Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Latest Episodes:

USMNT in Champions League: Musah, Weah, Balogun, Tillman & McKennie in Action Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

This week, Stu Holden and John Strong join us as we recap all the Champions League action featuring USMNT stars: Yunus Musah delivers the game-winning assist for Atalanta, Tim Weah’s Marseille crush Ajax, Folarin Balogun’s Monaco draw Man City, and Weston McKennie battles in Juventus’ 2-2 thriller. We’ve also got updates on Ricardo Pepi and Sergiño Dest’s injuries.
Plus, the Baby Nats dominate the U-20 World Cup with a record-setting 9-1 win, while Gregg Berhalter’s Chicago Fire stun Inter Miami in a wild MLS playoff-clincher. We close with thoughts on the USMNT back-three vs back-four debate ahead of October friendlies vs Ecuador and Australia. Make sure to join the conversation with #AskAlexi!

Intro (0:00)
Yunus Musah’s winning assists in UCL (9:55)
U.S needs more McKennie leadership? (27:18)
Gregg Berhalter’s Fire top Messi and Co. (43:29)
Advice for Landon Donovan’s balding issue (48:27)
Jurgen Klopp MLS praise (52:04)

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Predicting the 2026 USMNT World Cup Roster & next coach after Mauricio Pochettino Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

On this edition of State of the Union, we start in Paris, where Ousmane Dembélé took home the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or, edging out Barcelona phenom Lamine Yamal. Well deserved or a snub for the wunderkind?

Then, it’s all about the USMNT. Fox Sports insider Doug McIntyre drops his 2026 World Cup roster projection and starting XI. From Matt Turner in goal to Christian Pulisic & Folarin Balogun leading the attack, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse opine on the 26-man roster. We analyze the surprises, snubs, and stars like Diego Luna and Chris Richards.

Across Europe, we preview an exciting weekend for Americans abroad: Pulisic in red-hot form for AC Milan, McKennie vs. Musah in Serie A and Jedi Robinson making his Fulham return in the EPL. Plus, MLS rivalries heat up with NYRB vs. NYCFC and a Cascadia Cup showdown.

Finally, we take listener questions in #AskAlexi, featuring the future of the USMNT after Mauricio Pochettino before we wrap with FIFA’s latest floated plans for World Cup expansion.

Intro (0:00)
Ballon d’Or (5:07)
USMNT 2026 Roster Prediction (13:12)
USMNT Abroad: Weekend Preview (27:25)
#AskAlexi: Life after Pochettino (40:38)
One for the Road: More World Cup expansion? (52:31)

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Christian Pulisic tops Clint Dempsey’s record, Messi leads Miami & more Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

On this edition of State of the Union, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down Christian Pulisic’s best game to date for AC Milan with 2 goals and an assist in a 3-0 win over Udinese, passing Clint Dempsey as the all-time leading American scorer in Europe’s top 5 leagues. Malik Tillman scores for Bayer Leverkusen, Tanner Tessmann helps Lyon to victory, Tim Weah starts vs PSG, and Ricardo Pepi & Sergiño Dest feature in PSV’s thriller with Ajax. We also track Weston McKennie’s quiet weekend, Yunus Musah’s limited minutes, and an injury setback for Johnny Cardoso in La Liga.

In MLS, Lionel Messi keeps Inter Miami’s Supporters’ Shield hopes alive with 2 goals and an assist, NYCFC clinches another playoff spot, and Denis Bouanga’s hat trick sends LAFC into the postseason. Plus, we field your questions in #AskAlexi and debate pro/rel in American soccer.

Intro (0:00)
Pulisic breaks Dempsey’s record… where does he stand all-time? (5:45)
Messi leads Miami to Victory (33:05)
Jedi’s best position with USMNT (43:04)

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Champions League Chaos, Tim Weah’s Dream Night & Should USMNT Stay With the Back 3? Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

The Champions League delivered absolute madness this week. Ricardo Pepi endured a disappointing outing for PSV, while Weston McKennie’s Juventus clash with Dortmund turned into an eight-goal thriller. Over in Madrid, Tim Weah scored his first goal with his new club Marseille and made history with the first-ever USMNT goal at the Bernabéu. Is Timmy the USMNT’s best player right now? Elsewhere, Yunus Musah faced PSG’s firepower, Liverpool escaped Atletico at Anfield, and Bayern put Chelsea in their place.

We also check in on USMNT Abroad, Chris Richards stepping up in Palace’s Carabao Cup win, Josh Sargent on finding his rhythm with the national team, and Quinn Sullivan’s stunner in the U.S. Open Cup. To wrap the show, the guys discuss the USMNT’s back 3 formation, Stu’s Starting XI for the next window, and big-picture questions on Pochettino’s first year with the USMNT.

Intro (0:00)

UEFA Champions League (6:55)

USMNT Abroad: Chris Richards Steps Up (26:52)

MLS/U.S. Open Cup (29:56)

#AskAlexi: Is the Back 3 Formation to Stay? (33:26)

One for the Road: Pochettino’s First Year with USMNT (43:31)

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Pepi’s Return, Reyna Makes Starting XI & USMNT Concerns Persist Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back to break down another electric weekend of club action! Over in Europe Ricardo Pepi makes noise in his Eredivisie return with a brace for PSV, while Gio Reyna earns his first start at Mönchengladbach and declares his FIFA World Cup ambitions. We break down Weston McKennie’s Juventus redemption, Yunus Musah’s Atalanta debut, and a tough loss for Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in England. Plus, a loaded MLS slate, including Idak Toklomati’s hat trick over Inter Miami, Thomas Müller’s birthday heroics, and Minnesota closing in on San Diego at the top of the West.
The guys answer a question in #AskAlexi, on whether the USMNT’s win over Japan eases concerns heading toward the World Cup. We also dive into FIFA’s new international calendar shake-up, and Alexi takes us along on his trip to Chicago for “One for the Road.”

Intro (0:00)
Pepi Scores in PSV Return (8:13)
Gio Reyna Starts and Declares National Team Ambitions (10:30)
Serie A Round-Up & (13:27)
Manchester Derby (20:48)
Haji Wright vs Josh Sargent (26:38)
Champions League Kicks Off (27:37)
Thrilling MLS Weekend (28:51)
#AskAlexi: USMNT Concerns Persist? (40:15)
Alexi's Chicago Trip Recap (46:23)

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International Window Wrap Up: Balogun Shines, Back Three Breakthrough & World Cup Qualifying Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse share their final reflections on the USMNT’s September window, where Folarin Balogun and Matt Freese continued to impress and a back-three formation showed real promise for the road to 2026. The guys also break down the latest World Cup Qualifying results, with 18 nations officially punching their tickets to next summer’s tournament.
Looking ahead to the weekend, attention shifts back to club play as Yunus Musah eyes a potential debut with Atalanta. In #AskAlexi, the crew tackles World Cup questions—from the USMNT’s chances of advancing from the group stage to confusion over ticket pricing. Finally, the show closes with a heartfelt farewell to the legendary Ray Hudson.

Intro (0:00)
Final USMNT Thoughts (5:49)
USMNT Stars of the Window (10:23)
Mexico vs Korea Republic Recap (17:25)
World Cup Qualifying (21:10)
USMNT Abroad: Yunus Musah Debut En Route (34:40)
MLS Weekend Preview (43:15)
#AskAlexi: World Cup questions (47:30)
Farewell to Ray Hudson (55:31)

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Instant Reaction: Balogun and Zendejas Lift USMNT to Victory Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and David Mosse deliver their instant reaction to the USMNT’s needed win over Japan in their second match of the September international window. The guys break down the starting XI, tactical adjustments, and the standout performances that led to goals from Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun. From individual player grades to big-picture takeaways, they discuss what this result means for the team’s depth, chemistry, and momentum heading into a critical stretch.

To close out the show, the crew looks ahead to the USMNT’s upcoming schedule, and World Cup qualifying matches around the globe.

Intro (0:00)
USMNT Tops Japan (2:10)
Back 3 Formation (4:43)
Is Matt Freese #1? (9:45)
Did Balogun Take the Lead Up Top? (13:20)
Mauricio Pochettino Reacts to the Critics (18:20)
Mexico vs South Korea (27:50)
How different do you expect the next window to look for the USMNT? (28:01)
Upcoming Matches (33:45)
World Cup Qualifying (41:40)

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Instant Reaction: USMNT Falls to Korea Republic in First September Friendly Sep 07, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and David Mosse react to the USMNT’s loss to Son Heung-Min and Korea Republic in New Jersey. In their first of two friendlies this window, the U.S. struggled to finish their chances and paid the price against Korea’s sharp attack.
The crew breaks down the key storylines: which individual performances stood out (for better or worse), what tactical adjustments Mauricio Pochettino tried, and what this result means for the USMNT moving forward. Is Mauricio Pochettino on the hot seat?

Intro (0:00)
USMNT Fall to Korea Republic (1:50)
USMNT Starting XI (4:20)
Backline: Richards, Ream, Blackmon (7:30)
Balogun vs. Sargent (16:54)
USMNT Upcoming Schedule (18:16)
Is Mauricio Pochettino on the Hot Seat? (20:15)
USMNT Depth (29:18)
“What the Hell is Going On!?” (34:19)
Disadvantage of Being a World Cup Host Nation (37:30)
Pochettino Post-Match Quotes (40:15)
Matt Turner vs. Matt Freese (48:43)
Jealous of College Football Fan Base (59:01)

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USMNT September Window Preview: Alexi’s Starting XI & Grading USMNT Transfers Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

The USMNT faces its toughest test yet under Mauricio Pochettino, with 13 MLS players and new faces eager to seize their opportunity. Cristian Roldan joins the roster as the squad prepares for friendlies against Japan and Korea Republic. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse tackle three big questions: Is Matt Freese really the No. 1 keeper? Can Gold Cup returnees and stars like Christian Pulisic, Flo Balogun, and Sergiño Dest click right away? And most importantly—can this team best a top-ranked opponent?
Alexi unveils his ideal Starting XI, the guys recap standout club performances, and they hand out transfer window grades for Yunus Musah, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, and Matt Turner.
In #AskAlexi listeners ask about MLS disciplinary drama, including Luis Suárez’s spitting fiasco, and World Cup ticket sales. To wrap the show, Alexi shares his time in Columbus with Pochettino as the countdown to 2026 continues.

Intro (0:00)
USMNT September Window Preview (4:09)
Roster Update (4:30)
Burning USMNT Questions (5:46)
Is Matt Freese the Starting Keeper? (7:25)
Alexi’s Starting XI Prediction (13:33)
Grading USMNT Transfer Window (21:40)
World Cup Qualifiers (32:06)
Leagues Cup Final Drama (41:54)
Alexi and Pochettino Meet in Columbus (53:27)

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Pochettino Defends MLS, Balogun Joins the Squad, Messi and Miami Are Set for Leagues Cup Final Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Pochettino Defends MLS, Balogun Joins the Squad, Messi and Miami Are Set for Leagues Cup Final
The September international window is here, and Mauricio Pochettino has made his final roster decisions before the USMNT’s friendlies against Korea Republic and Japan. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse react to the late addition of Folarin Balogun, Pochettino’s communication (or lack thereof) with stars like Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, and Joe Scally, and what this camp means for fresh faces fighting to earn a spot. Why no Weston McKennie or Matt Turner this time around? Plus, the guys dive into Pochettino’s strong defense of MLS and what it means for national team players in the league.
Around the globe, we track Americans in action across Europe’s top leagues—Gio Reyna officially teams up with Joe Scally at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Christian Pulisic and AC Milan look to rebound from tough loss, and Josh Sargent aims to stay red-hot in the Championship. Back home, we set the stage for MLS’ top-of-the-table battles and preview the Leagues Cup Final.
Stick around for One for the Road as we look ahead to Alexi’s weekend in Columbus discussing the Road to the World Cup.

Intro (0:00)
Roster Update: Balogun Joins the Squad (5:10)
Pochettino Defends MLS (16:27)
USMNT Abroad (23:51)
UCL Fixtures (36:30)
MLS Top of the Table Clashes (37:20)
Seattle and Miami Set for Leagues Cup Final (38:50)
#AskAlexi: MLS Salary Caps (42:20)
Road to World Cup (47:30)

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