Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices