Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Latest Episodes:

USMNT roster changes, Pulisic's penalty drama, Is Messi still in MLS MVP conversation? Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse speak on the USMNT roster changes as Mauricio Pochettino’s first camp kicks off. Tanner Tessmann, Brandon Vazquez, and Alex Zendejas step in for Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun, and Johnny Cardoso. Balogun withdrew from camp after suffering a shoulder injury in Monaco’s 2-1 win over Rennes. Who will start at striker for the USMNT against Panama and Mexico? Christian Pulisic, who will be at the October camp, continues to score for AC Milan but was waved off of two penalty kicks against Fiorentina. AC Milan’s head coach Paulo Fonseca voiced his displeasure with the decision. Back stateside, MLS nears the season end and MVP conversations ramp up. Alexi and Mosse share their thoughts on where Messi stands in the race. (5:46)

To wrap the show, Alexi breaks down his own MLS MVP criteria and current standings. The guys also identify the sport with the best athletes in the world and discuss player’s transition to life after their careers on the pitch. (42:00)

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Pochettino drops first USMNT roster, Champions League Matchday 2 Recap Oct 03, 2024

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into a very anticipated day, Mauricio Pochettino announces his first USMNT training camp roster. Four MLS players make the squad, including Zack Steffen who returns to the USMNT for the first time in over a year. Next, the guys recap a few UEFA Champions League matches. Weston McKennie and Juventus completed the 3-2 comeback over RB Leipzig. McKennie got the start and played his first full 90 minutes of the season. Folarin Balogun came off the bench and earned a penalty for Monaco in the 2-2 draw. Stateside, Inter Miami and Columbus face off in one of the biggest MLS matches of the season. (3:49)

To wrap the show Alexi and Mosse discuss expectations for Emma Hayes vs Pochettino, MLS expansion, and advice for players heading into camp with a new head coach. (39:51)

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USMNT players to get a fresh look under Mauricio Pochettino, 2025 Club WC stadiums announced Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are joined by special guest Doug McIntyre to speak on players that could get a fresh look under Mauricio Pochettino. Will Pochettino lean on MLS players in the new era? The guys also broke down this weekend's matches as Christian Pulisic added another goal to his streak, Folarin Balogun scored for Monaco, and Ricardo Pepi got his first start and brace of the season. (6:31)

In #AskAlexi, Mosse and Alexi answer a question on criticisms of MLS and recap a few matches. To wrap the show the guys discuss the announcement of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup host stadiums and 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show. (35:40)

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Christian Pulisic becoming “world class”, Mbappe OUT, Pep Guardiola ruining soccer? Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse breakdown the USMNT’s upcoming matches abroad, namely Christian Pulisic as he looks to continue his goal contribution streak. Has Pulisic reached “world class” status, or is there more he needs to accomplish first? Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright are set to face off this weekend in the Championship, and Josh Sargent looks to get back on track after a month without a goal. It is confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will be out for the Madrid Derby on Sunday and he will likely miss more time on the field. Alexi and Mosse also talk MLS Cup contenders and dark horses. (5:53)

To wrap the pod, the guys answer a few questions on explaining USMNT to non-soccer fans, expanding MLS to Buffalo, and youth development in America. (38:00)

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Pulisic winner at San Siro, Haaland’s 100th City goal, FIFA Legends Game Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back in the studio to break down this weekend's matches. Christian Pulisic continues to thrive in Milan, scoring the opening goal in the Milan derby. He extends his goal contribution streak to 5-straight club matches. Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun also found the back of the net this weekend in their respective wins. Over in England, Manchester City and Arsenal battled it out for the top spot in the EPL. Erling Haaland scored his 100th goal in the match and tied Ronaldo’s record. (5:40)

In #AskAlexi, the guys discuss Bora Milutinović's impact on Alexi’s soccer career and MLS vs European soccer culture. (27:11) To wrap, Alexi shares a few stories from his trip to Monterrey and the experience of playing in the FIFA Legends match. (43:50)

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U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson on Mauricio Pochettino, US Open Cup, the New National Training Center Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

On a special edition of the State of the Union Podcast, Alexi Lalas was joined by U.S. Soccer CEO & Secretary General JT Batson. The duo starts with new USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino. What stood out in the hiring process? Batson and Lalas also dive into the US Open Cup, the upcoming National Training Center in Atlanta, the USWNT's success under Emma Hayes, and more.

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Pulisic & McKennie score in UCL opener, Where does USMNT rank in world? Sep 19, 2024

Show notes

David Mosse and special guest turned host, Stu Holden, recap an exciting start to the UEFA Champions League. Christian Pulisic and Weston Mckennie both got on the scoresheet in their opening Champions League matches. Mckennie recorded his first start of the season in Juventus’ 3-1 win over PSV, also featuring five USMNT players for the first time in UCL history. Stu shared his thoughts on USMNT players going to Europe versus playing more minutes in the MLS, as well as the draw for American owners in Europe. (4:39)

To wrap the show, Mosse and Stu spoke on the USMNT’s FIFA rankings and more on Pochettino’s opening press conference. (57:33)

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Mauricio Pochettino's impressive press conference, Pulisic’s perfect penalties, Messi is BACK Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse react to Mauricio Pochettino’s first press conference as the head coach of the USMNT. The excitement is high for Pochettino to get to work with the USMNT squad, as he works to restore belief for the team, fans, and federation. This week on the player's side, Christian Pulisic continues to make big contributions for AC Milan with a goal and assist against Venezia. He remains perfect in penalty kicks for country and club. Tim Weah also made his return to the field with Juventus. Weah and McKennie are set to face American teammates Tillman and Pepi with PSV in the UEFA Champions League. Another big return came in the MLS, as Messi got his first start with Inter Miami since June 1st. Messi recorded 3 goal contributions in the win over Philadelphia Union. (5:17)

To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse answer a few questions on player injuries and the trend of USMNT players going to Europe rather than prioritizing consistent minutes in MLS. The guys also discuss Alexi’s plans for Juego de Leyendas in Monterrey. (44:44)

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Pochettino officially announced, USMNT draws New Zealand: Instant Reaction on X Spaces Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

A NEW ERA IS FINALLY HERE! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse jumped on X Spaces during the USMNT's match versus New Zealand to react to the long-awaited announcement of Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach. Did any players stand out in the 1-1 draw? What style would Alexi like to see going forward from the United States Men's National Team?

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Stu Holden reacts to USMNT’s loss, Alex Morgan retires from soccer, Ronaldo’s 900th goal Sep 10, 2024

Show notes

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and our friend Stu Holden have lots to discuss after the USMNT failed to take down Canada on home soil. They also dive into USMNT upcoming friendly against New Zealand, and talk changes they hope to see. But first, the guys give Alex Morgan, USWNT great, her flowers as she stepped on the field for her final professional match. Also this weekend, the UEFA Nations League continued with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his 900th career goal. Argentina and Colombia look to face off in a Copa América Final rematch, as they battle in the FIFA World Cup Qualifying. (5:39)

The guys wrap the show diving in on Mauricio Pochettino’s assistant coaches and the thought of hiring Jim Curtain, and NYCFC’s rebrand. (55:29)

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