Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Sargent, Aaronson, & Cardoso deliver, Who did USMNT miss most in CONCACAF Nations League? Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap USMNT’s weekend abroad after returning from national duty in CONCACAF Nations League. AC Milan’s struggles continued with a loss to Napoli and Santi Jimenez’s crucial missed penalty. Why was Christian Pulisic passed over for the responsibility? Weston McKennie and Tim Weah bagged their first win under new head coach Igor Tudor. Chris Richards’ side advanced to the FA Cup semifinals over Antonee Robinson and Fulham. They will take on Aston Villa next. Josh Sargent, Brenden Aaronson, and Johnny Cardoso all delivered big goals for their squads. Who will be the one to step up and transfer performances to the USMNT? Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman also made their returns to league action for their respective clubs. (8:50)

The guys dive into USMNT penalty taker power rankings, Bayern’s potential legal action against Canada, and Alexi’s trip to Park City, Utah to wrap the show.

USMNT Abroad (8:50)

MLS Recap: Messi scores & Vermes sacked (21:36)

#AskAlexi: USMNT penalty taker power rankings (35:10)

One for the Road (47:09)

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International Break Recap: Brazil handed worst loss, USWNT roster, Jedi & Dest most important USMNT players? Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse sit down to share final thoughts on the USMNT’s lackluster weekend at the CONCACAF Nations League, and the importance of Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson being available for the national team this summer at Gold Cup. Also during this international window, Argentina handed Brazil their worst World Cup qualifying loss ever. France, Spain, Germany, and Portugal all advanced to the UEFA Nations League semis. Our Americans look to get back in club action in Europe. Weston McKennie and Tim Weah face Genoa under new management, Antonee Robinson and Chris Richards go head-to-head in the FA Cup quarterfinals. On the women’s side, Emma Hayes announced the USWNT roster for their upcoming matches against Brazil. (7:49)

To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse discuss USMNT’s second best guy behind Pulisic, USL promotion/relegation, and give an ode to the late Hank Steinbrecher. (50:32)

Final thoughts on USMNT Nations League failure (7:49)

Brazil handed worst WCQ loss (27:18)

UEFA Nations League semis are set (32:12)

USMNT Abroad Preview (39:43)

#AskAlexi: USL pro/rel (50:32)

One for the Road: Ode to Hank Steinbrecher (59:05)

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USMNT squander Nations League, expectations for 2025 Gold Cup & 2026 FIFA World Cup Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse and Stu Holden broke down the USMNT’s second loss in the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League. Mauricio Pochettino revamped the USMNT starting XI in the 3rd-place match against Canada, but it was not enough to secure the win. Their only goal came from Patrick Agyemang in the first half, assisted by Diego Luna. After losing the Nations League for the first time, the guys discussed the importance of the USMNT’s performance at the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer. As it will be the squad and Pochettino’s sole tournament opportunity before the 2026 World Cup. (4:46)

USMNT Nations League failure (0:00)

Gold Cup importance (12:04)

Starting XI predictions for Gold Cup (30:59)

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USMNT falls to Panama: Is the honeymoon over for Mauricio Pochettino? Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, Stu Holden and John Strong recap the U.S. Men's National Team’s shocking 1-0 loss to Panama live from SoFi Stadium. Panama’s Cecilio Waterman scored the winner at the death to advance Los Canaleros to the CONCACAF Nations League Finals. The USMNT has now been eliminated by Panama in three-straight major tournaments including the 2024 Copa America and 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The guys discussed what this result means for the future and how expectations may have to shift after multiple disappointing losses. Is the “golden generation” not so golden? The USMNT faces Canada on Sunday in the CONCACAF Nations League 3rd-place match.

USMNT vs Panama: Alexi and Stu's instant reaction to loss (0:00)

Final Thoughts (5:57)

Is the USMNT as good as we thought? (12:30)

Canada vs USMNT Preview (29:05)

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USMNT vs Panama preview, Messi out of Argentina’s squad Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

An exciting international window is upon us with CONCACAF and UEFA Nations League matches & CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse previewed USMNT’s match against Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal. Alexi unveiled his predictions for the starting lineup. Most of the players called up for Pochettino’s squad were in club action this weekend. Christian Pulisic helped AC Milan to a comeback win with his 15th goal of the season. Jedi Robinson and Fulham edged Tottenham and jumped up to 8th in the Premier League standings. Although Haji Wright will miss USMNT action, he recorded his first English soccer hat-trick with Coventry City. Back stateside, Messi was back on the pitch with Inter Miami scoring in back-to-back matches. However, he will be unavailable for Argentina’s CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying matches. The squad is set to take on Uruguay and Brazil. (5:16)

To wrap the show, the guys discuss international kits, play-by-play announcing, and facing Niall Quinn from the Republic of Ireland. (39:53)

USMNT vs Panama preview (5:16)

USMNT Abroad recap (13:47)

Newcastle celebrates in Carabao Cup Final (20:00)

CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying: No Messi (30:31)

UEFA Nations League (35:28)

#AskAlexi (39:53)

One for the Road: Facing Niall Quinn (48:41)

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USMNT roster drop & Does the best player in the world wear braces? Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse kick off the episode with Mauricio Pochettino’s Nations League roster drop. Six MLS based players got the call including Diego Luna, Patrick Agyemang, and Brian White. The squad will face Panama on March 20th. Over in the Champions League, Lamine Yamal led Barcelona’s romp over Benfica with a goal and assist. Is Yamal the best player in the world at just 17 years-old? Gio Reyna came on late in Dortmund’s win over Lille. They will meet Yamal and Barcelona in the UCL quarter finals. Julián Alvarez’s controversial double-kick snubbed Atletico from taking down Real Madrid and moving on. The CONCACAF Champions Cup action also heats up. MLS-sides answered back in leg 2, with three squads advancing to the quarterfinals thus far. Messi and Inter Miami wrap up the Round of 16 with a trip to Jamaica. (4:53)

In #AskAlexi the guys answer questions on Gio Reyna’s next steps and Manchester United’s new roofed stadium. To wrap Alexi acknowledges 2025 Colin Jose Media Award winner Bob Ley.

USMNT roster drop (4:53)

Champions League action: Yamal leads Barcelona romp (16:22)

USMNT Abroad (40:06)

CONCACAF Champions Cup: Messi travels to Jamaica (42:19)

#AskAlexi (52:42)

One for the Road: Bob Ley wins 2025 Colin Jose Media Award (63:16)

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USMNT June friendlies, Prolific Pulisic, Sergino Dest is BACK Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse kick off today's show off with the announcement of USMNT’s June friendlies. The squad is set to face off against two big European opponents, Switzerland and Turkiye, ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Also in Europe, Christian Pulisic had a big weekend and saved the day for AC Milan. He scored two goals in eight minutes to equalize and win the match over Lecce. Juventus suffered a major loss at home and nearly ended all hopes of a league title. Josh Sargent struck again, scoring his twelfth goal of the season for Norwich City. Tyler Adams has also been in great form since returning from injury, earning Bournemouth’s February Player of the Month Award. Sergino Dest looks to make a similar impact on the pitch for PSV as he makes his official return from an ACL tear. UEFA Champions League and CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 leg 2 continue this week with many great matchups on deck. (5:39)

To wrap the show the guys discuss injury timelines, identifying top prospects, and Gianni Infantino in the White House. (41:17)

USMNT June friendlies announced (5:39)

USMNT Abroad (7:57)

UEFA Champions League (25:49)

CONCACAF Champions Cup (27:30)

#AskAlexi (41:17)

One for the Road: Infantino in the White House (52:04)

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Champions League recap, USMNT vs The best clubs, Flo Balogun is back in action Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dove into the Champions League Round of 16 Leg 1. On Tuesday, Real Madrid and Atletico faced off in a close battle and Arsenal pummeled PSV 7-1. To follow that up, Harry Kane led the way for Bayern with a brace and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott was the hero in their win at the death. The Big news for our Americans in Europe, Flo Balogun returned to training camp this week after recovering from shoulder surgery. The CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 also continued this week. Inter Miami will wrap up leg 1 tonight against Cavalier. When will we see Messi? (7:50)

The guys answer questions in #AskAlexi about the best club teams the USMNT could top and Oscar reactions. To wrap, Alexi and Mosse discuss FIFA World Cup news including, 2026 World Cup halftime show and 2031 Women’s World Cup bid. (49:38)

Champions League Recap (7:50)

USMNT Abroad (25:48)

CONCACAF Champions Cup Recap (35:20)

MLS Preview (43:23)

#AskAlexi (49:38)

One for the Road: FIFA World Cup News (57:00)

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Johnny Cardoso’s big day, Americans fight on in FA Cup, No Messi equals free tickets Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap a busy weekend abroad for the Americans. Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis went head-to-head with one of La Liga’s best, and outmatched them. The header against Real Madrid marked his first league goal of the season. Over in Serie A, the struggles have not let up. AC Milan dropped important matches on the weekend and moved down to 9th in standings, while Juventus failed to advance past Empoli in the Coppa Italia. Jedi Robinson and Chris Richards withstand their respective opponents in FA Cup action, and are set to face off in the quarter finals next. Back state side, MLS matchday two was a spectacle. Jacob Murrell’s epic bicycle kick leveled the score at the death, and Inter Miami showed out despite Messi not traveling. Alexi and Mosse shared thoughts on the situation and Houston’s statement surrounding the world class player. (8:05)

To wrap the show the guys discuss the new eight second rule for keepers, the idea of a MLS and USL Super Copa, and Alexi’s ski trip to the Rocky Mountains. (48:15)

USMNT Abroad (8:05)

Champions League Preview (30:31)

MLS Weekend Recap (31:43)

CONCACAF Champions Cup: Round of 16 (45:00)

#AskAlexi (48:15)

One for the Road: Skiing in the Rocky Mountain (55:52)

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Messi strikes again, Barcelona & Atletico thriller, Mexican/American dual national panic Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse broke down Messi’s electric goal in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Inter Miami and LAFC both advanced to the Round of 16. MLS league play also continues this weekend with the new San Diego squad set to host their first home match at Snapdragon Stadium. Over in Europe, Barcelona and Atletico played to a 8-goal thriller in Copa Del Rey. Johnny and Real Betis prepare to take on title contenders Real Madrid in league action. Antony’s red card has officially been cancelled and will be available for the big match. The FA Cup and Coppa Italia roll on this week with Americans looking to continue their run. Christian Pulisic makes big news as he closes in on a contract extension with AC Milan through 2029. (6:19)

In #AskAlexi the guys answer questions on the possibility of MLS players winning a Ballon d’Or and Mexican/American dual national players. To wrap the show they speak on collegiate soccer working with U.S. Soccer to play year-round. (41:24)

CONCACAF Champions Cup recap & MLS preview (6:19)

Weekend Abroad (23:13)

#AskAlexi (41:24)

One for the Road: Year-round collegiate soccer (54:00)

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