Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast

Alexi Lalas and Bob Bradley talk LAFC roster for the upcoming MLS season, analyzing talent, the challenges of coaching U-23 USA Olympics, reflections on the current USMNT talent, and Bruce Springsteen’s latest album. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi and Mosse open the show with guest Stu Holden to discuss U-23 USMNT’s performance in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifiers (09: 05). The guys then talk about the upcoming friendlies for the senior squad against Jamaica and N. Ireland. Stu gives an insight into his experience being a dual-national, then the guys move to discuss Inter Miami CF’s attempt for success, and David Beckham claims the team can attract the most prominent stars. They look at the rest of the world (42:44) and break down the Champions League draw, UEFA World Cup qualifiers, CONCACAF qualifiers, Top 10 FIFA Men’s World Rankings, and Xabi Alonso coaching at Borussia Monchengladbach. In #AskAlexi (1:09:20), fans ask about Alexi’s trash talk on the field, Men’s and Women’s U-23 rules, and the most “Italian thing” he did while living there. Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road” (1:19:50) on the rising opportunities for soccer media professionals and gives a special shout and best wishes to Ives Galarcep, who is battling COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi and Mosse open the show discussing final USMNT’s U-23 Olympic roster and preview match vs. Costa Rica (8:30). The guys then talk about Chris Richard’s goal to win the 2026 World Cup. Yunus Musah picks to represent USA over England, and Orlando City’s decision to reject a $10 million offer for, Daryl Dike, from a top English team. They look at the rest of the world and chat about the Champions League, North London Derby, Cristiano Ronaldo’s future in Italy and breaking Pele’s record (37:10), COVID impact on the state of rivalries games over the weekend, and PSG players’ families held hostage by thieves during the game. They Looked at #AskAlexi, where fans asked about Alexi’s best teammates he wants in a bar fight, Altidore being the number one striker for USMNT, and Meghan and Harry. (1:05:30). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road” on star players getting benched (1:15:12) in another remote edition of the State of the Union Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi and Mosse open the show discussing CONMEBOL suspending March World Cup qualifiers due to COVID-19 restrictions (12:15). The guys then talk about MLS’s responsibility to release players for USMNT, the battle for USA/Mexico dual nationals young talent, and the MLS investigation launched against Inter Miami CF signing of Blaise Matuidi. They look at Europe and chat about the Manchester derby, Madrid Derby, Josh Sargent’s impressive season at Werder Bremen so far (41:53), Bayern Munich vs. Dortmund, and the Champions League preview. They Looked at #AskAlexi, where fans asked about scrapping VAR and salary caps in the MLS. (1:05:02). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road” on the goal of USA youth soccer beyond the field (1:20:02) in another remote edition of the State of the Union Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi and Mosse open the show discussing Thierry Henry stepping down as C.F. Montreal head coach (12: 40). The guys then talk new U.S. Soccer V.P., Key dates for USMNT in 2021 (29: 40), and the 2030 goals set for the women’s and men’s team. They look at Europe (40:40) and chat about Cristiano Ronaldo’s lack of Champions League success at Juventus after Antonio Cassano’s comments make headlines. Gareth Bale’s rejuvenation, Manchester United’s fight to stay in the top 4, England’s consistent issue with VAR, and Schalke sacking its entire coaching staff. In #AskAlexi, fans ask for the best player not named Pele to play in the USA, Alexi’s soccer investments in Detroit, and players wearing jewelry on the field. (1:09:09). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road” on Zlatan Ibrahimović’s recent comments about LeBron James getting involved in politics (1:20:45) in another remote edition of the State of the Union Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi and Mosse open the show assessing USWNT’s first two games in the She Believes Cup (7:00). The guys then discuss the signing of 15-year-old prodigy Alex Alcala to the Los Angeles Galaxy (19:30) and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC going the “Moneyball” route by hiring Nikos Overheul as Director of Recruitment. They look at Europe and talk about Jose Mourinho’s antics after another loss (36:26), Liverpool’s boat continues to sink, Milan Derby, and tight European title races except for the Premier League. In #AskAlexi (1:04:07), fans ask about deserved respect for USWNT, Bruce Arena or Bob Bradley, and Tomas Tuchel’s tough love. Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road” on teams and players not living up to expectations during a tough 2020 (1:20:45) in another remote edition of the State of the Union Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi and Mosse open the show with guest Aly Wagner and discuss her beloved Tottenham Spurs’ struggle and breakdown USWNT in the She Believes Cup (5:56). The guys then discuss the signing of Brazilian veteran Alexandre Pato with Orlando City SC (25:40), FC Dallas’ development machine and partnership with Bayern Munich model, and parity in the Club World Cup. They take a look at Europe and talk about Jurgen Klopp/Liverpool’s struggles that continue (45:08), Mosse’s issues with Jose Mourinho, the Serie A title race, and Barcelona’s resurgence in La Liga. Looked at #AskAlexi where fans asked about MLS owners’ potential spending conflicts, Texas rivalry, and what superpowers to pick (1:09:30). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road” with his greatest soccer player of all time (1:21:23) in another remote edition of the State of the Union Podcast.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi and Mosse open the show with thoughts on the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame, the MLS CBA deal, and CONCACAF Champions League changes (11:23). Then, the guys discuss the Man City vs. Liverpool game, go over Jurgen Klopp’s issues, breakdown Phil Foden’s great play, talk Man United’s tough draw against Everton, react to Zlatan’s continued success, and look at Tigres’ impressive run in the Club World Cup (46:39). Later, Alexi discusses his favorite U.S. national team players, MLS players on the national team and the TV show Arliss in #AskAlexi (01:16:14). Finally, Alexi caps the show with his “One for the Road” on who the greatest soccer player of all time is to him (01:28:20) in another remote edition of the State of the Union Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani discuss the revamped CONCACAF Champions League which, starting in 2023, will include a regionalized group stage in the fall before knockout stage in the spring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse and Stu Holden react to USMTN’s dominant performance vs. Trinidad & Tobago and discuss a potential lockout in the MLS (04:50). Then, the guys break down Leo Messi’s contract leak, the La Liga standings, the Premier League title race, the Copa Libertadores final and touch on Alan Ruschel, Chapecoense survivor who captained Brazil B title winner in our world roundup (46:50). The transfer window, MLS players and penalty kicks are looked at in #AskAlexi (01:04:48). Finally, Alexi caps the show with a story about what it means to represent the U.S. National Team (01:23:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices