7:30) Alexi and Mosse answer a few #AskAlexi questions on the future of St. Louis City Park and USA/MLS chants. To wrap the show the guys discuss Christian Pulisic's emergence into Captain America. (44:36) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Stu Holden are fired up after the USMNT surpass Jamaica and advance to the CONCACAF Nations League Semifinals. The guys instantly react to the match and break down Tim Weah’s return and Christian Pulisic’s brace. They also dive into the UEFA Nations League and CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying action. (1:58) To wrap the show, Alexi, Mosse, and Stu discuss the quality of playing surfaces, Pepi’s next move, and earning back the support of USMNT’s fanbase. (37:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse instantly react to the USMNT’s 1-0 win over Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinals. Ricardo Pepi recorded his 12th goal for the national team on an assist from Christian Pulisic. The two squads will face off again on Monday in St. Louis for the second leg. Also this week, the UEFA Nations League and CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying continue. (1:37) To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse discuss Ronaldo and Harry Kane firing off on players skipping out on international duty. (23:23) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are fired up after an eventful week. Messi and the Supporters’ Shield winners fell to the 9th seeded Atlanta United in one of the biggest upsets in MLS history. The top three seeds in the Eastern Conference are now out of the MLS Cup Playoffs opening round. Vote for your Conference Semifinal winners on Youtube @StateOfTheUnion. But before the Semifinals kick off, the USMNT will go head to head with Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinals. Mauricio Pochettino announced his roster on Sunday for the November window, the guys shared their thoughts. (8:16) To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse discussed Jim Curtain's dismissal from Philadelphia Union, Bruce Arena joining San Jose Earthquakes, the possibility of Christian Pulisic winning a Ballon d’Or, Lily Yohannes’s announcement to play for the USWNT, and FOX Veterans Day 5K. (41:34) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap this week’s Champions League action and great performances by the USMNT. Malik Tillman becomes the 4th American to score a goal and assist in a single UCL match. Christian Pulisic bags an assist on the opening goal against Real Madrid. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty both start in Celtic’s historic win over RB Leipzig. MLS Cup Playoffs opening round wrap up this weekend with four matches on deck. Which teams will clinch the remaining Conference Semifinal spots? (5:16) Alexi and Mosse discuss Jurgen Klopp and NY Red Bulls, MLS Cup predictions, and Pros vs Joes in #AskAlexi. To wrap the show, the guys discuss the VAR decision in Cody Gakpo’s first UCL goal for Liverpool. (36:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into the USMNT weekend abroad, kicking things off in the Championship. Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright got on the scoresheet in each of their wins, while Josh Sargent was sidelined due to a groin injury. Moving up a level in England, Tyler Adams and Bournemouth took down the Premier League giants with a 2-1 win at home. The Gunners also dropped points to Newcastle as Liverpool moved to the top of the table. Back stateside, the MLS Cup Playoffs drama continues. The defending champs Columbus Crew are out with two straight losses to the NY Red Bulls, and Atlanta United forced a game three against Messi and Inter Miami. (4:24) To wrap the show, the guys discuss Apple TV and MLS Cup coverage, ex players becoming professional referees, and Mauricio Pochettino approval ratings ahead of the political season and November window. (38:47) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this spooky edition of the pod, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are joined by special guest Zoro to break down all the soccer action. At the Ballon d’Or Awards Emma Hayes was named Women’s Coach of the Year. Over in Europe Tim Weah and Weston McKennie are in great form, both scoring in Wednesday’s match against Parma. Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman, and Co. take on Ajax in an Eredivisie top of the table clash. Tyler Adams also takes on the Premier League defending champs in his second game back. (4:55) Finally, the MLS Cup Playoffs roll on with a few big cupsets. In #AskAlexi the guys answer questions on positions that make good managers and Wrexham hate. To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse share halloween costumes over the years. (33:41) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse kicked things off with the USWNT’s great start to the October window. The squad bagged two wins over Iceland, featuring Alyssa Thompson and Emma Sears’ first international goals. On the men’s side, the USMNT had an epic weekend abroad. Tim Weah, Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman, and Haji Wright all found the back of the net in their respective matches. Tyler Adams came on late for Bournemouth to make his EPL season debut. Also in Europe, Barcelona took down La Liga rivals Real Madrid amid Vini Jr. Ballon d’Or drama. Finally, the MLS opening round kicked off this weekend, with more to come mid week. (7:25) The guys wrap the show with ranking the European leagues and discussing the future of USL vs MLS. (34:01) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are joined by Apple studio analyst Sacha Kljestand to talk the MLS MVP race, Supporters’ Shield vs MLS Cup, USMNT’s road to 2026, Mauricio Pochettino first window, and much more. Next, Alexi and Mosse recap USMNT players' performances abroad. Christian Pulisic scored a world class olimpico goal to open up the scoring against Club Brugge in the Champions League. Additionally, Vini Jr and Raphinha each bagged hat tricks in their respective UCL matches, and Erling Haaland found the back of the net on an epic finish in Man City’s 5-0 win. (6:09) In #AskAlexi the duo answered questions on possible changes to the USMNT style of play with an Argentine coach and America not being considered a soccer nation. Finally, Alexi shares his thoughts on La Liga targeting a league match in the United States. (43:09) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into Messi’s continued stellar performance, recording his second hat trick in five days. Inter Miami’s win over New England secured the Supporters’ Shield and MLS record for most points in a single season. The MLS Cup Playoffs kick off Tuesday with the Wildcard round. Over in Europe, Christian Pulisic became the first player to record a goal contribution in seven consecutive league matches in the top five European leagues. Tim Weah and Tyler Adams also returned to their club team rosters this week. Finally, Emma Hayes announced the USWNT October roster as they get set to face Iceland and Argentina. (6:07) To wrap the show the guys discuss Josh Sargent’s performance in the October international window, perception of the NWSL, and more on Christian Pulisic & load management. (31:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse instantly react to the USMNT’s 2-0 loss to Mexico in Guadalajara. Pochettino’s first loss as the USMNT head coach comes to our rivals and the squad ends the October window 1-1. The USMNT look ahead to the November window where the CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinals will kick off. The guys also broke down Canada’s 2-1 win over Panama and Lionel Messi’s spectacular performance against Bolivia in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Stu Holden recap the USMNT’s first win of the October window. The squad secured a 2-0 win over Panama behind Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi goals. The guys discuss load management and USMNT players returning to their clubs ahead of the match on Tuesday in Guadalajara. What does your USMNT starting 11 look like against Mexico? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first match of the Mauricio Pochettino era is a 2-0 victory. Alexi Lalas went live on X Spaces following the match to break down all the action. After an intense training camp, the guys stepped on the pitch to face off against Panama in the first of two October friendlies. Pochettino unveiled his first starting lineup and earned the win on his debut. USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah also contributed to the firsts, with his first international goal to put the squad ahead 1-0. Did any players stand out in the match? What changes do we hope to see in the next game against Mexico? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The wait is over, Mauricio Pochettino’s first match is here! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse preview the USMNT’s revenge game against Panama and take their picks on Pochettino’s starting 11. They also discuss Pochettino’s training camp and his thoughts on the competitive level of MLS. Other international games this window include the CONCACAF Nations League, UEFA Nations League, and CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying. (7:30) To wrap the show, the guys answer questions on Alexi’s MVP criteria, Gregg Berhalter coaching the Chicago Fire, and Canada & Michigan cheating scandals. Alexi also shares his own revenge game from the 90s, when USMNT and England battled it out. (36:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse speak on the USMNT roster changes as Mauricio Pochettino’s first camp kicks off. Tanner Tessmann, Brandon Vazquez, and Alex Zendejas step in for Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun, and Johnny Cardoso. Balogun withdrew from camp after suffering a shoulder injury in Monaco’s 2-1 win over Rennes. Who will start at striker for the USMNT against Panama and Mexico? Christian Pulisic, who will be at the October camp, continues to score for AC Milan but was waved off of two penalty kicks against Fiorentina. AC Milan’s head coach Paulo Fonseca voiced his displeasure with the decision. Back stateside, MLS nears the season end and MVP conversations ramp up. Alexi and Mosse share their thoughts on where Messi stands in the race. (5:46) To wrap the show, Alexi breaks down his own MLS MVP criteria and current standings. The guys also identify the sport with the best athletes in the world and discuss player’s transition to life after their careers on the pitch. (42:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into a very anticipated day, Mauricio Pochettino announces his first USMNT training camp roster. Four MLS players make the squad, including Zack Steffen who returns to the USMNT for the first time in over a year. Next, the guys recap a few UEFA Champions League matches. Weston McKennie and Juventus completed the 3-2 comeback over RB Leipzig. McKennie got the start and played his first full 90 minutes of the season. Folarin Balogun came off the bench and earned a penalty for Monaco in the 2-2 draw. Stateside, Inter Miami and Columbus face off in one of the biggest MLS matches of the season. (3:49) To wrap the show Alexi and Mosse discuss expectations for Emma Hayes vs Pochettino, MLS expansion, and advice for players heading into camp with a new head coach. (39:51) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are joined by special guest Doug McIntyre to speak on players that could get a fresh look under Mauricio Pochettino. Will Pochettino lean on MLS players in the new era? The guys also broke down this weekend's matches as Christian Pulisic added another goal to his streak, Folarin Balogun scored for Monaco, and Ricardo Pepi got his first start and brace of the season. (6:31) In #AskAlexi, Mosse and Alexi answer a question on criticisms of MLS and recap a few matches. To wrap the show the guys discuss the announcement of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup host stadiums and 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show. (35:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse breakdown the USMNT’s upcoming matches abroad, namely Christian Pulisic as he looks to continue his goal contribution streak. Has Pulisic reached “world class” status, or is there more he needs to accomplish first? Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright are set to face off this weekend in the Championship, and Josh Sargent looks to get back on track after a month without a goal. It is confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will be out for the Madrid Derby on Sunday and he will likely miss more time on the field. Alexi and Mosse also talk MLS Cup contenders and dark horses. (5:53) To wrap the pod, the guys answer a few questions on explaining USMNT to non-soccer fans, expanding MLS to Buffalo, and youth development in America. (38:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back in the studio to break down this weekend's matches. Christian Pulisic continues to thrive in Milan, scoring the opening goal in the Milan derby. He extends his goal contribution streak to 5-straight club matches. Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun also found the back of the net this weekend in their respective wins. Over in England, Manchester City and Arsenal battled it out for the top spot in the EPL. Erling Haaland scored his 100th goal in the match and tied Ronaldo’s record. (5:40) In #AskAlexi, the guys discuss Bora Milutinović's impact on Alexi’s soccer career and MLS vs European soccer culture. (27:11) To wrap, Alexi shares a few stories from his trip to Monterrey and the experience of playing in the FIFA Legends match. (43:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a special edition of the State of the Union Podcast, Alexi Lalas was joined by U.S. Soccer CEO & Secretary General JT Batson. The duo starts with new USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino. What stood out in the hiring process? Batson and Lalas also dive into the US Open Cup, the upcoming National Training Center in Atlanta, the USWNT's success under Emma Hayes, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices