Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Latest Episodes:

USMNT September Roster Reaction: Pulisic In, McKennie Out, & More Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has unveiled the USMNT roster for the September friendlies, and the State of the Union crew is here to break it all down. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse deliver instant reactions to the 22 players named so far, with one more spot set to be added soon. This USMNT squad will take on Korea Republic and Japan in their upcoming matches.
The guys discuss the big headlines, including the returns of Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Josh Sargent, and Sergiño Dest, as well as the notable absences of Weston McKennie, Matt Turner, Gio Reyna, and Johnny Cardoso. They speak on new call-ups earning big opportunities with the national team, how injuries have shaped Pochettino’s decisions, and what this roster means for the team’s form heading into a crucial stretch before the World Cup.
Plus, Alexi and Mosse recap MLS action from the weekend, including Son Heung-min's first goal for LAFC and Thomas Müller’s controversial game winner.

Intro (0:00)
Pochettino Names USMNT September Roster (1:55)
Matt Freese Takes Hold of Starting Sport, Turner OUT (2:37)
Sergiño Dest is BACK (4:17)
MLS Heavy Roster (7:00)
Weston McKennie Snubbed (7:42)
Pulisic & Sargent Make Their Return (12:45)
“I am disappointed” (18:21)
Son & Müller Come Up Big in MLS Action (19:29)
Leagues Cup Semifinals are Set (22:34)

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USMNT Friendlies Locked In, Gio Reyna’s Next Move, Europe or MLS for Prime Years? Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

The September USMNT roster announcement is right around the corner, and there’s plenty to cover. Uruguay is reported to be lined up for the November window, while September brings clashes with Korea Republic and Japan. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down what we know and what we think about the squad heading into the first window after the Gold Cup.
Plus, a loaded weekend abroad: Serie A kicks off for Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman prepares for his Bundesliga debut, Ricardo Pepi’s return is delayed, and Chris Richards gets set to host Nottingham Forest. Back home, Miles Robinson signs a long-term deal with Cincinnati, Paxton Aaronson makes a record-breaking move to Colorado, and the Leagues Cup quarterfinals deliver heavyweight matchups.
The guys also dive into #AskAlexi, tackling what it was like facing criticism as a USMNT player before social media and how U.S. depth stacks up against Mexico. Finally, Alexi’s One for the Road dives into what the USMNT should look like at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Intro (0:00)
Upcoming Schedule: USMNT vs Uruguay (3:58)
Serie A Opening Weekend (11:26)
Ricardo Pepi Watch Continues (19:46)
Newcastle vs Liverpool Amid Isak Controversy (23:55)
The Future is MLS for Miles Robinson and Paxton Aaronson (29:16)
Leagues Cup Rolls On (38:13)
#AskAlexi: Will Pochettino Bring Back the Gold Cup Absentees? (40:04)
One for the Road: USMNT’s Look in 2026 (52:46)

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Pulisic's Play Does the Talking, Americans Scoring Abroad, Messi vs. Son Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

It was a huge opening weekend for Americans abroad. Christian Pulisic marked his AC Milan return with a statement goal, Johnny Cardoso debuted for Atletico Madrid with Mauricio Pochettino watching on, and Josh Sargent stayed red-hot for Norwich City. We’ve also got updates on Ricardo Pepi, Sergiño Dest’s Man of the Match performance, Tyler Adams’ tough opener, and more across Europe.
Back home, MLS brought the drama. Messi returned with a spectacular goal and assist, Minnesota ended Seattle’s scorching run, and questions are swirling around the LA Galaxy’s historic collapse. Fans also weigh in on promotion/relegation and whether MLS substitution rules need to change.
Alexi and Mosse wrap the show with a question on Tim Weah's journey to Europe...did he get there because of his father?

Intro (0:00)
The Great Pulisic Debate (3:57)
Johnny Cardoso’s Atletico Debut (5:29)
High Hopes for Sergiño Dest (11:29)
Sargent Scores 3 Goals in 3 Games (13:30)
Adams & Richards' EPL Season Kicks Off (15:59)
Turner Denies Son & Messi’s Spectacular Return (22:05)
#AskAlexi: LA Galaxy's Historic Collapse (32:20)
One for the Road: Nepotism & Privilege in Sports (42:17)

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USMNT Striker Battle Heats Up, Pulisic & Weah Call Out Former Players Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

The race for the USMNT No. 9 spot is heating up, and Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are here to sort it all out. From Josh Sargent’s red-hot start at Norwich, to Haji Wright’s assist at Coventry, to Ricardo Pepi’s fitness update and transfer buzz, we break down all the big striker performances abroad. Plus, Alexi unveils his USMNT striker depth chart.
The guys also go around the globe with USMNTAbroad updates. Johnny Cardoso looks to make his Atletico Madrid debut, Diego Kochen has the potential to start for Barcelona, and the latest on Jedi Robinson’s injury. Back stateside, we preview the MLS weekend with Minnesota and Seattle facing off on FS1, and everyone is asking the big question…will we see Messi suit up against the Galaxy?
Then we take some fan questions including which nation outside Europe or South America could win the World Cup first, and why Alexi left Padova during Serie A’s golden era. Finally, in One for the Road, the new Pulisic documentary sparks major reactions from Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, and even Mark Pulisic about criticism from USMNT alumni. Alexi weighs in… and trust us, you’ll want to hear this one.

Intro (0:00)
USMNT Striker Battle (5:30)
Alexi’s Depth Chart (15:45)
USMNT Abroad: La Liga & EPL Kick Off (20:15)
Jedi Robinson In Doubt for Season Opener (27:44)
White Hot Seattle Sounders (31:23)
Will Messi Return? (32:38)
#AskAlexi: Non European or South American Country to Win the World Cup? (33:15)
One for the Road: Calling Out the Critics (43:32)

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Tyler Adams Speaks Out, Turner and Son MLS Debut, La Liga Coming to America? Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down Tyler Adams’ interview with The Athletic, speaking on Christian Pulisic’s controversy, criticism from the USMNT alumni, and World Cup preparation. We break down his comments and what they reveal about the team’s mentality ahead of. Plus, a busy weekend for Americans abroad, with goals from Josh Sargent, Sergiño Dest, and a trophy lift for Chris Richards. The guys also check in on transfer window moves across Europe.
We recap MLS debuts for Matt Turner and Son Heung-min, goals from Jack McGlynn and Brian White, and preview the four MLS squads advancing to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. In #AskAlkexi, Alexi and Mosse dive into Ballon d’Or nominations, reunions with Revolution fans, and major changes coming to LaLiga.

Intro (0:00)
Tyler Adams on Pulisic Controversy & USMNT Alumni Criticism (5:08)
USMNT Abroad: Sargent, Downs, Dest on the Scoresheet (10:21)
Transfer Window News (17:02)
Matt Turner Makes Debut (20:28)
Leagues Cup Quarterfinals Set (31:33)
#AskAlexi: Ballon d’Or Nominations (32:25)
La Liga Major Changes Coming (45:01)

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USMNT Players With the MOST to Prove in Europe, Should Luna Stay in MLS? Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

With the European season kicking off soon, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down the top five USMNT players with the most to prove across Europe. Sergiño Dest and Folarin Balogun are back from injury and looking to make statements, while Tim Weah kicks off a new chapter at Marseille. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a year away on home soil, the pressure is on for these American stars to deliver. The guys also react to Diego Luna landing on the front page of the New York Times, and Don Garber’s response.
Then, it’s all about the chaos in the Leagues Cup: Max Arfsten steps up to keep Columbus alive, LAFC survives thanks to a David Martínez brace, and Messi looks to sit out against Pumas. To close out the show, Alexi and Mosse discuss Chicago’s omission from the 2026 World Cup host cities and share some football stories out of Ecuador.

Intro (0:00)
Which USMNT Player Has the Most to Prove in Europe? (4:23)
EFL Championship kicks off (16:47)
Over the Luna: Diego should stay in MLS?(18:59)
Leagues Cup madness (22:37)
Max Arfsten clutch for Columbus, LAFC survives (24:25)
Why is Chicago not hosting in 2026? (27:17)
One for the Road: Wild Stories Out of Ecuador (37:56)

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USMNT World Cup Expectations, Matt Turner Is Back in MLS, Marta’s Magic Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

On this episode, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down Marta’s sensational performance, scoring a stoppage-time equalizer and leading Brazil to a dramatic win in the Copa América Femenina Final. The legend capped it off with the Best Player Award in what could have been her final major tournament. Over in the Leagues Cup, MLS sides pulled off seven wins on Matchday 2. Matt Freese was the hero for NYCFC, Denis Bouanga kept LAFC rolling with his 13th all-time Leagues Cup goal, and Rodrigo de Paul notched two assists in Inter Miami’s win. The guys also revisit the USMNT transfer news, as Matt Turner, Tim Weah, and Malik Tillman make headlines.
In #AskAlexi the guys answer questions about expectations for the USMNT at the World Cup and whether the NWSL could ever have its own Caitlin Clark moment. To wrap the show, Alexi shares reflections from his trip home and a recap of the North American Soccer Expo.

Intro (0:00)
Marta’s Clutch Performance (5:56)
Leagues Cup Recap (11:03)
Matt Freese Denies Leon (12:10)
Bouanga Sets Leagues Cup Record & Son to LAFC (13:30)
Rodrigo de Paul's Assists (15:13)
Evander's Screamer (17:11)
USMNT Transfer News: Turner, Weah, Tillman (22:55)
#AskAlexi: USMNT 2026 Expectations (33:07)
One for the Road: East Coast Trip Recap (44:29)

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Projecting USMNT’s 2026 Squad + Turner, Weah, McKennie Transfer Woes Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

With the World Cup less than a year away, USMNT Insider Doug McIntyre joins David Mosse to dive into his projected USMNT squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Malik Tillman slots into the 10, Pepi leads up top, and Gio Reyna gets left off. The guys break down the full roster, who just missed, and how the squad could shape up by kickoff.
Transfer drama takes center stage as Tim Weah’s move to Marseille stalls over a price gap. Weston McKennie’s renewal talks have also hit a wall, and Italian media are once again questioning his fitness. Meanwhile, Matt Turner’s summer transfer is in a bit of limbo, as his deal with Lyon collapses. Globally, the summer transfers are buzzing as well with links for Alexander Isak, Luis Díaz, and Marcus Rashford. Back stateside, the Leagues Cup kicks off with a new format and three CONCACAF Champions Cup spots on the line.
We close the show with fan questions, including whether clubs are trying to capitalize on USMNT transfers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, and what exactly is the deal with MLS discovery rights.

Intro (0:00)
Doug’s Projected 2026 USMNT Starting XI (3:17)
Tim Weah’s Move to Marseille on Hold (10:55)
Weston McKennie’s Fitness in Question…Again (13:10)
Turner's Transfer in Limbo (14:53)
Latest on Gio to Parma (16:50)
Josh Sargent Turns Down Wolfsburg (18:31)
Global Transfer Roundup: Isak, Diaz, Rashford (20:00)
League Cup Kicks Off (22:06)
#AskAlexi: USMNT Transfers & MLS Discovery Rights (28:13)
Copa América Femenina Final is Set (36:15)

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Carli Lloyd on Shootout Mentality, England Survives Spain, Messi’s Suspension Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

The Women’s Euros Final delivered goals, extra-time drama, and a tense penalty shootout as England completed their third straight comeback to outlast Spain. USWNT legend and Hall of Famer Carli Lloyd joins the show to break it all down, offering firsthand insight into the mentality it takes to thrive in the pressure cooker of a shootout. With over 657,000 fans attending UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, one thing is clear, the women’s game has never been bigger.
In MLS, Inter Miami and Cincinnati played to a scoreless draw amid Messi’s controversial suspension. We dive into the fallout, the tight turnaround after the All-Star Game, and thoughts on load management. Meanwhile, Chucky Lozano’s goal keeps San Diego atop the West, and a few major transfer rumors have MLS fans buzzing.
To wrap the show, we tackle fan questions: Who should wear the armband for the USMNT at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Should Mauricio Pochettino bring an American coach onto his USMNT staff? Plus, Alexi shares one final reflection on an unforgettable summer of soccer.

Intro (0:00)
England Defends UEFA Euro Title (5:30)
Mentality of a Penalty Shootout (17:00)
Women’s Copa Semis Are Set (21:54)
Messi Suspended & Rodrigo De Paul Makes Miami Appearance (22:25)
Transfer News: Muller & Son to MLS? (32:07)
#AskAlexi: Who Will Captain the USMNT in 2026? (34:39)
One for the Road: Summer of Soccer Reflection (42:38)

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USMNT Transfer Round Up, Messi Skips MLS All-Star Game, JP Dellacamera Joins the Show Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest JP Dellacamera break down a thrilling Women’s Euros semifinal round, as England escapes Italy in extra time and Spain edges Germany behind Aitana Bonmatí’s heroics. The final is set: England vs. Spain, this Sunday on FOX. The crew also recaps the latest from the Women’s Copa América, with Argentina and Brazil through to the semifinals and Colombia close behind. Then it's on to the latest U.S. transfer buzz, including Weston McKennie potentially joining Atlético Madrid, Matt Turner’s Lyon move falling apart, and Josh Sargent turning down Wolfsburg.
JP Dellacamera — the godfather of American soccer broadcasting — reflects on his legendary career, calling 17 FIFA World Cups, breaking into the booth in the 1980s, and helping shape the voice of the sport in the United States.
To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse take on a listener question: how would the USMNT fare at the 2026 World Cup if teams could only select players from their domestic leagues? And finally, they weigh in on Messi skipping the MLS All-Star Game.

Intro (0:00)
UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 Final Set (5:59)
Argentina & Brazil Advance to Copa Semis (16:32)
Godfather of Soccer Broadcasting Speaks on His Career (18:49)
“We Are A Soccer Nation” (34:00)
What if World Cup teams could only select players from their domestic league? (43:15)
USMNT Transfer News: Matt Turner’s Deal Falling Apart (47:35)
Messi Skips MLS All-Star Game (55:37)

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