Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Alexi Meets Trump, UCL Classic Thriller, and Is the Yamal Debate Over? May 08, 2025

Show notes

This week, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down one of the greatest UEFA Champions League semifinals of all time — a 7-goal extra time thriller between Inter Milan and Barcelona. Despite a heroic showing from Lamine Yamal, it was Inter’s Davide Frattesi who sealed it with a late winner, sending the Serie A giants to the final against PSG. The guys also cover PSG’s dominant win over Arsenal and preview the massive Champions League final showdown. Over in Europe, Americans abroad keep battling. Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah take on Bologna in Serie A ahead of the Coppa Italia final, and Folarin Balogun is back on the scoresheet as Monaco prepares for a key clash against Lyon. Stateside, the U.S. Open Cup heats up with MLS clubs in control. Messi and Inter Miami head to Minnesota, while LAFC face off with Vancouver in a Western Conference showdown.
In #AskAlexi, the guys debate which CONCACAF team – club or country – is most likely to win a World Cup trophy. Plus, Alexi shares stories from his travels across the U.S., including a stop in Washington, D.C. where he shook hands with Donald Trump. Mosse wraps things up with a look at Brazil’s host cities for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Intro (0:00)
Champions League semifinal classic (6:08)
USMNT Abroad: Balogun scores (23:31)
U.S. Open Cup & MLS Preview (31:59)
#AskAlexi (41:09)
One for the Road: Alexi travels to Washington (49:30)

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Yamal’s 100th Cap Magic, Messi & Miami Humbled, 2006 vs 2024 USMNT Roster Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

Yamal’s 100th Cap Magic, Messi & Miami Humbled, 2006 vs 2024 USMNT Roster

On today’s episode, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dove into a pair of spectacular Champions League semifinal games. Paris Saint-Germain edged Arsenal 1-0 thanks to a stunning 26-pass goal finished by Ousmane Dembélé. Barcelona and Inter Milan battled to a 6-goal thriller, ending with three goals apiece. Lamine Yamal showed off in his 100th appearance, fueling comparisons to a young Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Inter Miami and Messi were pummeled in the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Vancouver. Sebastian Berhalter and Brian White scored in both legs of the semifinal to boost their USMNT hopes. They also previewed the weekend abroad for USMNT players as they fight for final league positions and European possibilities. Antonee Robinson and Fulham take on Aston Villa, while Weston McKennie and Tim Weah travel to Bologna.

In #AskAlexi, the guys revisit some USMNT history, comparing the 2006 World Cup roster to the 2024 Copa América squad, and Alexi surprises Mosse with a World Cup trivia question. To wrap the show they give an ode to Carli Lloyd ahead of her U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame induction.

UCL semifinal: Yamal shows out in 100th appearance (7:12)
CONCACAF Champions Cup: Messi OUT (21:48)
Weekend Preview: USMNT Abroad & MLS (36:06)
#AskAlexi: Can we stump Mosse? (46:38)
One for the Road: U.S. Soccer HOF induction (64:41)

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Wrexham's impact on soccer in U.S., Richards & Turner to FA Cup Final, Ancelotti's Brazil bombshell Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down a blockbuster weekend of soccer action! Starting with the Americans abroad, Christian Pulisic stayed red-hot, scoring his 16th goal of the season to lift AC Milan past Venezia. Meanwhile, Napoli tightened the Serie A title race as Inter Milan stumbled against Roma. Chris Richards and Matt Turner advanced past Aston Villa in the FA Cup semifinals, with chance to lift the iconic trophy. Also this weekend Barcelona took home the Copa Del Rey crown in a 5-goal thriller. Barcelona takes on Inter Milan next in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Big news rocked Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti looks set for a sensational move to coach Brazil. Meanwhile, in MLS, Diego Luna continued his electric run of form, and Vancouver surged to the top of the Western Conference. The Whitecaps also seized a 2-0 advantage in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals behind Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter, with leg 2 looming on Thursday.
To wrap up, the guys dive into draft day stories, celebrate Wrexham's historic promotion to the Championship, and react to the growing influence of the club across America.

USMNT Abroad: Pulisic's 16th goal (5:23)

Liverpool clinches EPL title (15:48)

Copa Del Rey Final & UCL Preview (20:05)

MLS Recap & CONCACAF Champions Cup (33:15)

#AskAlexi: Draft day stories (44:19)

One for the Road: Wrexham's impact (52:11)

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Bruce Arena on issues with U.S. Soccer & MLS, are we worried about Pochettino heading back to Europe? Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Bruce Arena joins the show! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse welcome the legendary coach to discuss his time with the San Jose Earthquakes and share his thoughts on U.S. Soccer and the current USMNT roster. Speaking of our National team, Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah continue their push for the Coppa Italia with AC Milan and prepare for a clash with fellow American Gianluca Busio and Venezia. Chris Richards is set for a big FA Cup semifinal against Aston Villa, while Brenden Aaronson and Leeds book their Premier League promotion following Burnley’s win over Sheffield United. Also this week, the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals continue as Vancouver gets ready to host Lionel Messi and company on Thursday. To close out the show, Alexi and Mosse explore Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.'s potential international future, compare current MLS talent to Peter Nowak’s era, and the art of the deal with Away Days.

Bruce Arena joins the Pod (6:39)

USMNT Abroad (33:32)

CONCACAF Champions Cup/MLS Preview (44:53)

#AskAlexi: Ronaldo Jr., MLS talent vs Peter Nowak (51:56)

One for the Road (61:25)

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Milan falters again, Sargent's EPL push, Cherundolo steps down Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse speak on the USMNT’s weekend abroad including goal-scoring performances, yellow cards, and key matchups. Christian Pulisic continues to prevail despite AC Milan falling off from where they once were. They dropped another three points to Atalanta, Yunus Musah was an unused sub in the match. In a Premier League showdown, Chris Richards and Tyler Adams faced off in a scoreless draw, while Chelsea took the victory over Antonee Robinson’s Fulham. Josh Sargent and Haji Wright continue to accumulate goals in the Championship. Back in the States, Brandon Vazquez and Patrick Agyemang recorded goals in each of their wins this weekend. Steve Cherundolo announced his resignation from position with LAFC following the season’s completion. Inter Miami look to take on Vancouver in the upcoming CONCACAF Championship Cup semifinals.

At the end of the show Alexi and Mosse answer questions on Wilfred Nancy's future with Columbus Crew and the USMNT facing low blocks. They also discuss 2026 FIFA World Cup host city posters.

USMNT Abroad: Sargent nets 20th goal contribution (9:00)

Manchester United’s unreal comeback (21:50)

MLS Recap: Inter Miami remains undefeated (29:10)

#AskAlexi: Wilfred Nancy’s future with Columbus (44:47)

One for the Road (52:33)

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Champions League semis set, Gio Reyna linked to Scotland and MLS, Does the USMNT have a leader? Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dove into the Champions League quarterfinals recap to start the show. On Tuesday Dortmund and Aston Villa looked to overcome their deficits in leg 2, but both squads fell short. Barcelona and PSG advanced to the semifinals. On Wednesday, Bukayo Saka and the Gunners hung onto their lead to top Real Madrid. Vinicius Junior gave his side life with a second half goal, but it was not enough. Inter Milan moved on past Bayern 4-3 on aggregate. Also in Europe, Chris Richards and Tyler Adams will face off in the Premier League with the European race on the line. Gio Reyna is being linked to Scotland and MLS for a transfer, while Chicago Fire is showing interest in Kevin De Bruyne. Columbus Crew takes on Inter Miami and Messi this weekend in a top of the table clash.

To wrap the show Alexi and Mosse discuss venues for the USMNT to play in leading up to the World Cup, national team kits, and USMNT leadership.

Champions League Recap: Semifinals are set (5:01)

USMNT Abroad Preview (28:20)

Kevin De Bruyne to Chicago? (33:30)

#AskAlexi (43:02)

One for the Road: Does the USMNT have a leader? (54:22)

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USMNT faces Gold Cup group of death, Playmaker Pulisic, Tillman gets hot Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse kicked off today’s show breaking down the CONCACAF Gold Cup draw. The U.S. Men’s National Team will face Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saudi Arabia in the group stage. The guys shared their power rankings and where they think the USMNT will stack up against the competition. This weekend abroad, Americans were scoring all over Europe. Christian Pulisic bagged his 10th assist of the season off a corner. Will he be able to transfer this service to the national team? Malik Tillman, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Chris Richards all scored spectacular goals for respective clubs. Champions League quarterfinals also roll on this week, Real Madrid and Dortmund have big deficits to overcome. Back stateside, Brian White went off with four goals in Vancouver’s dominant performance. He became the Whitecaps first player in club history to record 50 regular season goals. (5:32)

In #AskAlexi the duo answered questions on Noah Allen selecting to play for Greece over the United States, and MLS deferring its calendar change. Alexi recapped his visit to TCU’s Film, Television, and Digital Media department to wrap the show. (46:58)

CONCACAF Gold Cup draw & power rankings (5:32)

USMNT Abroad (16:53)

Champions League preview (34:57)

MLS recap: Brian White scores FOUR (41:49)

#AskAlexi: MLS calendar change (46:58)

One for the Road (56:20)

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Messi heroics, Emma Hayes expands player pool, USMNT Gold Cup title or bust? Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

David Mosse and special guest Doug McIntyre break down the U.S. Women’s National Team’s first loss to Brazil since 2014. Emma Hayes rolled out the squad’s youngest starting lineup in 26 years as she continues to prioritize progress and expanding the player pool over short-term success. Mauricio Pochettino on the other hand, has half the time to finalize World Cup rosters and far fewer wins with the national team. Is it Gold Cup title or bust for the USMNT and Pochettino? The USMNT coaching staff will continue their scouting tour and spend time with MLS players and teams ahead of the next window. To wrap the show, Mosse and Doug recap Messi’s heroics in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and Declan Rice’s spectacular free kicks in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League.

USWNT: Emma Hayes expands player pool (2:45)

Mauricio Pochettino's MLS scouting tour (6:20)

CONCACAF Champions Cup: Messi saves the day (14:57)

UEFA Champions League (30:45)

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USWNT top Brazil, Sargent & Luna keep scoring, Messi > Ohtani Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap the U.S. Women’s international friendly against Brazil. The two teams faced off in a rematch of the Olympic gold medal match, Trinity Rodman and Lindsey Heaps led the way. On the men’s side, Christian Pulisic bagged an assist for AC Milan, while Yunus Musah got subbed off early following a crucial mistake. Jedi Robinson and Fulham shocked the Premier League title leaders earning a big win at Craven Cottage. Malik Tillman found his way back on the scoresheet for his club, along with Josh Sargent and Haji Wright. Diego Luna’s brace boosted Real Salt Lake to a win over the reigning MLS champions, ahead of the Galaxy’s quarterfinal match of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. (8:50)

To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse discuss Gio Reyna’s club situation, biggest global athletes, and 30 years of MLS. (44:54)

USWNT vs Brazil (8:50)

USMNT Abroad (13:32)

UEFA Champions League Preview (26:38)

Diego Luna shines for RSL & CONCACAF Champions Cup Preview (32:22)

#AskAlexi: Biggest global athletes (44:54)

One for the Road: 30 years of MLS (56:17)

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Infantino on soccer in US, USMNT players that can break into World Cup Starting XI Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse shared thoughts on Gianni Infantino’s appearance on The Herd, where he discussed the world’s view on American soccer, growth of the game, U.S. Soccer’s “golden era” and more. Following the USMNT’s uninspiring performance at the CONCACAF Nations League, many unanswered questions remained about the squad and Starting XI. The guys made a list of players they see breaking into the lineup come World Cup 2026. This weekend in Europe, Johnny Cardoso faces off against Lamine Yamal’s Barcelona. Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah take on Fiorentina at home, desperate for three points. Weston McKennie and Tim Weah match up against red hot Roma, unbeaten in Serie A through 2025. Antonee Robinson looks for a big victory over Liverpool on Sunday. Also this weekend stateside, the CONCACAF Champions Cup rolls on with LAFC and Inter Miami on FOX. (4:00)

Alexi and Mosse answer questions on the idea of changing the penalty rule and Eurosnobs on USMNT. To wrap the podcast the guys break down Tyler Adams for pro/rel. (42:10)

Dinner with Gianni Infantino (4:00)

Players that can jump into USMNT Starting XI before WC (13:11)

USMNT Abroad (26:00)

MLS Preview/CONCACAF Champions Cup Recap (37:25)

#AskAlexi (42:10)

One for the Road: Tyler Adams for pro/rel (49:18)

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