Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse broke down ESPN's "Top 50 USMNT Player Index 2.0" and talked about whether these rankings accurately reflected the play of the 50+ USMNT players who competed this year. Additionally, they discussed the Best USMNT squads of All Time and where they rank compared to this current squad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse join today’s show from the east coast. Amidst their travels the guys are always ready to talk soccer. As the leagues in Europe are wrapping up, they look at some of the best performances by USMNT players. This list includes Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Josh Sargent, and more. Also in Europe, they recap Mats Hummels’ stunner to send Dortmund to the UCL finals. Has the Bundesliga become the best league in the world? (5:12) Sending it back stateside, the US Open Cup round of 32 included a battle to the death between Houston Dynamo and Detroit City. Houston was eliminated by the USL club on penalties. MLS rivalry week is also upon us with Hell is Real and a top of the table clash in the west. (25:35) To wrap the pod, Alexi and Mosse answer a few #AskAlexi questions on MLS receiving more respect from European fans and possible rule changes. They also break down Sportico’s 50 most valuable soccer clubs and look at where MLS teams line up. (35:26) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap a historic week of soccer. The Columbus Crew advanced to the CONCACAF Champions Cup finals to face Pachuca. They became the first MLS team to beat Monterrey in Mexico, in a 2-legged series. Also stateside, Messi made history…again, in Inter Miami’s win over NY Red Bulls. He set the record for the most assists by an MLS player in a single match. (7:27) Over in Europe, Arsenal and Man City continue to battle in the EPL title race. Whereas, Real Madrid and PSV clinched their La Liga and Eredivisie titles respectively. In Italy Christian Pulisic found an assist to Giroud, but AC Milan settled for just a point in the match. UCL semi finals also wrap up this week, with leg 2 on deck. (30:41) In #AskAlexi, the guys breakdown the gap between MLS and Liga MX, the idea of MLS switching to a European schedule, and Mosse’s starting 11 Brazilian team with players in the EPL. (50:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To kick things off Alexi Lalas and David Mosse give a shout out to a couple FOX Soccer colleagues, Carli Lloyd announced she is expecting this November and Giorgio Chiellini as he joins the crew for Euros this summer. Over in Europe, the UCL semi finals begin. Vinicius Junior's opening goal was a sensational one for Real Madrid, and Dortmund secured a first leg win behind Niclas Fullkrug. Haji Wright also continues to shine in England with his 19th goal of the season. (7:21) The guys then break down the CONCACAF Champions Cup where Pachuca stamped their spot in the finals. MLS also continues with an Inter Miami and NYRB top of the table clash, and the Sounders look to stay hot against west coast rivals. Will we see Mexico star Chucky Lozano in San Diego next MLS season? (24:20) In #AskAlexi, Mosse and Alexi answer a pair of questions on Christian Pulisic’s best position, right wing or left wing, and where the USMNT would finish if they played in Euros. To wrap the pod, they discuss the announcement of the US Soccer Federation and Mexico Football Federation withdrawing their host bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. (39:35) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse discuss Wrexham AFC owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buying a stake in Liga MX's Club Necaxa and what it may mean for North American soccer going forward. They also address how VAR and technology have become an important part of the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Alexi Lalas and David Mosse kicked off the show with the Serie A duel. Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah faced Tim Weah and Weston McKennie in a goalless draw. The title race narrowed to Arsenal and Man City in the EPL after Everton took down Liverpool 2-0. And in Eredivisie, PSV completed a dominant performance behind Malik Tillman's two goals and assist. (4:12) The guys flip it back stateside to recap MLS and CONCACAF Champions Cup. A big week in the west, Austin upset the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake took the top spot. The east rounds out with two historic performances from Brian White and Messi. The Champions Cup semifinals continue this week, Columbus up a point on aggregate. (31:32) In #AskAlexi they answer questions on preparation for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and plans for State of the Union during Copa America and Euros. To wrap Alexi and Mosse chat Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buying stake in Mexico’s club Necaxa. (48:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse discussed the Sergiño Dest injury news being confirmed that he will be out for at least nine months with a 'serious' knee injury. They discussed what it means for the USMNT going forward and how it affects their ability to get out of the Copa America group stage. Additionally, a fan on X asked Alexi if he would ever make a return to the managing side of an MLS team - Check out his surprising response! Lastly, the guys also give a history lesson on the State of the Union Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse kick things off with the exciting MLS news in LA. Olivier Giroud is set to join LAFC this summer and LA Galaxy have extended star Riqui Puig’s contract. Also, the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi finals are underway. Alejandro Zendejas scored the early goal for Club America in the first leg draw. (3:49) In Europe, the Serie A title race is over. Inter Milan clinched their 20th Scudetto with a win over rivals AC Milan. Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah both started, but had no answer for the champs. In Coppa Italia, Tim Weah got the assist to advance Juventus to the finals. Weston McKennie started in the match and remains in a contract dispute. We also talk La Liga pursuing official matches in the US in 2025-26. (18:19) The guys wrap the podcast with #AskAlexi where they cover the Club World Cup, USMNT likelihood of advancing in Copa America without Sergiño Dest, and Alexi returning to a career in soccer management. And don't miss the SOTU history lesson. (36:18) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse reacted to reports that Sergino Dest had sustained a knee injury in practice this past week with PSV that will most likely make him miss Copa America this summer. On the other hand, Haji Wright continues to impress with Coventry City as he scored the tying goal in the FA Cup semifinals against Manchester United. Will Haji Wright make the USMNT Copa America squad? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back after another epic week of soccer. Unfortunately, PSV also announced Sergiño Dest suffered a knee injury during training, he will be out for an extended period of time. Who will replace Dest in Copa America? Over in the FA Cup, Haji Wright became the 4th American to score in a club match in Wembley and nearly sent Coventry to the finals. The rivalries in Spain and Argentina also did not disappoint, El Clásico with a 5-goal thriller and Boca edges River behind a Merentiel brace. (3:52) Stateside, Messi continues to do Messi things with 2 goals against Nashville in MLS. The California Clasico was a battle to the death, with LA Galaxy taking the win over San Jose to keep their top stop in the West. We also preview CONCACAF Champions Cup semis, which kick off this week on FS1. (31:10) In #AskAlexi, the guys talked CONCACAF island super team, EPL teams struggling in tournaments, and Alexi meeting a few next generation soccer players with chicken wings. (39:41) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse shared thoughts on whether the growth of MLS is tied to the growth of soccer in the United States with a recent development in the league. San Diego FC breaks boundaries by creating the first boarding youth academy, reminiscent of the overseas academies that clubs across Europe use. The new club will join MLS in 2025 with schooling for grades 6-12. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap a great UCL quarter-final round, Dortmund, PSG, Bayern, and Real Madrid book their tickets to the semifinals. Dortmund advances to the semis for the first time since 2013. Also in Europe, Christian Pulisic and crew look to take on Inter Milan for the Derby della Madonnina with the Scudetto on the line. (2:49) The guys then look forward to MLS action this weekend with a Leagues Cup final rematch and a doubleheader on FS1. Can LA Galaxy sweep the California Clasico against San Jose? The duo dives into San Diego FC’s residential academy plans for next year as the club enters the league. We also debate if soccer's success in the United States is dependent on MLS success. (19:24) To wrap the podcast, Alexi and Mosse chat the embarrassing Chelsea PK incident, MLS's three new rule changes, and fixing turf issues ahead of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. (34:56) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse broke down why they like how Gianni Infantino urged MLS owners to be big and bold and spend more to bolster the MLS by using the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup to their advantage. The guys additionally discussed how Gio Reyna finally got his first start with Nottingham Forest and bagged an assist in a 2-2 draw against the Wolverhampton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s show, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap the Premier League weekend.... Liverpool and Arsenal shockingly dropped points, putting Manchester City back on top. In Germany, Leverkusen seals the Bundesliga title for the first time in 120 seasons... Xabi Alonso deserves his flowers. Meanwhile, PSV keep humming along with Malik Tillman scoring on a cross from Sergiño Dest. (8:00) Back stateside, Messi leads Miami to a victory in front of Arrowhead’s historic crowd. The Philadelphia Union drew in a 4-goal thriller, and Jim Curtin has some thoughts on "clear and obvious" refereeing decisions. The LA Galaxy also take the top spot in the west, with a 3-1 win over Vancouver. (29:41) In #AskAlexi, the guys talk Gio Renya’s first start in the EPL and assist in the same match, and more on playing out of the back for SKC. Plus, we confirm FIFA President Gianni Infantino listens to the pod. (40:51) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s best bite features the CONCACAF Champions Cup recap of the quarterfinals. On Wednesday Messi and Inter Miami's match versus Monterrey did not go as planned. Brandon Vasquez was gifted a goal and booked Monterrey's ticket to the semifinals. The guys talk issues with playing out of the back and how MLS can close the gap with Liga MX. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap an epic week of soccer. To kick things off stateside, the USWNT won their 5th straight She Believes Cup, with Sophia Smith leading the way. In the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Inter Miami’s quarterfinals did not go as plan and Columbus Crew is the only MLS team moving on. (5:33) In Europe, the Champions League quarterfinals begin. Real Madrid and Manchester City treat us to a 6-goal thriller, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid each grab a win. Atalanta also shuts out Liverpool and gets a big victory in the Europa League. (33:40) To wrap the podcast, the guys make their picks for teams to slot into the expanded Club World Cup and Alexi shares his OJ Simpson Bronco chase memory the night ahead of the 1994 World Cup game vs Switzerland. (50:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just in case you missed the last podcast episode, we are giving you the best bites on the feed from the State of the Union. On Tuesday's show, Alexi told the story behind his iconic look in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Make sure to tune in tomorrow for another full episode of your favorite soccer podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back on the podcast diving into matches across Europe. Christian Pulisic scores against Lecce and joins Clint Dempsey as the second American with 10+ league goals in the top 4 Euro Leagues. Champions League and Champions Cup continue as quarterfinals are underway this week. (6:11) MLS standings also got shaken up this week, with LAFC grabbing a big win in El Tráfico and NY Red Bulls surging to the top after their win over Cincinnati. Messi bags a goal 12 minutes into his return. (28:51) To wrap, the guys look at formations that would get the best USWNT attacking talent on the field, including Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Catarina Macario. And Alexi takes the top spot for most iconic facial hair in soccer! (47:27) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American Tom Byer, who has spent years in Japan and around the globe working in youth development, joins Alexi Lalas in a special edition of State of the Union. Tom has worked with some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Ajax and Manchester United. He also changed the way Japan looks at the youth ranks. The duo dives into the best and worst about the American soccer system, the differences between the J League and MLS, what the USA needs to do to develop a world-class star, and the chances this current crop of players is truly the USMNT's golden generation. Alexi and Mosse will be back next week with your regularly scheduled State of the Union programming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse wish a Happy Easter to all those who celebrate. We kick off this show by recapping the wild title race in EPL. Will Liverpool hold on? We then run through a busy weekend for USMNT players in Europe as Folarin Balogun, Josh Sargent, & Haji Wright hit the back of the net while Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah got the three points after coming off the bench. (6:34) In MLS, we had a goal-of-the-year candidate, the LA Galaxy pushed to the top of the Western Conference standings, and Inter Miami drew without Messi. We also preview a loaded CONCACAF Champions Cup slate this week. (26:42) Alexi and Mosse answer questions on Christian Pulisic's failures at set pieces and a 1994 USMNT World Cup reunion in #AskAlexi. (38:56) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices