Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The USMNT’s Ice-Cold Win: Is Pulisic Getting Frozen Out of the Starting Squad? Feb 08, 2022

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse kick off the show with a look at the USMNT’s big win vs. Honduras in their most important World Cup Qualifying match and answer why Christian Pulisic started on the bench (17:00). Then the guys a take a brief look at all the potential MLS transfers from Jozy Altidore, Shaqiri, Carlos Tevez and so many more (46:53). Later, the guys take a trip around the world to discuss all the biggest news stories including, Manchester United’s FA Cup disaster, Barcelona’s La Liga Comeback, the Milan Derby, AFCON, and The Club World Cup (56:12). Alexi answered all your questions about which USMNT players most raised their stock, if the tactics are to blame for the USMNT’s striker struggles, and compare if Pulisic was better under Bruce Arena than he is for Gregg Berhalter in #AskAlexi (1:31:21) Finally, the guys end the show with a look at the Super Bowl and Jim Harbaugh’s complicated relationship with Michigan (1:16:00).

Movies/TVShows:

Neymar: The Perfect Chaos

The Tinder Swindler

The French Lieutenant’s Woman

Gladiator

The Lost Daughter

My Brilliant Friend

Knicks vs. Lakers

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Canada defeats the USMNT: Is World Cup Qualification at risk? Feb 01, 2022

Show notes

Alexi & Mosse open the show with special guest Doug McIntyre, who joins to break down the USMNT’s 0-2 loss to Canada in the World Cup qualifying match (1:10). They discuss how much blame should be on Berhalter, Christian Pulisic’s struggles, what this means for the national team moving forward, and much more. They also talk about American transfers, including Matt Turner to Arsenal and Kevin Paredes to Wolfsburg. In their trip around the world (40:40), Alexi & Mosse discuss the moves that happened during the January transfer window, including Florentina striker Dusan Vlahović to Juventus, Luis Diaz to Liverpool, and more. They also touch on the AFCON semifinals and Club World Cup. In #AskAlexi (51:15), Alexi & Mosse answer fan questions about whether Pulisic should ask for a move from Chelsea, thoughts on Frank Lampard as the next Everton manager, and nicknames. Finally, in his One for the Road segment (1:10:10), Alexi pays tribute to Hope Solo, Clint Dempsey, Shannon Boxx and others elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

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USMNT World Cup Qualifying Continues, but where’s Josh Sargent? Jan 25, 2022

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse kick off the pod with a look at the… NFL overtime rules? Yeah you read that right. The guys briefly recap the incredible weekend of NFL games, including the Bills Chiefs game, and Alexi gives his thoughts on the NFL’s overtime rules. Then the guys dive into the next World Cup Qualifying window, look at the USMNT roster, and investigate Josh Sargent’s mysterious absence (17:00). Then they turn toward Europe to give their thoughts on Josh Sargent’s incredible game for Norwich, Yunus Musah’s recent form in La Liga, and check on Ricardo Pepi’s progress at Augsburg (45:12). The guys answered your questions about Matt Turner’s move to Arsenal, Pellegrino Matarazzo’s coaching career, and if Liga MX or the USMNT is a better pathway to Europe in #AskAlexi (1:11:58). Alexi ends the pod with a look at American World Cup Qualifying venues and why Los Angeles is often not chosen anymore in his One for the Road (1:26:56).

Movies/TV Shows:

Power of the Dog

Station 11

Munich - Edge of War

Under the Volcano

Ozark

Gilded Age

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EPL Postponement Issues / Why McKennie is the best American in Europe Jan 18, 2022

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse kick off the podcast with a look at all the recent MLS transfers including, Kellyn Acosta’s trade to LAFC, Justin Che’s loan to Hoffenheim, and Carlos Salcedo’s potential move to Toronto FC (10:36). Then we take a look at all the action in AFCON including the bizarre officiating of the Tunisia vs. Mali game and why Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara has become a viral sensation (30:30). Then we take a look at the ELP’s scheduling issues, the Tottenham vs. Arsenal postponement, El Classico, and why Weston McKennie is the best American in Europe (37:45). The guys answer your questions about what playoffs would look like in the EPL, prime Neymar vs. Prime Ronaldinho, and Doctor Khumalo in #AskAlexi (1:09:25). Finally, Alexi ends the show with a special shoutout to a friend of the podcast in his One for the Road.

Movies/TV Shows:

Licorice Pizza

Power of the Dog

Station 11

North by North West

Street Car Named Desire

Night Shift

Vigil

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Steve Cherundolo’s Journey to LAFC: From Bundesliga star to MLS Super Club Head Coach Jan 11, 2022

Show notes

Steve Cherundolo joins the State of the Union podcast to discuss his new LAFC head coaching position, his new plans for the MLS Super Club in the upcoming season, why the Bundesliga develops so many great American players and even gives us some USMNT predictions ahead of the 2022 World Cup. Later, We dive into all the big news stories surrounding MLS including, Insigne to Toronto is finally official, Jesus Ferreira’s designated player deal, and go over RSL’s new ownership which includes NBA legend Dwayne Wade. Then the guys cover all the different storylines in Europe’s Top 5 Leagues including, Arsenal’s early exit from the FA Cup, Vinicius’s amazing form at Real Madrid, and Ricardo Pepi’s debut in the Bundesliga. Alexi answered all of your questions in a very USMNT focused edition of #AskAlexi. Finally, Alexi ended the podcast with a look at different USMNT home stadium venues in his One for the Road.

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Ricardo Pepi’s record breaking transfer changes everything Jan 04, 2022

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse kick off the New Year with a look at Ricardo Pepi’s record breaking transfer to FC Augsburg and Daryl Dike’s move to West Brom (10:00). We then move onto MLS to address the rumors surrounding Insigne’s move to Toronto FC, talk LAFC’s new head coach Steve Cherundolo, and look at Haaland/Mbappe transfer rumors. Later the guys covered everything that happened in the Premier League over the break including, Lukaku’s beef with Tuchel, Christian Pulisic’s big moment for Chelsea and how AFCON is effecting the schedule (54:43). We answered your questions about parity in Europe’s Top 5 Leagues, and why Bruce Arena/coaches outside of the top leagues are often overlooked on best coaches lists in #AskAlexi (1:28:45). Finally, Alexi ends the show with a One for the Road about his favorite soccer moment of 2021 (1:42:32).

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Alexi’s Holiday Thank You: Celebrating our American Soccer Culture Dec 24, 2021

Show notes

Alexi bids farewell to 2021 and looks back at the last year with an eye toward 2022. He wishes you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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USMNT’s World Cup To-Do List: Top Five Challenges for 2022 Dec 22, 2021

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse kick off the show with a recap of USMNT’s friendly vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, breakdown all of the new debuts on the squad, and look at Jordan Morris’ performance (04:47). Alexi then looks ahead toward 2022 and makes a to-do list for the top five challenges the team will need to face before the World Cup (23:40). We then transition to Europe as the guys reflect on Sergio Aguero’s legendary career after retiring amid health concerns (28:10). Later, we move into Premiere League to breakdown all of the officiating drama surrounding the Tottenham vs. Liverpool game and Klopp’s meltdown. We breeze through the rest of Europe, including La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Jordan Pefok’s amazing 4 goal game. Alexi and Mosse answered your questions about the potential UEFA CONMEBOL Nations League merger, why stoppage time is never accurate, and why college soccer has lost some relevance in #AskAlexi (49:33). Finally, Alexi ends the show with a thank you to all of the listeners for listening to yet another year of the State of the Union podcast (1:07:35). Have a great holiday everyone!

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NYCFC win MLS Cup: How the pigeons took down Portland Dec 14, 2021

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse kick off the podcast with a recap of the dramatic MLS Cup final between the Portland Timbers and NYCFC. They break down the VAR controversy from Portland’s last minute goal, Sean Johnson’s saves during the tense penalty shootouts, and why NYCFC manager Ronny Deila Striped after winning MLS Cup (10:04). Then the guys breakdown the USMNT’s upcoming game vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina and see which MLS players could break into the main squad. We then switch gears to Europe as we look at all the games around Europe and briefly cover the Liga MX final between Atlas and Leon, but we all know the real story is the fumbled Champions League draw! Alexi and Mosse make their picks for the Round of 16 and give their team rankings (37:18). We answered questions about whether Supporters’ Shield winners should get a bye in MLS Playoffs, why Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic is underrated, and answer if Alexi has ever played a FIFA game in #AskAlexi (56:14). Finally, Alexi caps off the show with a look at who from the next generation can carry the torch after Messi and Ronaldo retire (1:11:21).

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MLS Cup Final Predictions: Portland vs. NYCFC Dec 08, 2021

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse kick off the podcast with a recap of all the action around the Eastern and Western MLS Conference Finals, why Alexi was right about NYCFC. Then the guys look ahead to the final Portland vs. NYCFC match up and make their prediction for who will win MLS Cup (09:08). We then do a quick wrap around the world and look at Manchester United’s redemption, if Christian Pulisic will be a consistent starter at Chelsea, and look at the incoming Atlas vs. Leon Liga MX final (34:30). We answer your questions about Lewandowski’s snub for the Ballon d’Or, Jesse Marsch parting ways with RB Leipzig, and Alexi answers if Jaws or Jurassic Park is the better Spielberg movie in #AskAlexi (55:40). Finally, Alexi ends the show with a quick updated about his travels in Qatar (1:25:50).

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