Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Is this USMNT’s “B” team? Doug McIntyre joins to discuss Mexico & the Gold Cup, Gabriel Heinze’s mess in Atlanta, and USWNT bouncing back in the Olympics Jul 27, 2021

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse open the show, and with the USMNT’s win against Jamaica to put them in the Gold Cup semifinals, they debate what is more impressive: the win against Mexico in Nations league or making it to Gold Cup final with this “B” team (8:09) They talk Matt Turner vs. Zack Steffen in goal, Mexico being the overwhelming favorite, and Mosse riding the Qatar wave. The guys then talk MLS and detail Gabriel Heinze’s rough stint with Atlanta, how bad Inter Miami CF and Phil Neville are, and NYCFC’s stadium troubles. They discuss Olympic soccer and talk USWNT’s bounce back after a 3-0 loss to Sweden, recap men’s soccer, including Richarlison’s performances. (36:20). In #AskAlexi, fans ask about international parity, playing World Cup vs. Olympics, and the supposed feud between Mexico and CONCACAF. (51:06). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road” on his recent Tweet about the overuse of soccer jargon when discussing tactics (1:15:05).

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So far, so good for USMNT at Gold Cup, Busio and Tessmann to Italy? Messi signs with Barca & PSG makes key signings, including Sergio Ramos Jul 20, 2021

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse open the show with the USMNT’s run of three wins in the Gold Cup, break down roster decisions, talk teams like El Salvador and Qatar impressing, and Mexico still being favorites but looking beatable. The guys then talk MLS, Heinze out at Atlanta after 17 games, Jozy Altidore rejoins Toronto and scores, and LAFC gets a W. (30:02). They discuss Leo Messi’s decision to stay with Barcelona, Barca’s financial troubles, and recent transfers, including Sergio Ramos to PSG and Jordan Sancho to Manchester United (49:20). In #AskAlexi, fans ask about PK follow-up rules, life in the corporate world as an athlete, and one fan still thinks broadcasts are using fake noise crowd. (1:05:13). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road,” on the rise of MLS team valuations.

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Messi casts his demons, USMNT’s tough Gold Cup win, Southgate’s decisions, Italy’s run, and a tribute to Paul Mariner Jul 13, 2021

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse open the show with the Copa America Final, Messi finally winning his major international trophy, Mosse’s issue with Brazil’s lineup, strategy, and use of Neymar (4:30). The guys then talk about the Euro 2020 finals, Italy deserving the title, questioning Southgate’s use of England’s talent and Mancini’s incredible unbeaten run (28:20). They discuss USMNT’s tough Gold Cup win against Haiti, Chucky Lozano’s injury, and preview USA’s next matchup vs. Martinique (41:52). In #AskAlexi, fans ask about speaking multiple languages, thoughts on a fundraiser US Soccer co-ed game, and watching USMNT’s game with the family (52:23). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road,” a tribute to former England striker Paul Mariner (1:11:50)

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USMNT/Gold Cup, Messi’s final shot? Copa America final prediction, Italy off to final, Chris Armas fired, and Mosse shows up hungover Jul 08, 2021

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse open the show with a preview of the Copa America final and talk about how good Messi has looked with Argentina, his last chance to win an international trophy, and how Neymar and Brazil stack up against Argentina. (08:02). The guys then talk about the EURO 2020 semifinals match between Spain and Italy; La Roja dazzled but could not score. Italy reverts to the traditional style for the victory, and is it coming home for England? (29:22). They discuss MLS such as Toronto FC firing Chris Armas, Seattle’s unbeaten run, Galaxy losing game, and Chicharito, and looked at USMNT’s/Mexico’s rosters for the upcoming Gold Cup (40:45). In #AskAlexi, fans ask why American media heavily advertise Neymar and Messi over Brazil and Argentina, the latest ruling in favor of college athletes, and one fan suggests it’s time to dump penalty kicks to decide tournament games (1:05:14). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road,” a shoutout to Angel City FC (1:19:54).

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Chicharito stars again, Biggest MLS rivalry, Mbappe the villain, and Brazil on top of the food chain in Copa America Jun 30, 2021

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse open the show with an MLS recap (4:27) to talk Chicharito’s scoring form, the biggest rivalry in the MLS, Bruce Arena, Thiago’s stunning winner, the exciting Austin-Columbus game, Diego Chara allegedly receiving racial abuse and LAFC’s struggles. The guys then talk about Spain’s impressive play, Switzerland stunning France, Mbappe the villain, Pragmatic Portugal out against Belgium, Frank De Boer out as Netherlands coach, Italy dodging a bullet, Denmark trouncing Wales, England’s massive win against Germany, and quarterfinal preview (27:10). They discuss the Copa America group stage, which is more dependent on their star, Brazil (Neymar) or Argentina (Messi), quarterfinal predictions, and Brazil’s transition to pragmatism.. (40:55). In #AskAlexi, fans ask about club vs. international soccer, New England Revolution’s chances, and the documentary “LFG.” (1:10:30). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road” on rebranding.

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McConaughey hypes Austin FC fans, Saying bye to Crew Stadium, Brazil’s Copa America to lose, and Italy’s brilliant run at EURO 2020 Jun 22, 2021

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse open the show with an MLS recap to talk Austin FC’s draw in its stadium opener with hype-man Matthew McConaughey, the final game at Crew Stadium, Jakob Glesnes banger, and LAFC’s struggles. (07:08). The guys then talk Copa America, Brazil’s tournament to lose, Argentina-Brazil gap bigger than thought, Alexi’s favorite player, Englishmen/Chilean Ben Brereton’s, and Chile, Uruguay playing with veteran players through the World Cup (27:15). They discuss EURO 2020, including Italy’s impressive run, and why Mosse doesn’t think England appreciates Jadon Sancho. (43:03). In #AskAlexi, fans ask for the USMNT and USWNT player Alexi would pick, Dallas FC academy not translating to success on the field, and if the guys think USMNT will be serious World Cup contenders by 2038. (51:10). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road,” which nods to operating lower-division soccer teams such as the Rochester Rhinos and the newly founded Flower City Union.

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Christian Eriksen’s scary moment, Spain’s possession game, Messi-Neymar shine in Copa America, Carly Lloyd, and USWNT’s road to the Olympics Jun 16, 2021

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse open the show with the scary moment in EURO 2020 that saw Denmark’s Christian Eriksen suffer a cardiac arrest on the field, Patrick Schrick’s amazing goal, and break down performances from Belgium, Italy, England, and Spain (11:03). The guys then talk Copa America, Messi’s and Neymar’s performances, the gap between Brazil and Argentina, Tite, Eduardo Vargas international play over club, and Colombia’s hopes (28:26). They discuss USWNT’s 4-0 win over Jamaica, the road to the Olympics, and if the roster should include Carly Lloyd (39:03). In #AskAlexi, fans ask the guys about their journey in the sports media business, playing soccer for fun, and the best PK taker and stoppers (54:19). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road,” where he embraces Jamie Vardy’s newest investment in US Soccer with the Rochester Rhinos (1:13:27).

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USMNT’s grit vs. Mexico, Pulisic & Ethan Horvath, Brazil-Argentina favorites in Copa America, and Ancelotti at Real Madrid Jun 08, 2021

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse open the show with a recap of USMNT’s win against Mexico to win the CONCACAF Nations League; they talk about USA’s grit, what went wrong with Mexico, VAR controversy, penalties, standout performances from Gio Reyna, Christian Pulisic, Weston Mckennie, and Ethan Horvath (08:40). The guys then preview UEFA Euro Championship and predict the groups, preview Copa America, and the favorites in Brazil and Argentina (34:53). They react to Real Madrid appointing Carlo Ancelotti, what teams Zinadine Zidane, and Antonio Conte could join (1:04:40). In #AskAlexi (1:11:50), where fans ask if Alexi dips his Oreos in milk and MLS’ newly proposed 3rd-tier league. Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road,” where he addresses the fans behavior at Denver during USA vs. Mexico match (1:20:41).

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USMNT takes an L, Chelsea’s UCL win/Pep’s failure, Pulisic-Donovan ranking in US Soccer, and wild coaching carousel Jun 01, 2021

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse open the show with a recap of USMNT’s 2-1 loss against Switzerland, give a preview to their match vs. Honduras in the CONCACAF Nations League finals, and give an MLS week 7 recap (11:10). The guys then talk about the Copa America relocation from Argentina to Brazil, UEFA Champions final, pride in Christian Pulisic, Pep Guardiola’s legacy takes hit, and why Alexi doesn’t think N’Golo Kante deserves the Ballon D’Or (26:30). They react to the numerous coaching changes, including Zinedine Zidane, Andrea Pirlo, Antonio Conte and more. In #AskAlexi, fans ask if Christian Pulisic ranks higher than Landon Donovan with his recent UCL win, and a young player asks if it’s better to play college or sign a pro contract in US or Europe. We have an audio question where fan asks about an upcoming Juventus documentary and what teams Alexi and Mosse would like to see (1:19:17) Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road,” where he gives a Memorial Day salute.

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UEFA Champions League Final, Pep’s Legacy, USMNT Roster in Nations, & MLS convo w/ Simon Borg May 25, 2021

Show notes

Alexi and Mosse open the show with a conversation Senior Soccer Editor at Sporting News and former MLS editor-in-chief Simon Borg on all things MLS, USMNT World Cup predictions, and Christian Pulisic’s potential for stardom in the UCL final (04:35). The guys then preview the UEFA Champions League final, talk about Thomas Tuchel’s incredible run with Chelsea and Pep Guardiola’s legacy (42:52). They react to the Premier League’s last crazy match day for UCL qualifications; Atletico Madrid winning La Liga; Lille topping Paris-Saint Germain in League One, Juventus and AC Milan qualifying for UCL. In #AskAlexi (1:20:28), fans call in and ask about Mosse’s best XI Brazil team, covering soccer for a living, Liga MX in Copa Libertadores, and more. Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road,” where he answers a fan’s questions clarifying his stands in the Columbus Crew rebrand.

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