On this edition of State of the Union, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down Christian Pulisic’s best game to date for AC Milan with 2 goals and an assist in a 3-0 win over Udinese, passing Clint Dempsey as the all-time leading American scorer in Europe’s top 5 leagues. Malik Tillman scores for Bayer Leverkusen, Tanner Tessmann helps Lyon to victory, Tim Weah starts vs PSG, and Ricardo Pepi & Sergiño Dest feature in PSV’s thriller with Ajax. We also track Weston McKennie’s quiet weekend, Yunus Musah’s limited minutes, and an injury setback for Johnny Cardoso in La Liga.

In MLS, Lionel Messi keeps Inter Miami’s Supporters’ Shield hopes alive with 2 goals and an assist, NYCFC clinches another playoff spot, and Denis Bouanga’s hat trick sends LAFC into the postseason. Plus, we field your questions in #AskAlexi and debate pro/rel in American soccer. 

Intro (0:00)
Pulisic breaks Dempsey’s record… where does he stand all-time? (5:45)
Messi leads Miami to Victory (33:05)
Jedi’s best position with USMNT (43:04)

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The Champions League delivered absolute madness this week. Ricardo Pepi endured a disappointing outing for PSV, while Weston McKennie’s Juventus clash with Dortmund turned into an eight-goal thriller. Over in Madrid, Tim Weah scored his first goal with his new club Marseille and made history with the first-ever USMNT goal at the Bernabéu. Is Timmy the USMNT’s best player right now? Elsewhere, Yunus Musah faced PSG’s firepower, Liverpool escaped Atletico at Anfield, and Bayern put Chelsea in their place.

We also check in on USMNT Abroad, Chris Richards stepping up in Palace’s Carabao Cup win, Josh Sargent on finding his rhythm with the national team, and Quinn Sullivan’s stunner in the U.S. Open Cup. To wrap the show, the guys discuss the USMNT’s back 3 formation, Stu’s Starting XI for the next window, and big-picture questions on Pochettino’s first year with the USMNT.

Intro (0:00)

UEFA Champions League (6:55)

USMNT Abroad: Chris Richards Steps Up (26:52)

MLS/U.S. Open Cup (29:56)

#AskAlexi: Is the Back 3 Formation to Stay? (33:26)

One for the Road: Pochettino’s First Year with USMNT (43:31)

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Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back to break down another electric weekend of club action! Over in Europe Ricardo Pepi makes noise in his Eredivisie return with a brace for PSV, while Gio Reyna earns his first start at Mönchengladbach and declares his FIFA World Cup ambitions. We break down Weston McKennie’s Juventus redemption, Yunus Musah’s Atalanta debut, and a tough loss for Brenden Aaronson and Leeds in England. Plus, a loaded MLS slate, including Idak Toklomati’s hat trick over Inter Miami, Thomas Müller’s birthday heroics, and Minnesota closing in on San Diego at the top of the West.
The guys answer a question in #AskAlexi, on whether the USMNT’s win over Japan eases concerns heading toward the World Cup. We also dive into FIFA’s new international calendar shake-up, and Alexi takes us along on his trip to Chicago for “One for the Road.”

Intro (0:00)
Pepi Scores in PSV Return (8:13)
Gio Reyna Starts and Declares National Team Ambitions (10:30)
Serie A Round-Up & (13:27)
Manchester Derby (20:48)
Haji Wright vs Josh Sargent (26:38)
Champions League Kicks Off (27:37)
Thrilling MLS Weekend (28:51)
#AskAlexi: USMNT Concerns Persist? (40:15)
Alexi's Chicago Trip Recap (46:23) 

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Alexi Lalas and David Mosse share their final reflections on the USMNT’s September window, where Folarin Balogun and Matt Freese continued to impress and a back-three formation showed real promise for the road to 2026. The guys also break down the latest World Cup Qualifying results, with 18 nations officially punching their tickets to next summer’s tournament.
Looking ahead to the weekend, attention shifts back to club play as Yunus Musah eyes a potential debut with Atalanta. In #AskAlexi, the crew tackles World Cup questions—from the USMNT’s chances of advancing from the group stage to confusion over ticket pricing. Finally, the show closes with a heartfelt farewell to the legendary Ray Hudson.

Intro (0:00)
Final USMNT Thoughts (5:49)
USMNT Stars of the Window (10:23)
Mexico vs Korea Republic Recap (17:25)
World Cup Qualifying (21:10)
USMNT Abroad: Yunus Musah Debut En Route (34:40)
MLS Weekend Preview (43:15)
#AskAlexi: World Cup questions (47:30)
Farewell to Ray Hudson (55:31)

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Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and David Mosse deliver their instant reaction to the USMNT’s needed win over Japan in their second match of the September international window. The guys break down the starting XI, tactical adjustments, and the standout performances that led to goals from Alex Zendejas and Folarin Balogun. From individual player grades to big-picture takeaways, they discuss what this result means for the team’s depth, chemistry, and momentum heading into a critical stretch.

To close out the show, the crew looks ahead to the USMNT’s upcoming schedule, and World Cup qualifying matches around the globe.

Intro (0:00)
USMNT Tops Japan (2:10)
Back 3 Formation (4:43)
Is Matt Freese #1? (9:45)
Did Balogun Take the Lead Up Top? (13:20)
Mauricio Pochettino Reacts to the Critics (18:20)
Mexico vs South Korea (27:50)
How different do you expect the next window to look for the USMNT? (28:01)
Upcoming Matches (33:45)
World Cup Qualifying (41:40)

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Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, and David Mosse react to the USMNT’s loss to Son Heung-Min and Korea Republic in New Jersey. In their first of two friendlies this window, the U.S. struggled to finish their chances and paid the price against Korea’s sharp attack.
The crew breaks down the key storylines: which individual performances stood out (for better or worse), what tactical adjustments Mauricio Pochettino tried, and what this result means for the USMNT moving forward. Is Mauricio Pochettino on the hot seat?

Intro (0:00)
USMNT Fall to Korea Republic (1:50)
USMNT Starting XI (4:20)
Backline: Richards, Ream, Blackmon (7:30)
Balogun vs. Sargent (16:54)
USMNT Upcoming Schedule (18:16)
Is Mauricio Pochettino on the Hot Seat? (20:15)
USMNT Depth (29:18)
“What the Hell is Going On!?” (34:19)
Disadvantage of Being a World Cup Host Nation (37:30)
Pochettino Post-Match Quotes (40:15)
Matt Turner vs. Matt Freese (48:43)
Jealous of College Football Fan Base (59:01)

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The USMNT faces its toughest test yet under Mauricio Pochettino, with 13 MLS players and new faces eager to seize their opportunity. Cristian Roldan joins the roster as the squad prepares for friendlies against Japan and Korea Republic. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse tackle three big questions: Is Matt Freese really the No. 1 keeper? Can Gold Cup returnees and stars like Christian Pulisic, Flo Balogun, and Sergiño Dest click right away? And most importantly—can this team best a top-ranked opponent?
Alexi unveils his ideal Starting XI, the guys recap standout club performances, and they hand out transfer window grades for Yunus Musah, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, and Matt Turner.
In #AskAlexi listeners ask about MLS disciplinary drama, including Luis Suárez’s spitting fiasco, and World Cup ticket sales. To wrap the show, Alexi shares his time in Columbus with Pochettino as the countdown to 2026 continues.

Intro (0:00)
USMNT September Window Preview (4:09)
Roster Update (4:30)
Burning USMNT Questions (5:46)
Is Matt Freese the Starting Keeper? (7:25)
Alexi’s Starting XI Prediction (13:33)
Grading USMNT Transfer Window (21:40)
World Cup Qualifiers (32:06)
Leagues Cup Final Drama (41:54)
Alexi and Pochettino Meet in Columbus (53:27)

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Pochettino Defends MLS, Balogun Joins the Squad, Messi and Miami Are Set for Leagues Cup Final
The September international window is here, and Mauricio Pochettino has made his final roster decisions before the USMNT’s friendlies against Korea Republic and Japan. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse react to the late addition of Folarin Balogun, Pochettino’s communication (or lack thereof) with stars like Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, and Joe Scally, and what this camp means for fresh faces fighting to earn a spot. Why no Weston McKennie or Matt Turner this time around? Plus, the guys dive into Pochettino’s strong defense of MLS and what it means for national team players in the league.
Around the globe, we track Americans in action across Europe’s top leagues—Gio Reyna officially teams up with Joe Scally at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Christian Pulisic and AC Milan look to rebound from tough loss, and Josh Sargent aims to stay red-hot in the Championship. Back home, we set the stage for MLS’ top-of-the-table battles and preview the Leagues Cup Final.
Stick around for One for the Road as we look ahead to Alexi’s weekend in Columbus discussing the Road to the World Cup.

Intro (0:00)
Roster Update: Balogun Joins the Squad (5:10)
Pochettino Defends MLS (16:27)
USMNT Abroad (23:51)
UCL Fixtures (36:30)
MLS Top of the Table Clashes (37:20)
Seattle and Miami Set for Leagues Cup Final (38:50)
#AskAlexi: MLS Salary Caps (42:20)
Road to World Cup (47:30)

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Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino has unveiled the USMNT roster for the September friendlies, and the State of the Union crew is here to break it all down. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse deliver instant reactions to the 22 players named so far, with one more spot set to be added soon. This USMNT squad will take on Korea Republic and Japan in their upcoming matches.
The guys discuss the big headlines, including the returns of Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Josh Sargent, and Sergiño Dest, as well as the notable absences of Weston McKennie, Matt Turner, Gio Reyna, and Johnny Cardoso. They speak on new call-ups earning big opportunities with the national team, how injuries have shaped Pochettino’s decisions, and what this roster means for the team’s form heading into a crucial stretch before the World Cup.
Plus, Alexi and Mosse recap MLS action from the weekend, including Son Heung-min's first goal for LAFC and Thomas Müller’s controversial game winner.

Intro (0:00)
Pochettino Names USMNT September Roster (1:55)
Matt Freese Takes Hold of Starting Sport, Turner OUT (2:37)
Sergiño Dest is BACK (4:17)
MLS Heavy Roster (7:00)
Weston McKennie Snubbed (7:42)
Pulisic & Sargent Make Their Return (12:45)
“I am disappointed” (18:21)
Son & Müller Come Up Big in MLS Action (19:29)
Leagues Cup Semifinals are Set (22:34)

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The September USMNT roster announcement is right around the corner, and there’s plenty to cover. Uruguay is reported to be lined up for the November window, while September brings clashes with Korea Republic and Japan. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down what we know and what we think about the squad heading into the first window after the Gold Cup.
Plus, a loaded weekend abroad: Serie A kicks off for Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman prepares for his Bundesliga debut, Ricardo Pepi’s return is delayed, and Chris Richards gets set to host Nottingham Forest. Back home, Miles Robinson signs a long-term deal with Cincinnati, Paxton Aaronson makes a record-breaking move to Colorado, and the Leagues Cup quarterfinals deliver heavyweight matchups.
The guys also dive into #AskAlexi, tackling what it was like facing criticism as a USMNT player before social media and how U.S. depth stacks up against Mexico. Finally, Alexi’s One for the Road dives into what the USMNT should look like at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Intro (0:00)
Upcoming Schedule: USMNT vs Uruguay (3:58)
Serie A Opening Weekend (11:26)
Ricardo Pepi Watch Continues (19:46)
Newcastle vs Liverpool Amid Isak Controversy (23:55)
The Future is MLS for Miles Robinson and Paxton Aaronson (29:16)
Leagues Cup Rolls On (38:13)
#AskAlexi: Will Pochettino Bring Back the Gold Cup Absentees? (40:04)
One for the Road: USMNT’s Look in 2026 (52:46)

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