Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

It was a dramatic week for USMNT players abroad, with headlines coming from Italy, the Netherlands, England, and beyond. In Coppa Italia action, Christian Pulisic started for AC Milan as they sought their first cup title since 2003, but it was Bologna who stole the spotlight. Dan Ndoye, who the USMNT will face in June with Switzerland, scored the only goal to lift Bologna to their first major trophy in 51 years. AC Milan now looks ahead to Sunday’s critical Serie A matchup against Roma, with Juventus facing Udinese the same day. Elsewhere, Inter take on Lazio and Parma host Napoli in key matchups that could shake up the title race. Over in the Eredivisie, Malik Tillman turned heads with a brace in PSV's 4-1 win over Heracles, while Sergiño Dest returned to form with an assist. Ajax conceded a 90th-minute equalizer, shooting PSV atop the table by a single point with one game remaining. In the English Championship playoffs, Sunderland dramatically advanced past Haji Wright & Coventry thanks to Dan Ballard’s 120th-minute goal. The USMNT's fall schedule is taking shape, with two September friendlies announced. The U.S. will face South Korea on September 6th and Japan on September 9th. These matches follow the USMNT’s Gold Cup title bid this summer on FOX.  Stateside, MLS Rivalry Week brings intense matchups. Columbus Crew face in-state rivals FC Cincinnati in the Hell is Real Derby. The always-heated Portland vs. Seattle clash follows LAFC’s 4-0 rout of Seattle and Portland’s 0-0 draw with RSL. In Southern California, LA Galaxy take on LAFC after blowing a lead in a dramatic 3-2 loss to Philadelphia. Inter Miami hosts Orlando after a fiery 3-3 draw where Messi’s frustration drew Bruce Arena into the mix Alexi and Mosse wrap the podcast with a question debating if "Golden Goal" should return, and reviews are rolling in for the newly unveiled USMNT and USWNT kits. USMNT Abroad: Pulisic falls in final, Tillman & Dest on verge of title (6:12)September Friendlies vs Japan & Korea Republic announced (23:09)#AskAlexi: Golden Goal fits the modern game? (33:03)One For The Road: Grading U.S. kits (38:22) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vancouver’s Sebastian Berhalter joins Alexi Lalas to talk about his breakout season, Whitecaps red-hot form, and his dreams of a USMNT call-up. He opens up about growing up in a soccer family, learning from his dad and former USMNT head coach, and how living abroad changed his view of representing the United States. Plus, he discusses how the Reyna situation impacted his family, Brian White’s form, new USMNT jerseys, and favorite soccer memories. Intro (0:00)MLS Rise (1:58)Vancouver in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Final (8:53)USMNT call up hopes (13:29)Rapid Fire: USMNT kits & best soccer memories (23:36 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are fired up as American stars continue to make waves in Italy. Christian Pulisic delivered a goal and assist in AC Milan’s 3-1 win over Bologna, while Weston McKennie set up Randal Kolo Muani in Juventus' draw with Lazio. The Serie A title race is heating up, with just one point separating Inter Milan and Napoli. In the Netherlands, PSV moved closer to securing the title after a comeback win over Feyenoord, with Malik Tillman and Richard Ledezma starting. Over in Germany, Dortmund crashed Xabi Alonso’s farewell match,  as his Real Madrid future comes into focus. After the fourth El Clásico of the season, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti officially announced he’s headed to coach Brazil. Despite a hat trick from Mbappé, it was Lamine Yamal and Raphinha who powered Barcelona to victory. Where does Yamal stack up in the Ballon d’Or conversations? Back home, MLS delivered drama: Philly and Columbus drew in a top-of-the-table showdown, Diego Luna bagged his 7th goal in 11 matches, Minnesota dominated Inter Miami, and Brian White notched a brace to lift Vancouver.In #AskAlexi, the guys discuss the LA Galaxy possibly moving on from Greg Vanney and dive into the costs of World Cup tickets. They close the show with a tribute to all the soccer moms out there. USMNT Abroad: Pulisic leads AC Milan (6:08)Barcelona goes 4-0-0 in El Clásico (17:40)MLS Recap: Diego Luna & Brian White shine (35:12)#AskAlexi: Is it time to move on from Greg Vanney? (42:47)One for the Road (54:37) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down one of the greatest UEFA Champions League semifinals of all time — a 7-goal extra time thriller between Inter Milan and Barcelona. Despite a heroic showing from Lamine Yamal, it was Inter’s Davide Frattesi who sealed it with a late winner, sending the Serie A giants to the final against PSG. The guys also cover PSG’s dominant win over Arsenal and preview the massive Champions League final showdown. Over in Europe, Americans abroad keep battling. Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah take on Bologna in Serie A ahead of the Coppa Italia final, and Folarin Balogun is back on the scoresheet as Monaco prepares for a key clash against Lyon. Stateside, the U.S. Open Cup heats up with MLS clubs in control. Messi and Inter Miami head to Minnesota, while LAFC face off with Vancouver in a Western Conference showdown.In #AskAlexi, the guys debate which CONCACAF team – club or country – is most likely to win a World Cup trophy. Plus, Alexi shares stories from his travels across the U.S., including a stop in Washington, D.C. where he shook hands with Donald Trump. Mosse wraps things up with a look at Brazil’s host cities for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Intro (0:00)Champions League semifinal classic (6:08)USMNT Abroad: Balogun scores (23:31)U.S. Open Cup & MLS Preview (31:59)#AskAlexi (41:09)One for the Road: Alexi travels to Washington (49:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yamal’s 100th Cap Magic, Messi & Miami Humbled, 2006 vs 2024 USMNT Roster On today’s episode, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dove into a pair of spectacular Champions League semifinal games. Paris Saint-Germain edged Arsenal 1-0 thanks to a stunning 26-pass goal finished by Ousmane Dembélé. Barcelona and Inter Milan battled to a 6-goal thriller, ending with three goals apiece. Lamine Yamal showed off in his 100th appearance, fueling comparisons to a young Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Inter Miami and Messi were pummeled in the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Vancouver. Sebastian Berhalter and Brian White scored in both legs of the semifinal to boost their USMNT hopes. They also previewed the weekend abroad for USMNT players as they fight for final league positions and European possibilities. Antonee Robinson and Fulham take on Aston Villa, while Weston McKennie and Tim Weah travel to Bologna. In #AskAlexi, the guys revisit some USMNT history, comparing the 2006 World Cup roster to the 2024 Copa América squad, and Alexi surprises Mosse with a World Cup trivia question. To wrap the show they give an ode to Carli Lloyd ahead of her U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame induction. UCL semifinal: Yamal shows out in 100th appearance (7:12)CONCACAF Champions Cup: Messi OUT (21:48)Weekend Preview: USMNT Abroad & MLS (36:06)#AskAlexi: Can we stump Mosse? (46:38)One for the Road: U.S. Soccer HOF induction (64:41) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down a blockbuster weekend of soccer action! Starting with the Americans abroad, Christian Pulisic stayed red-hot, scoring his 16th goal of the season to lift AC Milan past Venezia. Meanwhile, Napoli tightened the Serie A title race as Inter Milan stumbled against Roma. Chris Richards and Matt Turner advanced past Aston Villa in the FA Cup semifinals, with chance to lift the iconic trophy. Also this weekend Barcelona took home the Copa Del Rey crown in a 5-goal thriller. Barcelona takes on Inter Milan next in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Big news rocked Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti looks set for a sensational move to coach Brazil. Meanwhile, in MLS, Diego Luna continued his electric run of form, and Vancouver surged to the top of the Western Conference. The Whitecaps also seized a 2-0 advantage in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals behind Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter, with leg 2 looming on Thursday.To wrap up, the guys dive into draft day stories, celebrate Wrexham's historic promotion to the Championship, and react to the growing influence of the club across America. USMNT Abroad: Pulisic's 16th goal (5:23) Liverpool clinches EPL title (15:48) Copa Del Rey Final & UCL Preview (20:05) MLS Recap & CONCACAF Champions Cup (33:15) #AskAlexi: Draft day stories (44:19) One for the Road: Wrexham's impact (52:11) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bruce Arena joins the show! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse welcome the legendary coach to discuss his time with the San Jose Earthquakes and share his thoughts on U.S. Soccer and the current USMNT roster. Speaking of our National team, Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah continue their push for the Coppa Italia with AC Milan and prepare for a clash with fellow American Gianluca Busio and Venezia. Chris Richards is set for a big FA Cup semifinal against Aston Villa, while Brenden Aaronson and Leeds book their Premier League promotion following Burnley’s win over Sheffield United. Also this week, the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals continue as Vancouver gets ready to host Lionel Messi and company on Thursday. To close out the show, Alexi and Mosse explore Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.'s potential international future, compare current MLS talent to Peter Nowak’s era, and the art of the deal with Away Days. Bruce Arena joins the Pod (6:39)USMNT Abroad (33:32)CONCACAF Champions Cup/MLS Preview (44:53)#AskAlexi: Ronaldo Jr., MLS talent vs Peter Nowak (51:56)One for the Road (61:25) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse speak on the USMNT’s weekend abroad including goal-scoring performances, yellow cards, and key matchups. Christian Pulisic continues to prevail despite AC Milan falling off from where they once were. They dropped another three points to Atalanta, Yunus Musah was an unused sub in the match. In a Premier League showdown, Chris Richards and Tyler Adams faced off in a scoreless draw, while Chelsea took the victory over Antonee Robinson’s Fulham. Josh Sargent and Haji Wright continue to accumulate goals in the Championship. Back in the States, Brandon Vazquez and Patrick Agyemang recorded goals in each of their wins this weekend. Steve Cherundolo announced his resignation from position with LAFC following the season’s completion. Inter Miami look to take on Vancouver in the upcoming CONCACAF Championship Cup semifinals. At the end of the show Alexi and Mosse answer questions on Wilfred Nancy's future with Columbus Crew and the USMNT facing low blocks. They also discuss 2026 FIFA World Cup host city posters. USMNT Abroad: Sargent nets 20th goal contribution (9:00) Manchester United’s unreal comeback (21:50) MLS Recap: Inter Miami remains undefeated (29:10) #AskAlexi: Wilfred Nancy’s future with Columbus (44:47) One for the Road (52:33) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dove into the Champions League quarterfinals recap to start the show. On Tuesday Dortmund and Aston Villa looked to overcome their deficits in leg 2, but both squads fell short. Barcelona and PSG advanced to the semifinals. On Wednesday, Bukayo Saka and the Gunners hung onto their lead to top Real Madrid. Vinicius Junior gave his side life with a second half goal, but it was not enough. Inter Milan moved on past Bayern 4-3 on aggregate. Also in Europe, Chris Richards and Tyler Adams will face off in the Premier League with the European race on the line. Gio Reyna is being linked to Scotland and MLS for a transfer, while Chicago Fire is showing interest in Kevin De Bruyne. Columbus Crew takes on Inter Miami and Messi this weekend in a top of the table clash. To wrap the show Alexi and Mosse discuss venues for the USMNT to play in leading up to the World Cup, national team kits, and USMNT leadership. Champions League Recap: Semifinals are set (5:01) USMNT Abroad Preview (28:20) Kevin De Bruyne to Chicago? (33:30) #AskAlexi (43:02) One for the Road: Does the USMNT have a leader? (54:22) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse kicked off today’s show breaking down the CONCACAF Gold Cup draw. The U.S. Men’s National Team will face Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saudi Arabia in the group stage. The guys shared their power rankings and where they think the USMNT will stack up against the competition. This weekend abroad, Americans were scoring all over Europe. Christian Pulisic bagged his 10th assist of the season off a corner. Will he be able to transfer this service to the national team? Malik Tillman, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Chris Richards all scored spectacular goals for respective clubs. Champions League quarterfinals also roll on this week, Real Madrid and Dortmund have big deficits to overcome. Back stateside, Brian White went off with four goals in Vancouver’s dominant performance. He became the Whitecaps first player in club history to record 50 regular season goals. (5:32) In #AskAlexi the duo answered questions on Noah Allen selecting to play for Greece over the United States, and MLS deferring its calendar change. Alexi recapped his visit to TCU’s Film, Television, and Digital Media department to wrap the show. (46:58) CONCACAF Gold Cup draw & power rankings (5:32) USMNT Abroad (16:53) Champions League preview (34:57) MLS recap: Brian White scores FOUR (41:49) #AskAlexi: MLS calendar change (46:58) One for the Road (56:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices