Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Pochettino's Emotions Run High, UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 Chaos & Gio Reyna’s Next Move Jul 20, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Ari Hingst recap a wild week in women’s soccer, including all the drama from the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals and a look ahead to two massive semifinal matchups: England vs. Italy and Germany vs. Spain. Plus, Brazil continues to dominate in the Women’s Copa América. Is it time for Marta to hang up the cleats?
In transfer news, Arsenal breaks the bank with a world-record £1M deal for Olivia Smith. Is that good or bad for the women’s game? Gio Reyna’s MLS talks with LAFC have stalled, but a move to Parma could be heating up. The guys also react to Rodrigo De Paul’s move to Inter Miami and Evander outshining Messi in MLS play.
To close the show, the crew reflects on Mauricio Pochettino’s emotional post-game speech after the USMNT’s heartbreaking Gold Cup Final loss.

Intro (0:00)
Germany Tops France on Pens (7:05)
Spain Continues Quest for Double (15:14)
England’s Late Comeback (19:26)
Italy Wins at the Death (24:40)
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Semifinal Preview (28:24)
Brazil is Rolling & Marta’s Future with National Team in Question (32:45)
Transfer News: Gio Reyna Deads LAFC, Parma in the Cards (49:48)
Pochettino’s Emotional Post Game Speech (62:03)

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USMNT Friendlies Set & Transfers Heating Up, Gio Reyna to LAFC? Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Chelsea dominated PSG 3-0 to lift the Club World Cup trophy, thanks to Cole Palmer’s brace. Alexi and Mosse break down the success of the tournament and what it means leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Then, we shift focus to the U.S. Men’s National Team as the fall friendly slate is unveiled. Matchups against Korea Republic, Japan, Ecuador, and Australia will set the stage for key player evaluations. We also dive into the latest transfer buzz including Josh Sargent’s EPL aspirations, Gio Reyna possibly moving to LAFC, and the never-ending Weston McKennie saga.
In MLS, can Lionel Messi extend his unreal scoring streak against FC Cincinnati? We preview Wednesday’s massive Eastern Conference matchups and how the playoff picture is shaping up.
On the women’s side, the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals are here. We preview all four matchups, loaded with history and firepower.
Plus, in #AskAlexi, the guys discuss the possibility of the USMNT winning a World Cup in their lifetime. A voicemail digs into the origin of Statman Mosse’s nickname, and celebrating the New York Cosmos return wraps the episode.

Intro (0:00)
Chelsea Wins CWC (6:32)
USMNT Upcoming Schedule (19:19)
Transfer News: Weah, McKennie, Sargent, Reyna on the Move? (22:14)
Messi’s Historic Run (32:19)
UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Quarterfinals Kickoff (41:09)
#AskAlexi: Will the USMNT ever win the World Cup in Alexi’s lifetime? (45:23)
One for the Road: Cosmos are Back (52:37)

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Carli Lloyd Joins to Talk USMNT's Future Roster & UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 Heat Check Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

The dust has settled on the United States' 2-1 loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup Final. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are joined by USWNT legend Carli Lloyd to break it all down. Alexi unveils his Best XI coming out of the tournament, highlighting who planted their flag for a World Cup spot and who’s still on the outside looking in. With September friendlies against Korea Republic and Japan on the horizon, all eyes are on who makes the next roster and whether Mauricio Pochettino will leave off some big names to make a statement.
Then, the crew shifts focus to UEFA Women’s Euros 2025, with Spain dominating the group stage—netting 11 goals in just two games. Plus, a preview of the Club World Cup Final between Chelsea and PSG.
Finally, Alexi tackles your voicemails, including questions about Christian Pulisic’s place in the upcoming camp, and wraps things up with a classic edition of “One for the Road” on weather complaints.

Intro (0:00)
Gold Cup Final Thoughts (6:17)
Alexi’s Best XI (12:50)
Up Next for USMNT (19:24)
UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 Big Takeaways (25:30)
Club World Cup Final Preview (32:20)
#AskAlexi: Will Pulisic Make September Camp? (38:23)
One for the Road: Weather Whining (47:26)

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USMNT Falls to Mexico in Gold Cup Heartbreak, New Identity Takes Shape Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

The U.S. Men’s National Team came up short in the 2025 Gold Cup Final, falling 2-1 to Mexico in a hard-fought battle. The match was decided once again by intensity, momentum swings, and set pieces. Chris Richards gave the U.S. a dream start with an early header, but Raul Jimenez pulled Mexico level before halftime. A controversial handball in the second half kept the drama high, and after a lengthy VAR check, Edson Álvarez delivered the decisive blow.
Stu Holden and Maurice Edu joined the show to break down the performance and examine what this tournament revealed about the team’s evolving identity. They discuss who stepped up, who has real 2026 World Cup potential, and who is still on the bubble. With just a handful of windows remaining before World Cup camp begins, the clock is ticking, and the path forward is coming into focus.

Intro (0:00)
USMNT vs Mexico Gold Cup Final Recap (1:01)
Valuable Lessons for Mauricio Pochettino (4:05)
USMNT Outlook: Better, Worse, or Same? (7:25)
USMNT Gold Cup Winners: Luna, Tillman, Berhalter (8:50)
Search for Striker Continues (13:39)
Alexi Rides A Horse (27:12)

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Diego Luna Is A Star & USMNT Marches to Gold Cup Final vs Mexico Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and Maurice Edu break down a thrilling semifinal win for the USMNT as they outlast Guatemala 2-1 to punch their ticket to Sunday’s final. The night belonged to Diego Luna, who bagged a brace and continued his rise with another electric performance. We dive into Luna’s incredible journey—from USL to MLS, to national team standout—and why he might be the most exciting American talent since Christian Pulisic.
Plus, the guys react to the latest on Malik Tillman’s Leverkusen move and Tim Weah’s Marseille links. Mexico’s Raul Jimenez delivered the winning goal over Honduras, to set up a Gold Cup Final showdown with the United States in Houston. We also check in on the opening action from the UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 and the final American standing in the Club World Cup. See you on Sunday in Houston.

Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife

Intro (00:00)
USMNT Advance to Gold Cup Final: Moon Boy to Moon Man (2:12)
Diego Luna over Christian Pulisic? (9:01)
Legend of Luna (11:13)
Gold Cup Final Preview: Mexico vs USA (26:18)
UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 Recap (38:06)
Last American Standing in Club World Cup (40:28)

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USMNT Survives Costa Rica Thriller, Guatemala Shocks Jesse Marsch’s Canada Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Rob Stone break down a dramatic night of Gold Cup quarterfinals as the USMNT outlasts Costa Rica in a tense penalty shootout. Max Arfsten bounced back after giving up an early penalty with the go-ahead goal, Diego Luna continued to shine in the midfield, and Matt Freese redeemed himself with a clutch performance in net. After falling behind for the first time this tournament, the U.S. showed real grit and resilience.
Meanwhile, Guatemala shocked Jesse Marsch’s Canada in a shootout of their own, setting up a semifinal clash with the United States. Canada went down to 10 men before Rubio Rubin’s equalizer forced penalties.
The crew also looks ahead to the semifinal doubleheader of USMNT vs. Guatemala and Mexico vs. Honduras, plus the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 kicks off on Wednesday.
Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife
Intro (0:00)
USMNT Advances to Semifinals (3:14)
Matt Freese Saves USMNT in Penalties (12:40)
Shorthanded Canada Crashes Out of Gold Cup (18:46)
Jesse Marsch: “We’re Missing Half Our Group” (21:10)
Gregg Berhalter in the House (27:04)
Gold Cup Semifinals Preview (29:35)
UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 Kicks Off (31:29)

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Mauricio Pochettino’s Coaching Drama, Mexico and Honduras Punch Semifinal Tickets Jun 29, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of State of the Union, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse react to all the Gold Cup quarterfinal action, starting with Honduras’ dramatic penalty shootout win over Panama. Edrick Menjívar came up clutch in goal, helping his side reach their first semifinal since 2013. Mexico also took care of business against Saudi Arabia to secure a showdown with Honduras.

Meanwhile, the USMNT prepares for their win-or-go-home match against Costa Rica. But just 24 hours before kickoff, a report on USMNT's Head Coach breaks the news. Mauricio Pochettino is rumored to have interviewed for the manager position with Brentford. The guys speak on what this means for team morale and Pochettino’s future with the national team.

They also discuss the U.S. starting XI predictions, Johnny Cardoso missing training, and handling the pressure of knockout play. Plus, a preview for who the USMNT could face in the semifinals and a quick check-in on Club World Cup results.

Catch USMNT vs Costa Rica — Tuesday at 7 PM ET on FOX.

Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife

Intro (0:00)

Honduras Stuns Panama on Penalties (5:53)

Red Hot Keeper: Edrick Menjivar (10:07)

Alexis Vega Leads Mexico to Semifinals (12:04)

Mauricio Pochettino Interviews with Brentford? (18:02)

USMNT vs Costa Rica Preview (23:48)

Canada & Jesse Marsch Look to Advance Past Guatemala (31:08)

Club World Cup Round of 16 Kicks Off (32:43)

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Gold Cup Quarterfinals Are Set! USMNT to Face Costa Rica, Canada Looms in Semis Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

The Gold Cup quarterfinals are locked in, and the USMNT is set for a high-stakes clash with Costa Rica in Minneapolis. Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Stu Holden, break down the full knockout bracket and what’s at stake.
The guys look ahead to the USMNT vs. Los Ticos matchup, revisit the long-standing rivalry, and ask whether this team is peaking at the right time. Has Malik Tillman become the USMNT’s most important attacker? And can Patrick Agyemang continue his rise?
Plus, a dominant night from Panama’s Ismael Díaz, Canada’s chaotic win over nine-man El Salvador, and Guatemala surviving Guadeloupe. The guys also grade recent transfer news, including Malik Tillman to Bayer Leverkusen, Johnny Cardoso to Atlético Madrid, and what Lyon’s relegation could mean for Matt Turner and Tanner Tessmann.
Finally, the guys chat Club World Cup action. Do we miss the good ol’ Confederations Cup?

Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLIfe

Intro (0:00)
Canada Tops 9-Man El Salvador (1:50)
Ismael Diaz Earns Hatty (12:44)
Gold Cup Quarterfinals Are Set (20:13)
USMNT Transfer News (29:02)
Inter Miami Carries MLS Banner in Club World Cup (43:58)

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USMNT Goes 3-for-3, Tillman Delivers Again, Giménez’s Worldie Waved Off Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

The USMNT closes out the Gold Cup group stage with a 2-1 win over Haiti, securing all nine points and the top spot in Group D. Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Maurice Edu break down the win — including Malik Tillman’s standout performance, Patrick Agyemang’s hard-earned game-winner, and key lineup decisions. The crew also discusses Matt Freese’s costly giveaway, whether Tillman is locking in a long-term role, and what to expect in the quarterfinal matchup vs. Costa Rica.
Plus, a full recap of the day’s Gold Cup action. Saudi Arabia and Trinidad & Tobago share points, Mexico and Costa Rica play to a scoreless draw, and Tuesday’s Group B & C showdowns decide the remaining quarterfinal spots. To wrap things up, Alexi reflects on the USMNT’s legendary 1994 World Cup win over Colombia—31 years ago today.
Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife
Intro (0:00)
USMNT Clashes with Haiti in Group D (4:02)
Is Malik Tillman a Potential World Cup Starter? (12:11)
Matt Turner vs Matt Freese (17:51)
Dante Sealy’s Goal of the Tournament (21:43)
Group A Recap (23:03)
Club World Cup Action (29:24)

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Jesse Marsch & Canada Stunned, USMNT Eyes Group D Crown, Defining Gold Cup Success Jun 22, 2025

Show notes

Curaçao delivered the shock of Matchday 2 with a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer against Canada, keeping Group B wide open. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down what went wrong for Jesse Marsch’s side and how changes to the starting XI may have backfired.
The guys look ahead to the USMNT's final group stage clash against Haiti, with updates on injuries, potential lineup changes, and what success looks like for the United States this summer. Will Tyler Adams return to the starting lineup? And who needs to step up with Diego Luna and Sebastian Berhalter sitting on yellows?
They wrap the show by previewing Group A’s matchups and discussing Gio Reyna and the Dortmund bench watching from the locker room during Club World Cup action.
Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife
Intro (0:00)
Canada Drops Points in Group B (3:30)
Jeremy Antonisse's Late Equalizer (7:43)
Honduras Bounces Back (13:48)
USMNT Eyes Top of Group D (16:10)
What does success look like for USMNT this summer? (20:52)
Group A Preview (25:46)
Gio Reyna Watches Club World Cup from Locker Room (28:07)

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