Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

The 1 year countdown to the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup™ begins! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse cover all you need to know about Qatar in their 200th special edition episode of the State of the Union Podcast. Follow the guys on this star studded episode full of American soccer legends Cobi Jones, Chris Wondolowski, and Stu Holden. The guys cover what fans can expect in Qatar during the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ and how it will be different than any previous tournament (2:20). Cobi Jones and the guys take a look back at the USA’s historic “Dos a Cero” win vs. Mexico at the 2002 World Cup, answer if Mexico can make it past the Round or 16 (if they qualify) and make predictions about other World Cup curses (12:10). Chris Wondolowski discusses his recent retirement from the San Jose Earthquakes, what his new role at the club will be going forward, and why he’s so excited about young USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi (26:30). Stu, Alexi, and Mosse put it all on the line and make their picks for who will win it all in Qatar in their predictions segment (37:20). Then Stu and the guys look at the recent USMNT results in qualifying, Canada’s big win over Mexico, and answer if Cristiano Ronaldo could miss the World Cup (50:00) . Finally Alexi caps the show with a big thank you to the fans of the State of the Union podcast who have tuned in each every week since the show started (1:16:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi and Mosse kick off the show with a break down of the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Mexico in the CONCACAF FIFA World Cup Qualifier match, and the impact of Gregg Berhalter’s coaching decisions. They also preview USA’s upcoming match with Jamaica and look at the qualifying standings in CONCACAF. Then the guys take a spin around the world to discuss CONMEBOL and UEFA qualifying, including Ronaldo’s chances of missing the World Cup (37:25). In #AskAlexi, fans call in to ask how Bruce Arena would do in one of Europe’s Top Five Leagues, whether the foul on Aaronson in the USMNT/Mexico game emphasizes the need for VAR in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, and how to pronounce Pulisic (1:00:10). Finally, Alexi closes out the show with his One for the Road about the USA vs. Mexico rivalry (1:20:37).Call ‪(657) 549-2297 and leave a message to have your #AskAlexi question featured on a future episode! Listen & subscribe to more FOX Sports podcasts: http://sprtspod.fox/applepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi and Mosse start the show with a recap of MLS Decision Day (8:40), covering each of the teams that made or missed the playoffs, including losses by LAFC and the Galaxy. They preview the USMNT's upcoming World Cup qualifying match against Mexico (39:20), discussing Pulisic's return from injury and Berhalter's roster choices. They then take a trip around the world to cover Manchester United vs. Manchester City, Atletico Madrid's defensive struggles, Lewandowski becoming the top scorer in Champions League, and much more (58:49). In #AskAlexi (1:19:58), Alexi & Mosse debate whether Norwich could come to the MLS and dominate, why people hate coaches, and Alexi's hockey career. In One for the Road, Alexi says goodbye to retiring USMNT and MLS legend Chris Wondolowski (1:31:17).Call ‪(657) 549-2297 and leave a message to have your #AskAlexi question featured on a future episode! Listen & subscribe to more FOX Sports podcasts: http://sprtspod.fox/applepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi & Mosse kick off the show discussing Alexi’s criteria for MLS MVP voting, and their ideas for who will win the award (9:25). They also break down the final days of the MLS regular season, previewing Decision Day and the upcoming playoffs. Plus, Asprilla’s insane bicycle kick goal in Portland’s win over San Jose and other great goals of the week (28:50). In European news, they discuss Tottenham sacking Nuno Espirito Santo, Juventus’ struggles, Weston MKennie’s two goals, and much more (40:20). In #AskAlexi, listeners call in to ask about supporting a new country’s national team and a hypothetical about the USMNT in the 2022 World Cup (1:06:21). Finally, Alexi ends the show with a One for the Road about the hiring and firing of coaches (1:26:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse start the show with a look at New England Revolution’s recent Supporters’ Shield win and answer if the team can translate their regular season success into an MLS Cup (6:00). We then breakdown the insane body slam in the Seattle vs. SKC game and look at the rest of the MLS table as spots shuffle near the impending playoff deadline (20:00). Later, we look at the disastrous Manchester United Liverpool game and answer if Ole can keep his job as head coach. Alexi and Mosse then cover all of the biggest news stories from Europe’s top 5 leagues and UEFA Champions League (36:05). The guys answered questions about what kind of outfits are appropriate for a soccer coach, if Alexi would ever coach the USMNT, and what the guys learned from traveling abroad in #AskAlexi (1:05:22). Finally, Alexi ends the show with an ode to Carli Lloyd ahead of her last match with the USWNT (1:27:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carli Lloyd joins the show to discuss her last game with the USWNT and her retirement. She also reflects on her decorated career in the U.S. Women’s National team and explains what it took to become such a legendary player. Alexi asks Carli about her time at their alma mater, Rutgers University, and look at what makes New Jersey such a great state. We then look ahead to the NWSL playoffs as Carli’s team Gotham FC makes a run for the NWSL Championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Mosse returns to this Squid Game themed episode of the State of the Union podcast where we dive into the complicated situation surrounding the Newcastle United takeover and look at what the new influx of money means for the club and fans (8:40). Then we discuss the rest of the Premier League table and cover all of the biggest news stories in Europe’s top 5 leagues (27:15). Later, we wrap up the USMNT’s World Cup Qualifying games and evaluate how well Berhalter lead the United States in this last window (56:10). We answered questions about what’s the hardest position to play in soccer, if Pep Guardiola should coach the USMNT, and which MLS player could win Squid Games in #AskAlexi (1:03:13). Finally, Alexi ends the show with a look at the divide between USMNT players in Europe and in MLS (1:29:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stu Holden joins the show to discuss the USMNT’s loss to Panama in World Cup Qualifying and answers whether this loss was a result of of Berhalter’s rotations or if the players were to blame (2:00). The guys then recap the UEFA Nations League final, Newcastle United’s new owners, why Neymar’s last World Cup could be in 2022, and look at Pulisic’s visit to see the Jets play in London (37:22). Alexi and Stu answer fan questions about the new World Cup cycle, make their picks for who will win the Ballon d'Or, and look at Stu’s struggle with missing socks (57:25). Finally, Stu shares what it’s like to travel with soccer expert and foodie John Strong (1:15:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi and Mosse kick off the podcast by looking at why Landon Donovan got a statue for LA Galaxy before the legendary Cobi Jones (07:20). Then the guys recap all of the MLS news from this past week including an El traffic recap (18:30). Later, we turn to World Cup Qualifying and answer how the USMNT can adjust without Pulisic, Reyna, or Brooks (26:25). The guys then recap all of the Champions League action and follow the different storylines from Europe’s top leagues (45:30). Alexi answers fan questions about who was snubbed on the latest USMNT roster, Ted Lasso’s new deal with the Premier League, and why MLS next kids can’t play school ball in #AskAlexi (1:01:50). Finally, Alexi ends the show with details on all the moving parts surrounding the potential change to have the World Cup every two years (1:16:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas sits down with women’s soccer reporter Jen Cooper to discuss the systemic issues within NWSL. The two look at the current state of the the league after misconduct allegations have come to light in the past week. They then look at why the league is worth saving despite it’s many flaws, how the league can better protect their players and what the future of an improved NWSL could look like in this special edition of the State of the Union podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices