The USMNT’s Gold Cup roster is here, and it’s stirring plenty of debate. Notable absences include stars Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and Jedi Robinson. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Pulisic will rest, while Musah withdrew for personal reasons. Josh Sargent? Simply left out due to tactical preference. The spotlight this summer turns to fresh faces, with five players—Alex Freeman, Damion Downs, Sebastian Berhalter, Quinn Sullivan, and Matt Freese—set to make their senior debuts. 

While familiar names like Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun anchor the team, breakout potential lies in players like Diego Luna, Brian White, and Sebastian Berhalter, who could become national team regulars with strong showings. The big question: does this roster still scream “Gold Cup Title or Bust”? 

Off the field, the timing matters. This summer was supposed to build momentum—think trophy lifts and confetti—heading into the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup on home soil. Instead, we’re left wondering who will lead this group. Tim Ream? Tyler Adams?

With upcoming games vs. Türkiye and Switzerland before the group stage kicks off, it’s time for new heroes to emerge.

Instant Reaction: No Pulisic, Musah, Robinson (4:02)

Players that will step up (21:37)

Back to front roster breakdown (24:46)

Alexi’s projected starting XI (40:30)

Stu joined 25 Words or Less gameshow (50:18)

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In this podcast episode, former professional soccer player Amir Lowery shares insights from his journey through the American soccer landscape and his transition into advocacy and leadership. A Wake Forest standout from 2001 to 2004, Lowery was drafted by the Colorado Rapids in 2005 and spent several years navigating both MLS and USL rosters, including stints with Kansas City and the Montreal Impact. After retiring from professional play in 2012, he launched a new chapter focused on social impact—culminating in his 2020 run for D.C.’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Lowery discusses the origins of Open Goal Project, a youth soccer initiative started in 2015, and the organization's shift in 2019 from supporting players to establishing its own club. He outlines the current structure of Open Goal, including how many teams they field and the challenges they face operating within the U.S. youth soccer system. Lowery offers candid thoughts on what needs to change in the national setup, comparing today's youth development landscape to when he began Open Goal. He closes by reflecting on the best and worst aspects of soccer in America—emphasizing both its immense potential and the barriers that still limit access and equity.

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On the latest State of the Union episode, we highlight the FA Cup triumph for Crystal Palace, who ended a 119-year drought with a 1-0 win over Manchester City. Chris Richards played a starring role, becoming—along with Matt Turner—the first USMNT player to win the FA Cup since Tim Howard in 2004.

In the Netherlands, Malik Tillman capped PSV’s 3-1 win over Sparta Rotterdam, completing a remarkable Eredivisie turnaround where Ajax went from nine points up to one point behind.

In Italy, Juventus took a step toward Champions League qualification as Weston McKennie and Tim Weah featured in a 2-0 win. Roma beat AC Milan 3-1 despite an assist from Pulisic. Meanwhile, Inter and Napoli drew, pushing the Serie A title race to the final day.

In Germany, Gio Reyna’s late appearance in Dortmund’s 3-0 win sealed a UCL spot, though his emotional reaction hinted at a possible farewell. Where would you like Reyna to land next season? In La Liga, Lamine Yamal dazzled again, scoring his 17th goal in all competitions. Is he truly the best player in the world?

MLS Rivalry Week saw intense matchups: Reus saved LA Galaxy with a free-kick, while Inter Miami’s form collapsed in a 3-0 loss to Orlando. We closed the pid with a breakdown of the U.S. Gold Cup 60-man prelim roster, headlined by Pulisic, Balogun, and Tyler Adams, with debates on sleeper picks like Sebastian Berhalter. Who does AI think Mauricio Pochettino will select for this week's 26-man roster?

USMNT Abroad: PSV wins title, Turner & Richards make history (5:08)
MLS Rivalry Week: El Trafico madness, Messi & Miami’s poor form (26:44)
#AskAlexi: The importance (or lack thereof) soccer head coaches (38:38)
One For The Road: AI predicts USMNT Gold Cup Roster (44:50)

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It was a dramatic week for USMNT players abroad, with headlines coming from Italy, the Netherlands, England, and beyond. In Coppa Italia action, Christian Pulisic started for AC Milan as they sought their first cup title since 2003, but it was Bologna who stole the spotlight. Dan Ndoye, who the USMNT will face in June with Switzerland, scored the only goal to lift Bologna to their first major trophy in 51 years. AC Milan now looks ahead to Sunday’s critical Serie A matchup against Roma, with Juventus facing Udinese the same day. Elsewhere, Inter take on Lazio and Parma host Napoli in key matchups that could shake up the title race.

Over in the Eredivisie, Malik Tillman turned heads with a brace in PSV's 4-1 win over Heracles, while Sergiño Dest returned to form with an assist. Ajax conceded a 90th-minute equalizer, shooting PSV atop the table by a single point with one game remaining. In the English Championship playoffs, Sunderland dramatically advanced past Haji Wright & Coventry thanks to Dan Ballard’s 120th-minute goal.

The USMNT's fall schedule is taking shape, with two September friendlies announced. The U.S. will face South Korea on September 6th and Japan on September 9th. These matches follow the USMNT’s Gold Cup title bid this summer on FOX. 

Stateside, MLS Rivalry Week brings intense matchups. Columbus Crew face in-state rivals FC Cincinnati in the Hell is Real Derby. The always-heated Portland vs. Seattle clash follows LAFC’s 4-0 rout of Seattle and Portland’s 0-0 draw with RSL. In Southern California, LA Galaxy take on LAFC after blowing a lead in a dramatic 3-2 loss to Philadelphia. Inter Miami hosts Orlando after a fiery 3-3 draw where Messi’s frustration drew Bruce Arena into the mix

Alexi and Mosse wrap the podcast with a question debating if "Golden Goal" should return, and reviews are rolling in for the newly unveiled USMNT and USWNT kits.

USMNT Abroad: Pulisic falls in final, Tillman & Dest on verge of title (6:12)
September Friendlies vs Japan & Korea Republic announced (23:09)
#AskAlexi: Golden Goal fits the modern game? (33:03)
One For The Road: Grading U.S. kits (38:22)

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Vancouver’s Sebastian Berhalter joins Alexi Lalas to talk about his breakout season, Whitecaps red-hot form, and his dreams of a USMNT call-up. He opens up about growing up in a soccer family, learning from his dad and former USMNT head coach, and how living abroad changed his view of representing the United States. Plus, he discusses how the Reyna situation impacted his family, Brian White’s form, new USMNT jerseys, and favorite soccer memories.

Intro (0:00)
MLS Rise (1:58)
Vancouver in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Final (8:53)
USMNT call up hopes (13:29)
Rapid Fire: USMNT kits & best soccer memories (23:36

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Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are fired up as American stars continue to make waves in Italy. Christian Pulisic delivered a goal and assist in AC Milan’s 3-1 win over Bologna, while Weston McKennie set up Randal Kolo Muani in Juventus' draw with Lazio. The Serie A title race is heating up, with just one point separating Inter Milan and Napoli. In the Netherlands, PSV moved closer to securing the title after a comeback win over Feyenoord, with Malik Tillman and Richard Ledezma starting. Over in Germany, Dortmund crashed Xabi Alonso’s farewell match,  as his Real Madrid future comes into focus. After the fourth El Clásico of the season, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti officially announced he’s headed to coach Brazil. Despite a hat trick from Mbappé, it was Lamine Yamal and Raphinha who powered Barcelona to victory. Where does Yamal stack up in the Ballon d’Or conversations? Back home, MLS delivered drama: Philly and Columbus drew in a top-of-the-table showdown, Diego Luna bagged his 7th goal in 11 matches, Minnesota dominated Inter Miami, and Brian White notched a brace to lift Vancouver.
In #AskAlexi, the guys discuss the LA Galaxy possibly moving on from Greg Vanney and dive into the costs of World Cup tickets. They close the show with a tribute to all the soccer moms out there.

USMNT Abroad: Pulisic leads AC Milan (6:08)
Barcelona goes 4-0-0 in El Clásico (17:40)
MLS Recap: Diego Luna & Brian White shine (35:12)
#AskAlexi: Is it time to move on from Greg Vanney? (42:47)
One for the Road (54:37)

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This week, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down one of the greatest UEFA Champions League semifinals of all time — a 7-goal extra time thriller between Inter Milan and Barcelona. Despite a heroic showing from Lamine Yamal, it was Inter’s Davide Frattesi who sealed it with a late winner, sending the Serie A giants to the final against PSG. The guys also cover PSG’s dominant win over Arsenal and preview the massive Champions League final showdown. Over in Europe, Americans abroad keep battling. Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah take on Bologna in Serie A ahead of the Coppa Italia final, and Folarin Balogun is back on the scoresheet as Monaco prepares for a key clash against Lyon. Stateside, the U.S. Open Cup heats up with MLS clubs in control. Messi and Inter Miami head to Minnesota, while LAFC face off with Vancouver in a Western Conference showdown.
In #AskAlexi, the guys debate which CONCACAF team – club or country – is most likely to win a World Cup trophy. Plus, Alexi shares stories from his travels across the U.S., including a stop in Washington, D.C. where he shook hands with Donald Trump. Mosse wraps things up with a look at Brazil’s host cities for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Intro (0:00)
Champions League semifinal classic (6:08)
USMNT Abroad: Balogun scores (23:31)
U.S. Open Cup & MLS Preview (31:59)
#AskAlexi (41:09)
One for the Road: Alexi travels to Washington (49:30)

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Yamal’s 100th Cap Magic, Messi & Miami Humbled, 2006 vs 2024 USMNT Roster

On today’s episode, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse dove into a pair of spectacular Champions League semifinal games. Paris Saint-Germain edged Arsenal 1-0 thanks to a stunning 26-pass goal finished by Ousmane Dembélé. Barcelona and Inter Milan battled to a 6-goal thriller, ending with three goals apiece. Lamine Yamal showed off in his 100th appearance, fueling comparisons to a young Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Inter Miami and Messi were pummeled in the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Vancouver. Sebastian Berhalter and Brian White scored in both legs of the semifinal to boost their USMNT hopes. They also previewed the weekend abroad for USMNT players as they fight for final league positions and European possibilities. Antonee Robinson and Fulham take on Aston Villa, while Weston McKennie and Tim Weah travel to Bologna.

In #AskAlexi, the guys revisit some USMNT history, comparing the 2006 World Cup roster to the 2024 Copa América squad, and Alexi surprises Mosse with a World Cup trivia question. To wrap the show they give an ode to Carli Lloyd ahead of her U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame induction.

UCL semifinal: Yamal shows out in 100th appearance (7:12)
CONCACAF Champions Cup: Messi OUT (21:48)
Weekend Preview: USMNT Abroad & MLS (36:06)
#AskAlexi: Can we stump Mosse? (46:38)
One for the Road: U.S. Soccer HOF induction (64:41)

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Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down a blockbuster weekend of soccer action! Starting with the Americans abroad, Christian Pulisic stayed red-hot, scoring his 16th goal of the season to lift AC Milan past Venezia. Meanwhile, Napoli tightened the Serie A title race as Inter Milan stumbled against Roma. Chris Richards and Matt Turner advanced past Aston Villa in the FA Cup semifinals, with chance to lift the iconic trophy. Also this weekend Barcelona took home the Copa Del Rey crown in a 5-goal thriller. Barcelona takes on Inter Milan next in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. Big news rocked Real Madrid as Carlo Ancelotti looks set for a sensational move to coach Brazil. Meanwhile, in MLS, Diego Luna continued his electric run of form, and Vancouver surged to the top of the Western Conference. The Whitecaps also seized a 2-0 advantage in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals behind Brian White and Sebastian Berhalter, with leg 2 looming on Thursday.
To wrap up, the guys dive into draft day stories, celebrate Wrexham's historic promotion to the Championship, and react to the growing influence of the club across America.

USMNT Abroad: Pulisic's 16th goal (5:23)

Liverpool clinches EPL title (15:48)

Copa Del Rey Final & UCL Preview (20:05)

MLS Recap & CONCACAF Champions Cup (33:15)

#AskAlexi: Draft day stories (44:19)

One for the Road: Wrexham's impact (52:11)

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Bruce Arena joins the show! Alexi Lalas and David Mosse welcome the legendary coach to discuss his time with the San Jose Earthquakes and share his thoughts on U.S. Soccer and the current USMNT roster. Speaking of our National team, Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah continue their push for the Coppa Italia with AC Milan and prepare for a clash with fellow American Gianluca Busio and Venezia. Chris Richards is set for a big FA Cup semifinal against Aston Villa, while Brenden Aaronson and Leeds book their Premier League promotion following Burnley’s win over Sheffield United. Also this week, the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals continue as Vancouver gets ready to host Lionel Messi and company on Thursday. To close out the show, Alexi and Mosse explore Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.'s potential international future, compare current MLS talent to Peter Nowak’s era, and the art of the deal with Away Days.

Bruce Arena joins the Pod (6:39)

USMNT Abroad (33:32)

CONCACAF Champions Cup/MLS Preview (44:53)

#AskAlexi: Ronaldo Jr., MLS talent vs Peter Nowak (51:56)

One for the Road (61:25)

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