Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

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

David Mosse and special guest turned host, Stu Holden, recap an exciting start to the UEFA Champions League. Christian Pulisic and Weston Mckennie both got on the scoresheet in their opening Champions League matches. Mckennie recorded his first start of the season in Juventus’ 3-1 win over PSV, also featuring five USMNT players for the first time in UCL history. Stu shared his thoughts on USMNT players going to Europe versus playing more minutes in the MLS, as well as the draw for American owners in Europe. (4:39) To wrap the show, Mosse and Stu spoke on the USMNT’s FIFA rankings and more on Pochettino’s opening press conference. (57:33) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse react to Mauricio Pochettino’s first press conference as the head coach of the USMNT. The excitement is high for Pochettino to get to work with the USMNT squad, as he works to restore belief for the team, fans, and federation. This week on the player's side, Christian Pulisic continues to make big contributions for AC Milan with a goal and assist against Venezia. He remains perfect in penalty kicks for country and club. Tim Weah also made his return to the field with Juventus. Weah and McKennie are set to face American teammates Tillman and Pepi with PSV in the UEFA Champions League. Another big return came in the MLS, as Messi got his first start with Inter Miami since June 1st. Messi recorded 3 goal contributions in the win over Philadelphia Union. (5:17) To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse answer a few questions on player injuries and the trend of USMNT players going to Europe rather than prioritizing consistent minutes in MLS. The guys also discuss Alexi’s plans for Juego de Leyendas in Monterrey. (44:44) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A NEW ERA IS FINALLY HERE! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse jumped on X Spaces during the USMNT's match versus New Zealand to react to the long-awaited announcement of Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach. Did any players stand out in the 1-1 draw? What style would Alexi like to see going forward from the United States Men's National Team? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and our friend Stu Holden have lots to discuss after the USMNT failed to take down Canada on home soil. They also dive into USMNT upcoming friendly against New Zealand, and talk changes they hope to see. But first, the guys give Alex Morgan, USWNT great, her flowers as she stepped on the field for her final professional match. Also this weekend, the UEFA Nations League continued with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his 900th career goal. Argentina and Colombia look to face off in a Copa América Final rematch, as they battle in the FIFA World Cup Qualifying. (5:39) The guys wrap the show diving in on Mauricio Pochettino’s assistant coaches and the thought of hiring Jim Curtain, and NYCFC’s rebrand. (55:29) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and Stu Holden recap the USMNT’s loss to Canada before flipping it forward with changes they would like to see against New Zealand on Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse headed to the X Spaces to field questions and react to the USMNT’s lackluster performance in a 2-1 loss to Jesse Marsch's Canada. Patrick Schulte stood out… did anyone else? Make sure to tune in this week as Stu Holden will join us to continue to react to this window. The USMNT has a chance to bounce back on Tuesday vs New Zealand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are looking forward to the upcoming September window with USMNT set to face Canada and New Zealand. The guys react to the USMNT roster including Weston McKennie and Antonee Robinson being left off, as well as the addition of goalkeeper Diego Kochen. UEFA Nations League also kick off this week on FS1 as Spain looks to defend their title, and the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers continue. (7:30) In #AskAlexi, Mosse and Alexi discuss Carlos Bocanegra out at Atlanta United and Inter Miami’s new stadium. (37:41) They also talk Hope Solo’s new documentary and her dominant career. (45:58) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On a special Labor Day edition of the State of the Union, Landon Donovan joins Alexi Lalas and David Mosse to pull back the curtain on his first few weeks as the San Diego Wave coach. The trio also talks Mauricio Pochettino with the USMNT, the best and worst thing about soccer in the United States, and would he take the USMNT or USWNT job in the future? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are set for another exciting weekend of soccer. With less than two weeks until the USMNT kicks off against Canada, the guys look at some players that have the potential to thrive under Mauricio Pochettino. The strikers pool is a group to keep an eye on as Pochettino steps in as the reported new USMNT head coach. This weekend we will see two of these strikes face off, Josh Sargent travels to Coventry and faces Haji Wright in an American showdown. Back stateside, Messi is training again with Inter Miami and the Leagues Cup champions are back in action against NYCFC. The LA teams are running away with the MLS Western Conference, who will take the top spot? (5:09) To wrap the show the guys answering questions on removing the MLS salary cap for promotion/relegation, the possibility of LAFC bringing in a backup coach, and high school versus club. (27:24) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap this week’s USMNT players abroad, as they set the tone for exciting seasons in Europe. Christian Pulisic continues in excellent form with AC Milan, becoming the first USMNT player to score in 10 different seasons of the top 5 European leagues. Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi both got on the scoresheet in their dominant 7-1 win. Also, Josh Sargent and Brenden Aaronson each scored their second goals of the season in the Championship. Back stateside, the Leagues Cup final wrapped up with Columbus Crew lifting a trophy for the second time in nine months. (4:43) In #AskAlexi the guys break down the new Champions League tournament play and give thoughts on the changes. (27:39) To wrap the pod, Alexi and Mosse discuss Pochettino’s first 100 days. With a short run up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, how will he get the USMNT on track for a successful appearance? (32:55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are set for a full weekend of matches with Americans playing abroad. In Serie A Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah are set to take on Parma. Tim Weah is ruled out for Juventus with a hamstring injury, after scoring last week against Como. Haji Wright, Josh Sargent, and Brenden Aaronson also look to continue scoring this weekend in the EFL Championship after hot starts last week. Will Folarin Balogun get on the scoresheet for Monaco? (5:38) Next, the guys answer a question on Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for the U.S. youth soccer system. Does he plan to bring in a new coaching staff to replicate the national team, or primarily focus on the senior team? (28:58) To wrap the show Alexi and Mosse discuss Landon Donovan’s new interim head coach position for the San Diego Wave. (35:38) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas is out on the road, so David Mosse and special guest Doug McIntyre dive into updates on Mauricio Pochettino’s hiring. U.S. Soccer and Chelsea are close to finalizing a deal for the next USMNT coach, no contract has been signed as of now. Could we see Pochettino coaching a USMNT friendly in the upcoming international window? (0:53) To wrap the episode, Mosse recaps a few American performances in Europe, including Josh Sargent’s goal and assist, Haji Wright’s brace, and Yunus Musah’s assist for AC Milan. (13:24) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and Stu Holden react to the reports of Mauricio Pochettino being named the next U.S. Men's National Team coach. Pochettino would be taking on the USMNT job as his first international position, but with much success in Europe coaching Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea. The guys give their ratings on the hire, which players his system will help the most, and much more. In the upcoming September window, the USMNT takes on Canada on September 7th and New Zealand on September 10th. Does the new man on the job change your outlook on the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup for the USMNT? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse preview USMNT players in Europe’s top leagues to get set for the upcoming season. (5:56) Folarin Balogun will be one to watch as he continues his strong form from Copa America. AC Milan already has the American duo of Christian Pulisic and Yunas Musah, could we see a triple threat soon? Also in Europe, Kylian Mbappe made his Real Madrid debut with the winning goal of the 2024 UEFA Super Cup. Alexi and Mosse preview more European matches in La Liga, Serie A, and EPL coming this weekend. Back stateside, the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals are officially set, with the Columbus Crew advancing past the defending champions Inter Miami 3-2. (32:53) To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse talk MLS Division 1 status and pro/rel, as well as reasons to watch each Premier League squad from an American perspective. (46:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are joined by 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist Carli Lloyd, to recap the USWNT Olympic victory. Mallory Swanson led the team to gold with a second half goal and assist from Korbin Albert. Emma Hayes became just the second USWNT head coach to win every match in their first major tournament. Additionally, the USMNT coaching search continues with Mauricio Pochettino becoming a top target for the job. (4:46) Ten MLS clubs and six Liga MX clubs advanced to the Leagues Cup Round of 16. This week Inter Miami, the defending Leagues Cup champions, face Columbus Crew, the defending MLS Cup champions for a spot in the quarterfinals. Messi’s awaited return is still to come. It is also reported that MLS plans to launch a new professional women's soccer league. Could we see a new league emerge in the upcoming years? (39:34) The guys answer a few #AskAlexi questions on golden goals, paths for career development, and Gio Reyna’s issues with finding a club. They wrap the show with ratings on this summer of soccer. (51:37) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices