Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse unpack The Guardian’s Best 100 Male and Female Footballers. Christian Pulisic is the only American male to make the list, but is ranked at a lowly number. While on the women’s side, five of the USWNT players are ranked in the top ten, Sophia Smith coming in at number three. Kicking it to the USMNT abroad, Weston McKennie and Malik Tillman star on the weekend with a goal apiece. Brenden Aaronson and Johnny Cardoso also get on the scoresheet in their teams respective wins. The guys answer a pair of questions in #AskAlexi on the weight of USWNT players competing in Europe in comparison to the men, and Netflix’s FIFA Women’s World Cup broadcast coming in 2027 and 2031. To wrap the show Alexi shares his thoughts on elevating young players to the next level. ​​100 Best Male Footballers (5:25) 100 Best Female Footballers (13:21) USMNT Abroad (15:33) Mosse's Match of the Week (33:34) #AskAlexi (35:15) One For the Road (43:37) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special guest Stu Holden joins Alexi Lalas for the annual end of the year awards. The USWNT are among many of the FIFA Award nominees, including Emma Hayes winning Coach of the Year and Alyssa Naeher named Keeper of the Year. Vinicius Jr also tops Rodri this time around and is named Best Men’s Player. The guys also hand out a few SOTU Awards for Goal of the Year, Game of the Year, and more. Over in Europe, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and Tim Weah are out for this weekend's matchups. However, Gio Reyna looks to keep his form for Dortmund as they travel to Wolfsburg. (8:05) To wrap the show, the guys answer questions on Musah and Pulisic’s USMNT positions compared to AC Milan, and golden goals returning in MLS or international soccer. Rutgers and Clemson legends, Lalas and Holden, dive into the importance of collegiate soccer as a pathway to professional soccer. (46:03) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are looking forward to the holidays and the upcoming U.S. Soccer year with a 2025 Wishlist. The guys have some big asks for Santa! The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 groups are set, featuring teams such as Spain, Germany, France, and more. Staying in Europe, the guys recapped the USMNT's weekend abroad. Stand out performances came from Gio Reyna opening the scoring for Dortmund, and Antonee Robinson’s two-assist game in the Liverpool draw. (6:08) In #AskAlexi, Mosse and Alexi talked through changes being made this MLS offseason, including Colorado Rapids acquiring eight draft picks and Vancouver Whitecaps selling their club. To wrap the show Alexi gave his American soccer holiday party guest list. (45:48) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse speak on FIFA Men’s World Cup 2030 & 2034 host site announcements, and the USMNT's January window friendlies. They will face Venezuela and Costa Rica in Florida to kick off the New year. What's on your U.S. Soccer wishlist in 2025? Over in the Champions League the USMNT players showed out! Gio Reyna got his first UCL start for Dortmund since 2022. Weston McKennie and Tim Weah combined for a stunner as Juventus topped Manchester City. (6:12) To wrap the show the guys answered questions on best potential leagues or teams for USMNT players, fans criticisms of their own domestic leagues, and the effect of MLS raising spending. (33:51) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap an electric MLS Cup Final between the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls. The Galaxy secured their record 6th title behind goals from Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic in the first half. Lionel Messi was also named the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP with 36 goal contributions in 19 MLS matches. The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 announces groups and the match schedule ahead of June 14th kickoff. Over in Europe, the USMNT players continue to make noise. Malik Tillman, Richard Ledezma, and Ricardo Pepi record an American hat trick in their dominant win over Twente. Christian Pulisic exits the pitch early against Atalanta due to a right calf tear. (6:39) In #AskAlexi, the guys address discussions on American players to MLS, anti-American bias, and soccer cleats impact on the beautiful game. To wrap the show Alexi shares his story with long-term LA Galaxy equipment manager. (39:13) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse broke down the USWNT’s late winner at the Hague. Lynn Williams slid in to score and secure the win in Alyssa Naeher’s last match. U.S. Soccer announced nominees for end of the year awards and MLS unveiled Best XI ahead of MLS Cup Final. Over in Europe, Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah take on white-hot Atalanta, Weston McKennie and Tim Weah battle Thiago Motta’s previous club, and captain Antonee Robinson faces the Gunners. (7:14) The guys discussed FIFA Club World Cup pots, favorite Christmas songs, and window vs aisle seat in #AskAlexi. To wrap the show Alexi and Mosse congratulated Carli Lloyd on her National Soccer Hall of Fame honor. (36:57) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back for another guest host appearance is the one and only Stu Holden, joined by extraordinaire David Mosse. The two recapped the record breaking crowd in Wembley Stadium that witnessed two of the best Women’s National teams battle it out. The USWNT take on Netherlands at the Hague next. Also this weekend, the MLS Conference Finals wrapped up, with the New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy advancing to the MLS Cup Final. The U.S. Men’s also had a great weekend abroad, with Christian Pulisic continuing his form for AC Milan and Folarin Balogun making his first start since his shoulder injury in October. (5:02) In #AskAlexi, Stu and Mosse answer questions on Pulisic’s nomination in the FIFA World Best XI, MLS Playoff structure, and rivalries & brawls. (53:55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special Thanksgiving episode of State of the Union, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are joined by USWNT legend and Bay FC founder Leslie Osborne. The group chats about Bay FC’s success in year one, Emma Hayes’s hot start, and Alyssa Naeher’s retirement. Leslie also helps us preview a MASSIVE window for the USWNT against England and The Netherlands. Alexi and Mosse wrap the podcast with the yearly telling of the “Size the Day” story in #AskAlexi before wrapping the podcast with Happy Thanksgiving wishes to our podcast family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap the United States Men’s National Team weekend abroad. Ricardo Pepi recorded his fourth start of the season and now leads the way in the Eredivisie golden boot race. Gio Reyna is back on the field for Dortmund and Tyler Adams got the start for Bournemouth in their 2-1 loss to Brighton. Also in the Premier League, Manchester City’s win drought continues, losing their fifth match in a row to Spurs. Back stateside, MLS Cup Conference Finals are set with New York Red Bulls, Seattle Sounders, Orlando City, and LA Galaxy all advancing. Can Orlando City follow in the Orlando Pride’s footsteps to win their first MLS Cup in club history? (6:01) To wrap the show, the guys answer a few questions on MLS Cup games not being on national television, Mauricio Pochettino’s impact, and which coaches have the most influence on their teams across sports. (40:32) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back to break down a full slate of soccer action. The CONCACAF Nations League Semifinals are set. The final four teams of USA, Panama, Canada, and Mexico will face off at SoFi Stadium on March 20th. The CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers wrapped up for the year with Argentina finishing atop the standings. In Lionel Messi’s last game of 2024, he had a beautiful assist to Lautaro Martinez to take down Peru. Emma Hayes also released the USWNT roster for their European Tour. They will be without a few big names including Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson. Staying in Europe, four Americans will face off in Serie A this weekend. Tim Weah and Weston McKennie versus Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah will be a match you cannot miss. (7:30) Alexi and Mosse answer a few #AskAlexi questions on the future of St. Louis City Park and USA/MLS chants. To wrap the show the guys discuss Christian Pulisic's emergence into Captain America. (44:36) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Stu Holden are fired up after the USMNT surpass Jamaica and advance to the CONCACAF Nations League Semifinals. The guys instantly react to the match and break down Tim Weah’s return and Christian Pulisic’s brace. They also dive into the UEFA Nations League and CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying action. (1:58) To wrap the show, Alexi, Mosse, and Stu discuss the quality of playing surfaces, Pepi’s next move, and earning back the support of USMNT’s fanbase. (37:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse instantly react to the USMNT’s 1-0 win over Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinals. Ricardo Pepi recorded his 12th goal for the national team on an assist from Christian Pulisic. The two squads will face off again on Monday in St. Louis for the second leg. Also this week, the UEFA Nations League and CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying continue. (1:37) To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse discuss Ronaldo and Harry Kane firing off on players skipping out on international duty. (23:23) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are fired up after an eventful week. Messi and the Supporters’ Shield winners fell to the 9th seeded Atlanta United in one of the biggest upsets in MLS history. The top three seeds in the Eastern Conference are now out of the MLS Cup Playoffs opening round. Vote for your Conference Semifinal winners on Youtube @StateOfTheUnion. But before the Semifinals kick off, the USMNT will go head to head with Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinals. Mauricio Pochettino announced his roster on Sunday for the November window, the guys shared their thoughts. (8:16) To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse discussed Jim Curtain's dismissal from Philadelphia Union, Bruce Arena joining San Jose Earthquakes, the possibility of Christian Pulisic winning a Ballon d’Or, Lily Yohannes’s announcement to play for the USWNT, and FOX Veterans Day 5K. (41:34) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into the USMNT weekend abroad, kicking things off in the Championship. Brenden Aaronson and Haji Wright got on the scoresheet in each of their wins, while Josh Sargent was sidelined due to a groin injury. Moving up a level in England, Tyler Adams and Bournemouth took down the Premier League giants with a 2-1 win at home. The Gunners also dropped points to Newcastle as Liverpool moved to the top of the table. Back stateside, the MLS Cup Playoffs drama continues. The defending champs Columbus Crew are out with two straight losses to the NY Red Bulls, and Atlanta United forced a game three against Messi and Inter Miami. (4:24) To wrap the show, the guys discuss Apple TV and MLS Cup coverage, ex players becoming professional referees, and Mauricio Pochettino approval ratings ahead of the political season and November window. (38:47) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this spooky edition of the pod, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are joined by special guest Zoro to break down all the soccer action. At the Ballon d’Or Awards Emma Hayes was named Women’s Coach of the Year. Over in Europe Tim Weah and Weston McKennie are in great form, both scoring in Wednesday’s match against Parma. Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman, and Co. take on Ajax in an Eredivisie top of the table clash. Tyler Adams also takes on the Premier League defending champs in his second game back. (4:55) Finally, the MLS Cup Playoffs roll on with a few big cupsets. In #AskAlexi the guys answer questions on positions that make good managers and Wrexham hate. To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse share halloween costumes over the years. (33:41) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse kicked things off with the USWNT’s great start to the October window. The squad bagged two wins over Iceland, featuring Alyssa Thompson and Emma Sears’ first international goals. On the men’s side, the USMNT had an epic weekend abroad. Tim Weah, Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman, and Haji Wright all found the back of the net in their respective matches. Tyler Adams came on late for Bournemouth to make his EPL season debut. Also in Europe, Barcelona took down La Liga rivals Real Madrid amid Vini Jr. Ballon d’Or drama. Finally, the MLS opening round kicked off this weekend, with more to come mid week. (7:25) The guys wrap the show with ranking the European leagues and discussing the future of USL vs MLS. (34:01) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are joined by Apple studio analyst Sacha Kljestand to talk the MLS MVP race, Supporters’ Shield vs MLS Cup, USMNT’s road to 2026, Mauricio Pochettino first window, and much more. Next, Alexi and Mosse recap USMNT players' performances abroad. Christian Pulisic scored a world class olimpico goal to open up the scoring against Club Brugge in the Champions League. Additionally, Vini Jr and Raphinha each bagged hat tricks in their respective UCL matches, and Erling Haaland found the back of the net on an epic finish in Man City’s 5-0 win. (6:09) In #AskAlexi the duo answered questions on possible changes to the USMNT style of play with an Argentine coach and America not being considered a soccer nation. Finally, Alexi shares his thoughts on La Liga targeting a league match in the United States. (43:09) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into Messi’s continued stellar performance, recording his second hat trick in five days. Inter Miami’s win over New England secured the Supporters’ Shield and MLS record for most points in a single season. The MLS Cup Playoffs kick off Tuesday with the Wildcard round. Over in Europe, Christian Pulisic became the first player to record a goal contribution in seven consecutive league matches in the top five European leagues. Tim Weah and Tyler Adams also returned to their club team rosters this week. Finally, Emma Hayes announced the USWNT October roster as they get set to face Iceland and Argentina. (6:07) To wrap the show the guys discuss Josh Sargent’s performance in the October international window, perception of the NWSL, and more on Christian Pulisic & load management. (31:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse instantly react to the USMNT’s 2-0 loss to Mexico in Guadalajara. Pochettino’s first loss as the USMNT head coach comes to our rivals and the squad ends the October window 1-1. The USMNT look ahead to the November window where the CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinals will kick off. The guys also broke down Canada’s 2-1 win over Panama and Lionel Messi’s spectacular performance against Bolivia in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Stu Holden recap the USMNT’s first win of the October window. The squad secured a 2-0 win over Panama behind Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi goals. The guys discuss load management and USMNT players returning to their clubs ahead of the match on Tuesday in Guadalajara. What does your USMNT starting 11 look like against Mexico? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices