Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back to break down another electric weekend of club action! Over in Europe Ricardo Pepi makes noise in his Eredivisie return with a brace for PSV, while Gio Reyna earns his first start at Mönchengladbach and declares his FIFA World Cup ambitions. We break down Weston McKennie’s Juventus redemption, Yunus Musah’s Atalanta debut, and a tough loss for Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in England. Plus, a loaded MLS slate, including Idak Toklomati’s hat trick over Inter Miami, Thomas Müller’s birthday heroics, and Minnesota closing in on San Diego at the top of the West.The guys answer a question in #AskAlexi, on whether the USMNT’s win over Japan eases concerns heading toward the World Cup. We also dive into FIFA’s new international calendar shake-up, and Alexi takes us along on his trip to Chicago for “One for the Road.” Intro (0:00)Pepi Scores in PSV Return (8:13)Gio Reyna Starts and Declares National Team Ambitions (10:30)Serie A Round-Up & (13:27)Manchester Derby (20:48)Haji Wright vs Josh Sargent (26:38)Champions League Kicks Off (27:37)Thrilling MLS Weekend (28:51)#AskAlexi: USMNT Concerns Persist? (40:15)Alexi's Chicago Trip Recap (46:23) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse share their final reflections on the USMNT’s September window, where Folarin Balogun and Matt Freese continued to impress and a back-three formation showed real promise for the road to 2026. The guys also break down the latest World Cup Qualifying results, with 18 nations officially punching their tickets to next summer’s tournament.Looking ahead to the weekend, attention shifts back to club play as Yunus Musah eyes a potential debut with Atalanta. In #AskAlexi, the crew tackles World Cup questions—from the USMNT’s chances of advancing from the group stage to confusion over ticket pricing. Finally, the show closes with a heartfelt farewell to the legendary Ray Hudson. Intro (0:00)Final USMNT Thoughts (5:49)USMNT Stars of the Window (10:23)Mexico vs Korea Republic Recap (17:25)World Cup Qualifying (21:10)USMNT Abroad: Yunus Musah Debut En Route (34:40)MLS Weekend Preview (43:15)#AskAlexi: World Cup questions (47:30)Farewell to Ray Hudson (55:31) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and David Mosse deliver their instant reaction to the USMNT’s needed win over Japan in their second match of the September international window. The guys break down the starting XI, tactical adjustments, and the standout performances that led to goals from Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun. From individual player grades to big-picture takeaways, they discuss what this result means for the team’s depth, chemistry, and momentum heading into a critical stretch. To close out the show, the crew looks ahead to the USMNT’s upcoming schedule, and World Cup qualifying matches around the globe. Intro (0:00)USMNT Tops Japan (2:10)Back 3 Formation (4:43)Is Matt Freese #1? (9:45)Did Balogun Take the Lead Up Top? (13:20)Mauricio Pochettino Reacts to the Critics (18:20)Mexico vs South Korea (27:50)How different do you expect the next window to look for the USMNT? (28:01)Upcoming Matches (33:45)World Cup Qualifying (41:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and David Mosse react to the USMNT’s loss to Son Heung-Min and Korea Republic in New Jersey. In their first of two friendlies this window, the U.S. struggled to finish their chances and paid the price against Korea’s sharp attack.The crew breaks down the key storylines: which individual performances stood out (for better or worse), what tactical adjustments Mauricio Pochettino tried, and what this result means for the USMNT moving forward. Is Mauricio Pochettino on the hot seat? Intro (0:00)USMNT Fall to Korea Republic (1:50)USMNT Starting XI (4:20)Backline: Richards, Ream, Blackmon (7:30)Balogun vs. Sargent (16:54)USMNT Upcoming Schedule (18:16)Is Mauricio Pochettino on the Hot Seat? (20:15)USMNT Depth (29:18)“What the Hell is Going On!?” (34:19)Disadvantage of Being a World Cup Host Nation (37:30)Pochettino Post-Match Quotes (40:15)Matt Turner vs. Matt Freese (48:43)Jealous of College Football Fan Base (59:01) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The USMNT faces its toughest test yet under Mauricio Pochettino, with 13 MLS players and new faces eager to seize their opportunity. Cristian Roldan joins the roster as the squad prepares for friendlies against Japan and Korea Republic. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse tackle three big questions: Is Matt Freese really the No. 1 keeper? Can Gold Cup returnees and stars like Christian Pulisic, Flo Balogun, and Sergiño Dest click right away? And most importantly—can this team best a top-ranked opponent?Alexi unveils his ideal Starting XI, the guys recap standout club performances, and they hand out transfer window grades for Yunus Musah, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, and Matt Turner.In #AskAlexi listeners ask about MLS disciplinary drama, including Luis Suárez’s spitting fiasco, and World Cup ticket sales. To wrap the show, Alexi shares his time in Columbus with Pochettino as the countdown to 2026 continues. Intro (0:00)USMNT September Window Preview (4:09)Roster Update (4:30)Burning USMNT Questions (5:46)Is Matt Freese the Starting Keeper? (7:25)Alexi’s Starting XI Prediction (13:33)Grading USMNT Transfer Window (21:40)World Cup Qualifiers (32:06)Leagues Cup Final Drama (41:54)Alexi and Pochettino Meet in Columbus (53:27) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pochettino Defends MLS, Balogun Joins the Squad, Messi and Miami Are Set for Leagues Cup FinalThe September international window is here, and Mauricio Pochettino has made his final roster decisions before the USMNT’s friendlies against Korea Republic and Japan. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse react to the late addition of Folarin Balogun, Pochettino’s communication (or lack thereof) with stars like Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, and Joe Scally, and what this camp means for fresh faces fighting to earn a spot. Why no Weston McKennie or Matt Turner this time around? Plus, the guys dive into Pochettino’s strong defense of MLS and what it means for national team players in the league.Around the globe, we track Americans in action across Europe’s top leagues—Gio Reyna officially teams up with Joe Scally at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Christian Pulisic and AC Milan look to rebound from tough loss, and Josh Sargent aims to stay red-hot in the Championship. Back home, we set the stage for MLS’ top-of-the-table battles and preview the Leagues Cup Final.Stick around for One for the Road as we look ahead to Alexi’s weekend in Columbus discussing the Road to the World Cup. Intro (0:00)Roster Update: Balogun Joins the Squad (5:10)Pochettino Defends MLS (16:27)USMNT Abroad (23:51)UCL Fixtures (36:30)MLS Top of the Table Clashes (37:20)Seattle and Miami Set for Leagues Cup Final (38:50)#AskAlexi: MLS Salary Caps (42:20)Road to World Cup (47:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has unveiled the USMNT roster for the September friendlies, and the State of the Union crew is here to break it all down. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse deliver instant reactions to the 22 players named so far, with one more spot set to be added soon. This USMNT squad will take on Korea Republic and Japan in their upcoming matches.The guys discuss the big headlines, including the returns of Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Josh Sargent, and Sergiño Dest, as well as the notable absences of Weston McKennie, Matt Turner, Gio Reyna, and Johnny Cardoso. They speak on new call-ups earning big opportunities with the national team, how injuries have shaped Pochettino’s decisions, and what this roster means for the team’s form heading into a crucial stretch before the World Cup.Plus, Alexi and Mosse recap MLS action from the weekend, including Son Heung-min's first goal for LAFC and Thomas Müller’s controversial game winner. Intro (0:00)Pochettino Names USMNT September Roster (1:55)Matt Freese Takes Hold of Starting Sport, Turner OUT (2:37)Sergiño Dest is BACK (4:17)MLS Heavy Roster (7:00)Weston McKennie Snubbed (7:42)Pulisic & Sargent Make Their Return (12:45)“I am disappointed” (18:21)Son & Müller Come Up Big in MLS Action (19:29)Leagues Cup Semifinals are Set (22:34) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The September USMNT roster announcement is right around the corner, and there’s plenty to cover. Uruguay is reported to be lined up for the November window, while September brings clashes with Korea Republic and Japan. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down what we know and what we think about the squad heading into the first window after the Gold Cup.Plus, a loaded weekend abroad: Serie A kicks off for Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman prepares for his Bundesliga debut, Ricardo Pepi’s return is delayed, and Chris Richards gets set to host Nottingham Forest. Back home, Miles Robinson signs a long-term deal with Cincinnati, Paxton Aaronson makes a record-breaking move to Colorado, and the Leagues Cup quarterfinals deliver heavyweight matchups.The guys also dive into #AskAlexi, tackling what it was like facing criticism as a USMNT player before social media and how U.S. depth stacks up against Mexico. Finally, Alexi’s One for the Road dives into what the USMNT should look like at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Intro (0:00)Upcoming Schedule: USMNT vs Uruguay (3:58)Serie A Opening Weekend (11:26)Ricardo Pepi Watch Continues (19:46)Newcastle vs Liverpool Amid Isak Controversy (23:55)The Future is MLS for Miles Robinson and Paxton Aaronson (29:16)Leagues Cup Rolls On (38:13)#AskAlexi: Will Pochettino Bring Back the Gold Cup Absentees? (40:04)One for the Road: USMNT’s Look in 2026 (52:46) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a huge opening weekend for Americans abroad. Christian Pulisic marked his AC Milan return with a statement goal, Johnny Cardoso debuted for Atletico Madrid with Mauricio Pochettino watching on, and Josh Sargent stayed red-hot for Norwich City. We’ve also got updates on Ricardo Pepi, Sergiño Dest’s Man of the Match performance, Tyler Adams’ tough opener, and more across Europe.Back home, MLS brought the drama. Messi returned with a spectacular goal and assist, Minnesota ended Seattle’s scorching run, and questions are swirling around the LA Galaxy’s historic collapse. Fans also weigh in on promotion/relegation and whether MLS substitution rules need to change.Alexi and Mosse wrap the show with a question on Tim Weah's journey to Europe...did he get there because of his father? Intro (0:00)The Great Pulisic Debate (3:57)Johnny Cardoso’s Atletico Debut (5:29)High Hopes for Sergiño Dest (11:29)Sargent Scores 3 Goals in 3 Games (13:30)Adams & Richards' EPL Season Kicks Off (15:59)Turner Denies Son & Messi’s Spectacular Return (22:05)#AskAlexi: LA Galaxy's Historic Collapse (32:20)One for the Road: Nepotism & Privilege in Sports (42:17) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The race for the USMNT No. 9 spot is heating up, and Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are here to sort it all out. From Josh Sargent’s red-hot start at Norwich, to Haji Wright’s assist at Coventry, to Ricardo Pepi’s fitness update and transfer buzz, we break down all the big striker performances abroad. Plus, Alexi unveils his USMNT striker depth chart.The guys also go around the globe with USMNT Abroad updates. Johnny Cardoso looks to make his Atletico Madrid debut, Diego Kochen has the potential to start for Barcelona, and the latest on Jedi Robinson’s injury. Back stateside, we preview the MLS weekend with Minnesota and Seattle facing off on FS1, and everyone is asking the big question…will we see Messi suit up against the Galaxy?Then we take some fan questions including which nation outside Europe or South America could win the World Cup first, and why Alexi left Padova during Serie A’s golden era. Finally, in One for the Road, the new Pulisic documentary sparks major reactions from Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, and even Mark Pulisic about criticism from USMNT alumni. Alexi weighs in… and trust us, you’ll want to hear this one. Intro (0:00)USMNT Striker Battle (5:30)Alexi’s Depth Chart (15:45)USMNT Abroad: La Liga & EPL Kick Off (20:15)Jedi Robinson In Doubt for Season Opener (27:44)White Hot Seattle Sounders (31:23)Will Messi Return? (32:38)#AskAlexi: Non European or South American Country to Win the World Cup? (33:15)One for the Road: Calling Out the Critics (43:32) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down Tyler Adams’ interview with The Athletic, speaking on Christian Pulisic’s controversy, criticism from the USMNT alumni, and World Cup preparation. We break down his comments and what they reveal about the team’s mentality ahead of. Plus, a busy weekend for Americans abroad, with goals from Josh Sargent, Sergiño Dest, and a trophy lift for Chris Richards. The guys also check in on transfer window moves across Europe.We recap MLS debuts for Matt Turner and Son Heung-min, goals from Jack McGlynn and Brian White, and preview the four MLS squads advancing to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals. In #AskAlkexi, Alexi and Mosse dive into Ballon d’Or nominations, reunions with Revolution fans, and major changes coming to LaLiga. Intro (0:00)Tyler Adams on Pulisic Controversy & USMNT Alumni Criticism (5:08)USMNT Abroad: Sargent, Downs, Dest on the Scoresheet (10:21)Transfer Window News (17:02)Matt Turner Makes Debut (20:28)Leagues Cup Quarterfinals Set (31:33)#AskAlexi: Ballon d’Or Nominations (32:25)La Liga Major Changes Coming (45:01) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the European season kicking off soon, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down the top five USMNT players with the most to prove across Europe. Sergiño Dest and Folarin Balogun are back from injury and looking to make statements, while Tim Weah kicks off a new chapter at Marseille. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a year away on home soil, the pressure is on for these American stars to deliver. The guys also react to Diego Luna landing on the front page of the New York Times, and Don Garber’s response.Then, it’s all about the chaos in the Leagues Cup: Max Arfsten steps up to keep Columbus alive, LAFC survives thanks to a David Martínez brace, and Messi looks to sit out against Pumas. To close out the show, Alexi and Mosse discuss Chicago’s omission from the 2026 World Cup host cities and share some football stories out of Ecuador. Intro (0:00)Which USMNT Player Has the Most to Prove in Europe? (4:23)EFL Championship kicks off (16:47)Over the Luna: Diego should stay in MLS? (18:59)Leagues Cup madness (22:37)Max Arfsten clutch for Columbus, LAFC survives (24:25)Why is Chicago not hosting in 2026? (27:17)One for the Road: Wild Stories Out of Ecuador (37:56) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down Marta’s sensational performance, scoring a stoppage-time equalizer and leading Brazil to a dramatic win in the Copa América Femenina Final. The legend capped it off with the Best Player Award in what could have been her final major tournament. Over in the Leagues Cup, MLS sides pulled off seven wins on Matchday 2. Matt Freese was the hero for NYCFC, Denis Bouanga kept LAFC rolling with his 13th all-time Leagues Cup goal, and Rodrigo de Paul notched two assists in Inter Miami’s win. The guys also revisit the USMNT transfer news, as Matt Turner, Tim Weah, and Malik Tillman make headlines.In #AskAlexi the guys answer questions about expectations for the USMNT at the World Cup and whether the NWSL could ever have its own Caitlin Clark moment. To wrap the show, Alexi shares reflections from his trip home and a recap of the North American Soccer Expo. Intro (0:00)Marta’s Clutch Performance (5:56)Leagues Cup Recap (11:03)Matt Freese Denies Leon (12:10)Bouanga Sets Leagues Cup Record & Son to LAFC (13:30)Rodrigo de Paul's Assists (15:13)Evander's Screamer (17:11) USMNT Transfer News: Turner, Weah, Tillman (22:55)#AskAlexi: USMNT 2026 Expectations (33:07)One for the Road: East Coast Trip Recap (44:29) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the World Cup less than a year away, USMNT Insider Doug McIntyre joins David Mosse to dive into his projected USMNT squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Malik Tillman slots into the 10, Pepi leads up top, and Gio Reyna gets left off. The guys break down the full roster, who just missed, and how the squad could shape up by kickoff.Transfer drama takes center stage as Tim Weah’s move to Marseille stalls over a price gap. Weston McKennie’s renewal talks have also hit a wall, and Italian media are once again questioning his fitness. Meanwhile, Matt Turner’s summer transfer is in a bit of limbo, as his deal with Lyon collapses. Globally, the summer transfers are buzzing as well with links for Alexander Isak, Luis Díaz, and Marcus Rashford. Back stateside, the Leagues Cup kicks off with a new format and three CONCACAF Champions Cup spots on the line.We close the show with fan questions, including whether clubs are trying to capitalize on USMNT transfers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, and what exactly is the deal with MLS discovery rights. Intro (0:00)Doug’s Projected 2026 USMNT Starting XI (3:17)Tim Weah’s Move to Marseille on Hold (10:55)Weston McKennie’s Fitness in Question…Again (13:10)Turner's Transfer in Limbo (14:53)Latest on Gio to Parma (16:50)Josh Sargent Turns Down Wolfsburg (18:31)Global Transfer Roundup: Isak, Diaz, Rashford (20:00)League Cup Kicks Off (22:06)#AskAlexi: USMNT Transfers & MLS Discovery Rights (28:13)Copa América Femenina Final is Set (36:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Women’s Euros Final delivered goals, extra-time drama, and a tense penalty shootout as England completed their third straight comeback to outlast Spain. USWNT legend and Hall of Famer Carli Lloyd joins the show to break it all down, offering firsthand insight into the mentality it takes to thrive in the pressure cooker of a shootout. With over 657,000 fans attending UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, one thing is clear, the women’s game has never been bigger.In MLS, Inter Miami and Cincinnati played to a scoreless draw amid Messi’s controversial suspension. We dive into the fallout, the tight turnaround after the All-Star Game, and thoughts on load management. Meanwhile, Chucky Lozano’s goal keeps San Diego atop the West, and a few major transfer rumors have MLS fans buzzing.To wrap the show, we tackle fan questions: Who should wear the armband for the USMNT at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Should Mauricio Pochettino bring an American coach onto his USMNT staff? Plus, Alexi shares one final reflection on an unforgettable summer of soccer. Intro (0:00)England Defends UEFA Euro Title ()Mentality of a Penalty Shootout ()Women’s Copa Semis Are Set ()Messi Suspended & Rodrigo De Paul Makes Miami Appearance ()Transfer News: Muller & Son to MLS? ()#AskAlexi: Who Will Captain the USMNT in 2026? ()One for the Road: Summer of Soccer Reflection () Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest JP Dellacamera break down a thrilling Women’s Euros semifinal round, as England escapes Italy in extra time and Spain edges Germany behind Aitana Bonmatí’s heroics. The final is set: England vs. Spain, this Sunday on FOX. The crew also recaps the latest from the Women’s Copa América, with Argentina and Brazil through to the semifinals and Colombia close behind. Then it's on to the latest U.S. transfer buzz, including Weston McKennie potentially joining Atlético Madrid, Matt Turner’s Lyon move falling apart, and Josh Sargent turning down Wolfsburg.JP Dellacamera — the godfather of American soccer broadcasting — reflects on his legendary career, calling 17 FIFA World Cups, breaking into the booth in the 1980s, and helping shape the voice of the sport in the United States.To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse take on a listener question: how would the USMNT fare at the 2026 World Cup if teams could only select players from their domestic leagues? And finally, they weigh in on Messi skipping the MLS All-Star Game. Intro (0:00)UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 Final Set (5:59)Argentina & Brazil Advance to Copa Semis (16:32)Godfather of Soccer Broadcasting Speaks on His Career (18:49)“We Are A Soccer Nation” (34:00)What if World Cup teams could only select players from their domestic league? (43:15)USMNT Transfer News: Matt Turner’s Deal Falling Apart (47:35)Messi Skips MLS All-Star Game (55:37) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Ari Hingst recap a wild week in women’s soccer, including all the drama from the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals and a look ahead to two massive semifinal matchups: England vs. Italy and Germany vs. Spain. Plus, Brazil continues to dominate in the Women’s Copa América. Is it time for Marta to hang up the cleats?In transfer news, Arsenal breaks the bank with a world-record £1M deal for Olivia Smith. Is that good or bad for the women’s game? Gio Reyna’s MLS talks with LAFC have stalled, but a move to Parma could be heating up. The guys also react to Rodrigo De Paul’s move to Inter Miami and Evander outshining Messi in MLS play.To close the show, the crew reflects on Mauricio Pochettino’s emotional post-game speech after the USMNT’s heartbreaking Gold Cup Final loss. Intro (0:00)Germany Tops France on Pens (7:05)Spain Continues Quest for Double (15:14)England’s Late Comeback (19:26)Italy Wins at the Death (24:40)UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Semifinal Preview (28:24)Brazil is Rolling & Marta’s Future with National Team in Question (32:45)Transfer News: Gio Reyna Deads LAFC, Parma in the Cards (49:48)Pochettino’s Emotional Post Game Speech (62:03) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chelsea dominated PSG 3-0 to lift the Club World Cup trophy, thanks to Cole Palmer’s brace. Alexi and Mosse break down the success of the tournament and what it means leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Then, we shift focus to the U.S. Men’s National Team as the fall friendly slate is unveiled. Matchups against Korea Republic, Japan, Ecuador, and Australia will set the stage for key player evaluations. We also dive into the latest transfer buzz including Josh Sargent’s EPL aspirations, Gio Reyna possibly moving to LAFC, and the never-ending Weston McKennie saga.In MLS, can Lionel Messi extend his unreal scoring streak against FC Cincinnati? We preview Wednesday’s massive Eastern Conference matchups and how the playoff picture is shaping up.On the women’s side, the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals are here. We preview all four matchups, loaded with history and firepower.Plus, in #AskAlexi, the guys discuss the possibility of the USMNT winning a World Cup in their lifetime. A voicemail digs into the origin of Statman Mosse’s nickname, and celebrating the New York Cosmos return wraps the episode. Intro (0:00)Chelsea Wins CWC (6:32)USMNT Upcoming Schedule (19:19)Transfer News: Weah, McKennie, Sargent, Reyna on the Move? (22:14)Messi’s Historic Run (32:19)UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Quarterfinals Kickoff (41:09)#AskAlexi: Will the USMNT ever win the World Cup in Alexi’s lifetime? (45:23)One for the Road: Cosmos are Back (52:37) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The dust has settled on the United States' 2-1 loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup Final. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are joined by USWNT legend Carli Lloyd to break it all down. Alexi unveils his Best XI coming out of the tournament, highlighting who planted their flag for a World Cup spot and who’s still on the outside looking in. With September friendlies against Korea Republic and Japan on the horizon, all eyes are on who makes the next roster and whether Mauricio Pochettino will leave off some big names to make a statement.Then, the crew shifts focus to UEFA Women’s Euros 2025, with Spain dominating the group stage—netting 11 goals in just two games. Plus, a preview of the Club World Cup Final between Chelsea and PSG.Finally, Alexi tackles your voicemails, including questions about Christian Pulisic’s place in the upcoming camp, and wraps things up with a classic edition of “One for the Road” on weather complaints. Intro (0:00)Gold Cup Final Thoughts (6:17)Alexi’s Best XI (12:50)Up Next for USMNT (19:24)UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 Big Takeaways (25:30)Club World Cup Final Preview (32:20)#AskAlexi: Will Pulisic Make September Camp? (38:23)One for the Road: Weather Whining (47:26) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S. Men’s National Team came up short in the 2025 Gold Cup Final, falling 2-1 to Mexico in a hard-fought battle. The match was decided once again by intensity, momentum swings, and set pieces. Chris Richards gave the U.S. a dream start with an early header, but Raul Jimenez pulled Mexico level before halftime. A controversial handball in the second half kept the drama high, and after a lengthy VAR check, Edson Álvarez delivered the decisive blow.Stu Holden and Maurice Edu joined the show to break down the performance and examine what this tournament revealed about the team’s evolving identity. They discuss who stepped up, who has real 2026 World Cup potential, and who is still on the bubble. With just a handful of windows remaining before World Cup camp begins, the clock is ticking, and the path forward is coming into focus. Intro (0:00)USMNT vs Mexico Gold Cup Final Recap (1:01)Valuable Lessons for Mauricio Pochettino (4:05)USMNT Outlook: Better, Worse, or Same? (7:25)USMNT Gold Cup Winners: Luna, Tillman, Berhalter (8:50)Search for Striker Continues (13:39)Alexi Rides A Horse (27:12) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices