Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, Stu Holden and John Strong recap the U.S. Men's National Team’s shocking 1-0 loss to Panama. Josh Sargent found the back of the net in the first half, but it was disallowed due to Tim Weah’s offside position. Panama’s Cecilio Waterman scored the winner at the death to advance to the CONCACAF Nations League Finals. Panama’s squad has now eliminated the USMNT in a number of 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. 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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into Major League Soccer’s opening week. It was an electric start for San Diego FC as they took down the reigning MLS Cup Champions. Bruce Arena’s debut with San Jose was also unforgettable, topping Salt Lake 4-0. Additionally, Alexi breaks down the infamous playing out of the back and giveaway goals we continued to see this weekend. Over in Europe, Josh Sargent remained unstoppable in the Championship. He earned a brace against Stoke City and recorded his 20th goal at home in 23 matches. AC Milan’s struggles continued in Serie A as Christian Pulisic missed his first career penalty kick. To cap off the weekend, the guys discussed the USWNT’s SheBelieves performance and back-to-back wins among many international debuts. (6:30) To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse chat about MLS expansion options, two-tiered pro/rel system or east and west split divisions. The guys send best wishes to former USMNT goalkeeper Tony Meola as he recovers from a heart attack. (37:01) MLS Opening weekend recap (6:30) CONCACAF Champions Cup Preview (17:13) USMNT Abroad (19:55) UCL Round of 16 (30:35) SheBelieves Cup (33:46) #AskAlexi (37:01) One for the Road: Best wishes to Tony Meola (43:03) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are joined by Apple TV’s Taylor Twellman for a look into the 2025 Major League Soccer season. They discuss the biggest transfers of the offseason, Bruce Arena and Gregg Berhalter’s first year in the league, USL expansion league, and more. In the CONCACAF Champions Cup’s, Djordje Mihailovic and the Colorado Rapids topped LAFC in leg-1 of the first round. Over in Europe, seven Americans made a Champions League exit. Tim Weah scored a banger for Juventus, but it was not enough to advance the squad past the knockout stage. The U.S. Women’s National Team is back in action this week as they face Colombia in their first SheBelieves Cup group stage matchup. (4:56) To wrap the podcast, Alexi and Mosse dive into the game that got them into soccer, parallels between hockey and soccer, and 30 years of MLS. (54:58) Taylor Twellman joins the Pod (4:56) CONCACAF Champions Cup (30:32) Champions League Recap (32:56) SheBelieves Cup Preview (53:04) #AskAlexi (54:58) One for the Road: 30 Years of MLS (66:29) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are fired up about the United Soccer League launching a new Division One League in 2027-28. Details on timeline, competition format, and clubs participating will be announced in coming months. The big question remains, is promotion/relegation in the cards for the new league? Over in Europe, Captain Weston McKennie led Juventus to a Derby D’Italia win, and Tim Weah stepped up big on defense. Josh Sargent continued his scoring streak for Norwich. He currently holds the most goals for a single team in the Championship since his debut in 2022. Daryl Dike was back in action after a long awaited return and Paxton Aaronson headed a goal in for Utrecht. The Americans look to continue their form in the Champions League, alongside Real Madrid and Manchester City vying for a Round of 16 spot. (9:09) The guys answer a few questions on soccer vs hockey rivalries and MLS kits ahead of the 2025 season. To end the show Alexi recaps his trip to Syracuse University for conversations with FOX Sports U. (45:52) USL launches new Division One league (9:09) USMNT Abroad (21:15) Champions League Preview (37:09) CONCACAF Champions Cup (42:36) #AskAlexi (45:52) One for the Road: Conversations with FOX Sports U (54:56) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Mosse and special guest Stu Holden broke down the U.S. Women’s National Team SheBelieves roster for the February window. Emma Hayes called up her 23-player squad without Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson. The guys were also fired up after an exciting day of Champions League action. Manchester City and Real Madrid went back and forth in a 5-goal thriller. Jude Bellingham recorded the winner in stoppage time. Weston McKennie shined in UCL leg-1 against PSV. He opened the scoring for Juventus with a screamer in the first half. With Ricardo Pepi out for the PSV season, Mosse and Stu spoke on the USMNT striker pool heading into the CONCACAF Nations League. (5;46) To wrap the show the duo discussed the 22-0 US Men’s U-17 win over the U.S. Virgin Island, Stu’s youth sports conundrum, and Valentine’s Day plans. USWNT SheBelieves roster drop (5:49) Champions League Recap (12:56) USMNT Abroad (19:41) #AskAlexi (42:20) One for the Road: Youth sports conundrum (51:49) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse react to last week’s USMNT club action. Christian Pulisic delivered a man of the match performance and recorded both assists in AC Milan's win. Josh Sargent remained hot, earning his fourth goal in three consecutive matches for Norwich City. Sargent will be crucial up top for the USMNT with Ricardo Pepi recovering from knee surgery. PSV ruled Pepi out for the remainder of the season. In the FA Cup Plymouth stunned Liverpool with a fourth round defeat behind Ryan Hardie's goal from the spot. Mbappe leveled the score in his first Madrid derby, becoming the youngest player to earn 500 goal contributions. (9:54) The guys answer questions on the wave of star players moving to South America and New Orleans hosting international soccer games. Alexi and Mosse also share thoughts on Super Bowl parties, celebrations, and festivities to wrap the show. (29:25) USMNT Abroad (9:54) Ricardo Pepi injury update (18:54) Mosse’s Matches (21:12) Star players to South America (29:25) Super Bowl reactions (41:47) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and MLS Insider Tom Bogert discuss MLS transfers during this January window including Cucho Hernandez, Dejan Joveljic, Emmanuel Latte Lath, and Miguel Almiron. They talk Neymar's transfer to Santos, and how close the Chicago Fire actually was to signing the soccer legend. They also unpack thoughts on the U.S. Open Cup and the 16 MLS squads competing. Last but not least Tom Bogert drops his top USMNT players who need a new club as soon as possible. (6:19) To wrap the show Alexi and Mosse look at Sportico’s 2025 MLS team valuations and the five teams worth over 1 billion dollars. (29:47) Tom Bogert joins the pod (6:19) How close was Neymar to Chicago Fire? (7:48) U.S. Open Cup (21:51) Top USMNT Players who need a new club (23:30) 2025 MLS Team Valuations (29:47) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap the USMNT weekend abroad. Jedi Robinson stays hot and is on track to take down the EPL defenders assist record. Brenden Aaronson and Josh Sargent both scored big goals in the Championship. Mark McKenzie got the start and scored his first Ligue 1 goal for Toulouse. Tim Weah also recorded an assist off a long shot in Juventus’ home win against Empoli. The Americans are set to face off in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase, which kicks off next week. Finally, January transfers drop in at the deadline with a deal nearing for MLS star Cucho Hernandez. (6:58) In #AskAlexi the guys answer questions on transfer fees and possible plans for 2026 if the MLS switched to the European calendar. They end the show discussing the U.S. Soccer Federation and MLS winning their lawsuit over NASL. (30:36) USMNT Abroad (6:58) UEFA Champions League knockout phase (22:53) January transfer window round-up (24:57) #AskAlexi (30:36) One for the Road: U.S. Soccer and MLS win lawsuit (44:36) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse broke down an exciting final match day in the Champions League. Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi, and Gio Reyna all recorded goal contributions in their respective matches. Weston McKennie captained Juventus as they advanced to the UCL Round of 32. Manchester City avoided an elimination scare with a comeback in the second half. Neymar, Vini Jr, and Jhon Duran headline some of the final transfers as the January window comes to an end. To wrap the show the guys discuss Alexi’s missed block in the 1994 World Cup against Brazil, Front Office Sports featuring Alexi’s comments from the podcast, and USMNT Starting XI if the World Cup started today. UEFA Champions League Recap (6:28) January Transfer Window Round-up (22:44) #AskAlexi (33:20) USMNT 2026 World Cup Starting XI (43:18) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse share final thoughts on the January window for the USMNT. With a MLS-heavy squad, the guys discussed players that stood out and thoughts on the direction of USMNT under Maurico Pochettino. Over in Europe, Tyler Adams bagged two assists in a big win over Nottingham Forest, Christian Pulisic remained perfect on penalties with a goal for AC Milan, and Josh Sargent made his return to the starting lineup with a brace. A couple big matches are on deck this week in the Champions League, PSV vs Liverpool and Manchester City's do-or-die vs Club Brugge. (6:37) To wrap the show Alexi broke down his Serie A goals from 1994/95, and looked ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will kick off in just 500 days. (41:13) Camp Cupcake Recap(6:37) USMNT Abroad (18:51) #AskAlexi (41:13) One for the Road: 500 Days to 2026 FIFA World Cup (49:02) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices