Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast

FOX Sports

Dive into the vibrant heart of soccer culture and conversation with "Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast," brought to you by FOX Sports. Each week, renowned soccer analyst and former U.S. national team player Alexi Lalas, alongside co-host David Mosse, unpacks the beautiful game with an engaging blend of insight, fervor, and wit. Whether dissecting the latest MLS showdown or debating international soccer happenings, Alexi's unique perspective and spirited commentary never fail to captivate fans and new listeners alike. This podcast is your weekly ticket to understanding soccer in America and beyond, through the eyes of one of its most passionate advocates. From heated debates about player performances to in-depth analysis of tactical shifts in major tournaments, "Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast" delivers a comprehensive look at soccer. The discussions often extend beyond the field, touching on broader social and cultural issues that intersect with the sport. With special guests ranging from current players to other sports analysts, each episode promises fresh viewpoints and unexpected insights, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in soccer’s evolving landscape.

Episodes

  • Tyler Adams out, USMNT Coaching search continues, USWNT Olympic preview

    In this episode, hosts Alexi Lalas and David Mossy provide an in-depth discussion on several pressing topics surrounding American soccer. The highlight includes Tyler Adams' back surgery impacting his availability for upcoming USMNT matches, sparking debates about the necessity of his participation in the Copa America despite his injury. The episode also explores the ongoing search for a new USMNT coach, with speculation about potential candidates, including foreign coaches. Additionally, there is a preview of the USWNT's prospects at the Olympics, discussing team dynamics and expectations.

  • Spain wins historic 4th Euro Championship, Messi & Argentina go BACK-to-BACK-to-BACK

    Alexei Lawless and David Mossey discuss the thrilling soccer summer, focusing on Spain's historic fourth European Championship and Argentina's consecutive Copa America titles. They provide detailed analysis of the Euro 2020 final in Berlin where Spain defeated England, and the Copa America final, highlighting key players and moments. The hosts reflect on tactical adjustments, managerial decisions, and player performances that shaped the outcomes of these tournaments. They also touch upon broader implications for international soccer, including future prospects for the winning teams and the evolving strategies that led to their successes.

  • Heartbreaking loss for Jesse Marsch & Canada, Euro 2024 & Copa América 2024 Finals preview

    In a lively discussion, hosts Alexi Lawless and David Mosse explore the ramifications of Canada's loss in the Copa América third place match, Jesse Marsch's leadership, and the upcoming Euro 2024 and Copa América finals. The episode also touches on significant off-field events, including an assassination attempt on a former U.S. President, showcasing how sports serve as both an escape and a reflection of broader societal issues. The conversation spans tactical analyses, historical impacts, and predictions, enveloping the emotional highs and lows of international football.

  • Gregg Berhalter fired, Colombia & England advance, Melissa Ortiz joins the Pod

    In this dynamic episode of FOX Sports' podcast, the hosts delve into the intense world of international soccer following significant developments. The episode kicks off with the shocking news of Gregg Berhalter's dismissal as the U.S. Men's National Team coach after a disappointing performance at the Copa America. This segment is intertwined with spirited discussions about Colombia and England's triumphant advances in their respective tournaments. Adding depth to the conversation, former Colombian international and entrepreneur Melissa Ortiz joins the show, bringing insights from her extensive soccer background and entrepreneurial ventures. The episode is rich with analysis, personal anecdotes, and forward-looking statements about the future of soccer in the U.S. and beyond.

  • Messi leads Argentina to Copa América finals, Spain's Lamine Yamal scores historic goal

    In a thrilling episode of "State of the Union," hosts Alexi Lawless and David Mossey discuss the seminal moments from the Copa América and Euro semifinals. The spotlight shines on Argentina's strategic victory over Canada and Spain's robust win against France, emphasizing young Lamine Yamal's record-breaking goal that adds a historic layer to the match. The episode delves into tactical analyses, player performances, and future predictions, capturing the essence of international soccer at its peak. With no guests present, the hosts exchange banter and insights, making complex soccer tactics accessible and engaging for all listeners.

  • Carli Lloyd & Rob Stone join the Pod, Brazil falls short, James Rodríguez lifts Colombia

    In this episode of the FOX Sports podcast, Alexi Lalas and David Mossy discuss the outcomes and highlights of the Euro and Copa America quarterfinals with guests Carli Lloyd and Rob Stone. They cover England's unexpected success in penalty shootouts, Switzerland's persistent struggles, and the Netherlands' performance against Turkey. The episode shines when it shifts focus to the Copa America, highlighting Colombia's impressive 5-0 victory over Panama, led by James Rodríguez's standout performance. Discussions also touch on the tactical aspects of the games, player performances, and broader implications for future matches. Rob Stone shares a personal anecdote involving a retro shirt, adding a light-hearted element to the otherwise analytical discussion.

  • Yamal assists Spain to semifinals, Ronaldo's Euro 2024 exit, Berhalter decision time

    In a pivotal Euro 2024 quarterfinal match, Spain triumphed over Germany with a 2-1 victory, showcasing strategic brilliance and depth in their squad. The episode also covered Portugal's penalty shootout loss to France, marking a disappointing exit for Cristiano Ronaldo. The hosts, Alexi Lawless and David Mossy, dissected the tactical decisions, key plays, and standout performances from these matches. They also discussed the implications of these outcomes for the teams and players involved, particularly analyzing Ronaldo's lack of goals and the potential repercussions for U.S. coach Greg Berhalter following disappointing international results.

  • Messi misses, Argentina advances on penalties, State of the Union 500th Episode!

    In this landmark 500th episode of the "State of the Union" podcast, hosts Alexei Lallis and David Mossey dive into Argentina's nail-biting match against Ecuador in the Copa America, where despite not dominating, Argentina advanced on penalties. The episode also reflects on the growth and success of the podcast, including becoming the number one soccer podcast in the U.S. on Apple Podcasts. The hosts discuss various topics including team strategies, player performances, and the broader implications for the teams involved. Special attention is given to Messi's penalty miss and the stellar performance of Argentina's goalkeeper, Emi Martinez.

  • Rob Stone joins the Pod, Türkiye's cinderella story continues, Brazil & Colombia advance

    Alexi Lalas and David Mossey, along with special guest Rob Stone, discuss the latest matches and developments in Euro 2024 and Copa America. The episode kicks off with Türkiye's surprising performance and the Netherlands' strong showing in the Euro 2024. The conversation shifts to Copa America, focusing on Brazil's tactical decisions and Colombia's strong gameplay. The hosts also touch on personal anecdotes and the lighter side of their soccer commentary careers, bringing an engaging mix of professional analysis and personal stories to the podcast.

  • Carli Lloyd joins the Pod, USMNT fails to advance, France and Portugal set to face off

    Alexi Lawless and David Mosse discuss the disappointment of the USMNT's performance in Copa America, citing a lack of creativity and assertiveness as major drawbacks. Carli Lloyd, joining the episode, offers her perspective on the USMNT's issues and parallels to the women's team's direction. The episode also covers recent Euro matches, specifically focusing on France's and Portugal's progress to the next round. The hosts debate the potential changes in the USMNT's coaching and development strategies, emphasizing the need for a revamped approach to meet the high expectations of American soccer fans.

  • Bellingham & Kane escape defeat, Spain dominates behind Nico Williams, Mexico crashes out

    In this gripping episode of the podcast, hosts Alexi Lawless and David Mossy cover the intense soccer actions from the Euros and Copa America. They discuss England's narrow escape against Slovakia and Spain's dominating win over Georgia. The episode highlights Jude Bellingham's crucial goal that led England to a dramatic victory, and praises Spain for its tactical prowess, particularly Nico Williams' standout performance. The discussion then shifts to Copa America, where Mexico's struggle and eventual crash out despite a strong performance is analyzed, critiquing their inability to convert possession into goals and their lack of impactful players.

  • Germany & Switzerland advance, Jesse Marsch makes history with Canada

    In an enthralling discussion led by host Alexi Lawless, the episode of the "State of the Union" podcast focuses on significant matches from the 2024 Euros and Copa America. The hosts discuss Switzerland's commanding 2-0 victory over Italy and Germany's 2-0 triumph against Denmark in the Euros. Both teams displayed tactical superiority and deserved their wins. Meanwhile, in Copa America, Argentina continued their unbeaten streak, and Canada, under the guidance of Jesse Marsch, reached the knockout stage, marking a significant achievement for Canadian football. The hosts critically analyzed team performances, player contributions, and refereeing decisions, especially focusing on VAR's impact on the game's integrity and outcomes.

  • Vini Jr. shines for Brazil, Colombia advances to quarterfinals

    In an engaging analysis, hosts Alexi Lawless and David Mossey discuss the outcomes and key moments of recent Copa America matches, particularly focusing on Brazil and Colombia's games. They highlight Colombia's 3-0 win over Costa Rica, praising the team's consistent performance and strategic plays, particularly noting James Rodriguez's critical role in set pieces. The discussion then shifts to Brazil's 4-1 victory against Paraguay, with Vinicius Junior's standout performance as a focal point. The episode also touches on tactical decisions, like Brazil's penalty kick strategies and the defensive setup, critiquing certain players and coaching decisions that shaped the match's outcome. The hosts' chemistry and detailed analysis provide a deep dive into the tactical nuances of the games, enriching the listener's understanding of the strategic elements that influenced these crucial matches.

  • Clint Dempsey joins the Pod, Weah's red card costs USMNT, Uruguay dominates Bolivia

    In a pivotal episode of the "State of the Union" podcast, hosts Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are joined by soccer legend Clint Dempsey to dissect a dramatic day in international soccer. The episode focuses on the US Men's National Team's dire performance following Tim Weah's early red card against Panama, which significantly compromised their position in the Copa America tournament. Despite an early lead, the US team faltered, losing control after Weah's dismissal. The hosts and Dempsey criticize coach Greg Berhalter's tactical decisions and the overall team response, fearing implications for Berhalter's future. In parallel, Uruguay's 5-0 thrashing of Bolivia is discussed, emphasizing the contrasting fortunes of teams in the tournament.

  • UEFA Euro round of 16 is set & Venezuela Stuns Mexico

    In this episode of FOX Sports' "State of the Union" podcast, hosts Alexi Lawless and David Mossy discuss the thrilling outcomes from UEFA Euro 2024 and Copa America. They cover Portugal's surprising defeat by Georgia, Cristiano Ronaldo's struggles, and the impact of team changes on Portugal's performance. Additionally, the episode highlights Venezuela's stunning win against Mexico, with Salomon Rondon's penalty securing the victory. The hosts express excitement for the upcoming knockout stages and provide insights into the dynamics of both tournaments, celebrating underdog victories and analyzing strategic decisions by various teams.

  • Argentina late game heroics, England's struggles persist & Austria takes Group D

    In the latest thrilling episode, hosts Alexi Lawless and David Mossy dissect key matches of Copa America and the Euros, focusing on Argentina's strategic win, England's disappointing performance, and Austria's surprise group lead. The episode offers in-depth analysis of each game, highlighting standout players and pivotal moments. From Messi's influence in Argentina's narrow victory over Chile to England's tactical stagnation and Austria's dynamic win over the Netherlands, the hosts deliver a comprehensive review of the tournament's excitement and drama.

  • Brazil shocked in scoreless draw, Italy survives group stage, Spain cruises on

    Hosts Alexi Lawless and David Mossey provide a comprehensive review of a thrilling day in international soccer, covering the unexpected results and high drama of the Euro 2024 and Copa America. They kick off by discussing Croatia's draw with Italy, which saw Italy securing a crucial late goal to advance. The conversation shifts to Spain's victory, emphasizing their impressive team depth. The major shock comes from Brazil's unexpected scoreless draw against Costa Rica, a game where Brazil dominated but failed to convert chances into goals. The hosts delve into the tactical aspects, player performances, and the broader implications of these results for the teams involved, highlighting the emotional and strategic highs and lows that define tournament soccer.

  • Pulisic leads USMNT to victory, Uruguay dominates, Füllkrug saves Germany

    Host Alexi Lawless and co-host David Mosse dive deep into a thrilling day of international soccer, discussing key matches from the 2024 Copa America and UEFA Euro 2024. The episode opens with reflections on the USMNT's win against Bolivia, emphasizing Christian Pulisic's leadership and the team's overall sloppy play despite the victory. Uruguay's commanding performance against Panama is highlighted, with predictions on their potential impact in the tournament. The discussion shifts to the Euros, focusing on Germany's last-minute draw against Switzerland, courtesy of Füllkrug’s crucial goal, which salvages Germany's position in the tournament. The hosts provide a tactical analysis of the matches, player performances, and future predictions.

  • USMNT set to face Bolivia, Unselfish Ronaldo, Edson Álvarez injured in opener

    In this engaging episode, hosts Alexi Lawless and David Mossey dive deep into a series of international soccer events. They begin by discussing the US Men's National Team's (USMNT) readiness to face Bolivia in the Copa America, emphasizing the expectations and strategies. Attention shifts to Cristiano Ronaldo’s surprising display of unselfishness in a match where he chose to assist rather than score himself. The episode also covers the unfortunate injury of Edson Álvarez during Mexico's opening Copa America game, detailing its potential impact on the team's dynamics and future performance. The hosts also touch upon various match outcomes and player performances in recent Euro and Copa America games, providing listeners with a comprehensive roundup of international soccer.

  • Mbappe sits out scoreless draw, Ukraine's emotional victory, Poland eliminated

    In this episode of FOX Sports' podcast, hosts Alexi Lawless and David Mossey discuss the unfolding events in the 2024 Euros and Copa America. Notable is Kylian Mbappe's absence in a goalless draw between France and the Netherlands, which proved detrimental to the game's excitement and pace. Ukraine's emotional victory over Slovakia, highlighted by heartfelt player reactions, showcases the team's resilience and unity in face of off-field adversities. Meanwhile, Poland's early elimination, despite Robert Lewandowski's efforts, underscores the challenges faced by teams heavily reliant on single star players. The episode also touches on the second day of Copa America, analyzing the gritty match between Peru and Chile which ended in a scoreless draw. Throughout, the podcast features in-depth tactical analysis, player-specific discussions, and forecasts for upcoming games.

  • Lionel Messi leads Argentina to a win & England struggles vs. Denmark

    In a thrilling day of international football, Alexi Lalas and David Mossey discuss standout matches and moments from both the Euro 2024 and Copa America 2024. They delve into Argentina's solid yet unspectacular 2-0 victory over Canada, highlighting Messi's influence despite not scoring. The conversation shifts to the Euros, particularly England's lackluster performance against Denmark, ending in a 1-1 draw, which casts doubt on England's potential in the tournament. The hosts also explore other matches, praising Spain's style of play and critiquing Italy's lackluster performance so far. Notably, Lalas and Mossey engage in insightful discussions about player performances and tactical setups, offering a comprehensive wrap-up of the day's events.

  • Ari Hingst joins the Pod, Germany Advances & Shaqiri's amazing goal

    In a vibrant discussion hosted by Alexi Lawless, this episode of the podcast covers thrilling Euro 2024 developments, notably Germany's advance and a memorable goal by Shaqiri. Joined by Ari Hingst, a two-time World Cup champion, and David Mossy, the trio dissect Germany’s games, analyze team strategies, and reflect on notable performances. Highlights include discussions on Germany's tactical prowess, player insights, and broader tournament impacts. Memorable moments include humorous exchanges about viral memes and spirited debates on game tactics, making it a comprehensive wrap-up of the day’s soccer action.

  • Ronaldo & Portugal's victory at the death, Mbappe out for next match

    In this thrilling installment of the State of the Union podcast, hosts Alexi Lawless and David Mossy delve into the highlights of Portugal's comeback victory over Czechia in the Euros, secured by a late goal from Francisco Conseição. The episode also covers the unfortunate news of Kylian Mbappe's nose injury, sidelining him for France's next group game against the Netherlands. The discussion extends to broader topics, including player performances, tactical decisions, and the implications of player injuries on team dynamics. Throughout, the hosts offer expert commentary, infused with personal anecdotes and a detailed review of other matches, underscoring the vibrant atmosphere of international soccer.

  • Mbappe injured, Belgium historic loss, Romania's incredible goal

    In a dramatic twist of events, the soccer world witnessed some shocking developments. The episode dives deep into the injury of star player Kylian Mbappe during a crucial match, which has sparked widespread speculation about his future and the team's prospects. Furthermore, Belgium's soccer team faced an unexpected and historic loss, raising questions about their strategies and team dynamics. Additionally, the episode highlights a spectacular goal by Romania, celebrated for its brilliance and execution, marking a significant moment in their sporting history.

  • Jude Bellingham is the real deal, Eriksen's Euro 2024 comeback, Happy Father's Day

    In this vivid episode, hosts Alexi Lawless and David Mossey dissect the Euro 2024 performances, starting with England's tactical nuances against Serbia, highlighted by Jude Bellingham's impactful play. Bellingham's goal and his role at Real Madrid are discussed in depth, marking him as a pivotal figure in England's campaign. The episode also touches on Christian Eriksen's emotional return to international football with Denmark, scoring in their match against Slovenia, which ended in a draw due to Denmark's lackluster second-half performance. Additionally, the hosts covered other matches including Poland vs. Netherlands, praising the Dutch's last-minute victory through a strategic substitution. Father's Day sentiments interweave with the football analysis, adding a personal touch to the discussion, especially around players like Peter Schmeichel watching his son, Kasper, in goal for Denmark.

  • Lamine Yamal makes historic Euro debut, Ronaldinho critiques Brazilian National Team

    In this installment of the FOX Sports State of the Union podcast, the hosts discuss an exciting start to Euro 2024, highlighting Lamine Yamal's historic debut as the youngest player to feature in a Euro tournament. Yamal not only played but assisted, showing promise despite being just 16. The hosts also touch on Ronaldinho's harsh critique of the current Brazilian National Team, stating his refusal to watch their Copa America games due to a lack of talent and grit. Additionally, Italy's narrow win over Albania after conceding the fastest goal in Euro history is analyzed, showing their resilience and tactical strength despite early setbacks.

  • 2024 Euro tournament kicks off, USMNT Copa America roster released

    The episode begins with hosts Alexi Lawless and David Mossy analyzing Germany's dominating performance in the Euro 2024 opening match against Scotland, marking a strong start for the host nation with a historic 5-1 victory. They delve into the tactical aspects of the game, highlighting the impact of young players and Germany's tactical depth. The discussion shifts to the USMNT's roster for Copa America, where they evaluate the selection, focusing on player conditions and strategic choices. Additionally, they preview upcoming matches in Euro 2024, providing insights into team strengths and potential outcomes.

  • USMNT vs. Brazil instant reaction, Berhalter salvages pre-tournament friendlies

    In this lively episode of "State of the Union," host Alexi Lalas and co-host David Mossey unpack the USMNT's performance in a friendly match against Brazil, which ended in a surprising 1-1 draw. They highlight the significant improvement from the US team compared to their previous match against Colombia. Lalas and Mossey delve into individual player analyses, particularly praising goalkeeper Matt Turner's crucial saves and midfielder Yunus Musah's dynamic play. They also discuss coach Greg Berhalter's tactics and the potential implications for the upcoming Copa America and beyond, touching on the team's preparation and mindset as they approach more competitive fixtures.

  • USMNT's disappointing loss, 2024 Copa America tournament predictions

    In this episode, hosts Alexi Lawless and David Mossy explore the ramifications of the USMNT's recent 5-1 defeat to Colombia, analyzing its immediate and potential long-term impacts on the team's confidence and strategies. They delve into the team’s tactical missteps, individual player performances, and broader concerns about USMNT’s readiness for the 2024 Copa America. Additionally, they provide predictions for the Copa America tournament, discussing other teams' strengths, potential dark horses, and the overall competitiveness of the event.

  • USMNT vs Colombia preview, Euro 2024 tournament predictions

    Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dive into the USMNT's strategies and expectations against Colombia, emphasizing the importance of these matches in preparation for the Copa America. They discuss the potential lineup changes due to injuries and tactical adjustments, noting key players and matchups. The episode also covers extensive predictions for Euro 2024, analyzing each group and predicting outcomes based on team strengths and historical performances. The hosts provide in-depth insights into the potential standout players and teams, considering both tactical setups and individual talents.

  • BEST BITE: USMNT in trouble at Copa without Sergiño Dest & would Alexi Lalas return to a front office role?

    In this episode of "Alexi Lalas' State of the Union Podcast," the discussion centers on the challenges faced by the US Men's National Team (USMNT) at the Copa America without key player Sergiño Dest. The hosts, including Alexi Lalas, debate whether the team can still succeed despite Dest's absence, considering their upcoming matches and potential replacements. Additionally, Lalas reflects on his own career, sharing insights about the possibility of returning to a front office or managerial role in soccer, his past experiences, and his current satisfaction with his role in media.