USMNT Falls to Mexico in Gold Cup Heartbreak, New Identity Takes Shape

The U.S. Men’s National Team came up short in the 2025 Gold Cup Final, falling 2-1 to Mexico in a hard-fought battle. The match was decided once again by intensity, momentum swings, and set pieces. Chris Richards gave the U.S. a dream start with an early header, but Raul Jimenez pulled Mexico level before halftime. A controversial handball in the second half kept the drama high, and after a lengthy VAR check, Edson Álvarez delivered the decisive blow.Stu Holden and Maurice Edu joined the show to break down the performance and examine what this tournament revealed about the team’s evolving identity. They discuss who stepped up, who has real 2026 World Cup potential, and who is still on the bubble. With just a handful of windows remaining before World Cup camp begins, the clock is ticking, and the path forward is coming into focus. Intro (0:00)USMNT vs Mexico Gold Cup Final Recap (1:01)Valuable Lessons for Mauricio Pochettino (4:05)USMNT Outlook: Better, Worse, or Same? (7:25)USMNT Gold Cup Winners: Luna, Tillman, Berhalter (8:50)Search for Striker Continues (13:39)Alexi Rides A Horse (27:12) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and Maurice Edu break down a thrilling semifinal win for the USMNT as they outlast Guatemala 2-1 to punch their ticket to Sunday’s final. The night belonged to Diego Luna, who bagged a brace and continued his rise with another electric performance. We dive into Luna’s incredible journey—from USL to MLS, to national team standout—and why he might be the most exciting American talent since Christian Pulisic.Plus, the guys react to the latest on Malik Tillman’s Leverkusen move and Tim Weah’s Marseille links. Mexico’s Raul Jimenez delivered the winning goal over Honduras, to set up a Gold Cup Final showdown with the United States in Houston. We also check in on the opening action from the UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 and the final American standing in the Club World Cup. See you on Sunday in Houston. Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife Intro (00:00)USMNT Advance to Gold Cup Final: Moon Boy to Moon Man (2:12)Diego Luna over Christian Pulisic? (9:01)Legend of Luna (11:13)Gold Cup Final Preview: Mexico vs USA (26:18)UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 Recap (38:06)Last American Standing in Club World Cup (40:28) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Rob Stone break down a dramatic night of Gold Cup quarterfinals as the USMNT outlasts Costa Rica in a tense penalty shootout. Max Arfsten bounced back after giving up an early penalty with the go-ahead goal, Diego Luna continued to shine in the midfield, and Matt Freese redeemed himself with a clutch performance in net. After falling behind for the first time this tournament, the U.S. showed real grit and resilience.Meanwhile, Guatemala shocked Jesse Marsch’s Canada in a shootout of their own, setting up a semifinal clash with the United States. Canada went down to 10 men before Rubio Rubin’s equalizer forced penalties.The crew also looks ahead to the semifinal doubleheader of USMNT vs. Guatemala and Mexico vs. Honduras, plus the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 kicks off on Wednesday.Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLifeIntro (0:00)USMNT Advances to Semifinals (3:14)Matt Freese Saves USMNT in Penalties (12:40)Shorthanded Canada Crashes Out of Gold Cup (18:46)Jesse Marsch: “We’re Missing Half Our Group” (21:10)Gregg Berhalter in the House (27:04)Gold Cup Semifinals Preview (29:35)UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 Kicks Off (31:29) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of State of the Union, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse react to all the Gold Cup quarterfinal action, starting with Honduras’ dramatic penalty shootout win over Panama. Edrick Menjívar came up clutch in goal, helping his side reach their first semifinal since 2013. Mexico also took care of business against Saudi Arabia to secure a showdown with Honduras. Meanwhile, the USMNT prepares for their win-or-go-home match against Costa Rica. But just 24 hours before kickoff, a report on USMNT's Head Coach breaks the news. Mauricio Pochettino is rumored to have interviewed for the manager position with Brentford. The guys speak on what this means for team morale and Pochettino’s future with the national team. They also discuss the U.S. starting XI predictions, Johnny Cardoso missing training, and handling the pressure of knockout play. Plus, a preview for who the USMNT could face in the semifinals and a quick check-in on Club World Cup results. Catch USMNT vs Costa Rica — Tuesday at 7 PM ET on FOX. Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife Intro (0:00) Honduras Stuns Panama on Penalties (5:53) Red Hot Keeper: Edrick Menjivar (10:07) Alexis Vega Leads Mexico to Semifinals (12:04) Mauricio Pochettino Interviews with Brentford? (18:02) USMNT vs Costa Rica Preview (23:48) Canada & Jesse Marsch Look to Advance Past Guatemala (31:08) Club World Cup Round of 16 Kicks Off (32:43) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Gold Cup quarterfinals are locked in, and the USMNT is set for a high-stakes clash with Costa Rica in Minneapolis. Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Stu Holden, break down the full knockout bracket and what’s at stake.The guys look ahead to the USMNT vs. Los Ticos matchup, revisit the long-standing rivalry, and ask whether this team is peaking at the right time. Has Malik Tillman become the USMNT’s most important attacker? And can Patrick Agyemang continue his rise?Plus, a dominant night from Panama’s Ismael Díaz, Canada’s chaotic win over nine-man El Salvador, and Guatemala surviving Guadeloupe. The guys also grade recent transfer news, including Malik Tillman to Bayer Leverkusen, Johnny Cardoso to Atlético Madrid, and what Lyon’s relegation could mean for Matt Turner and Tanner Tessmann.Finally, the guys chat Club World Cup action. Do we miss the good ol’ Confederations Cup? Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLIfe Intro (0:00)Canada Tops 9-Man El Salvador (1:50)Ismael Diaz Earns Hatty (12:44)Gold Cup Quarterfinals Are Set (20:13)USMNT Transfer News (29:02)Inter Miami Carries MLS Banner in Club World Cup (43:58) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The USMNT closes out the Gold Cup group stage with a 2-1 win over Haiti, securing all nine points and the top spot in Group D. Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Maurice Edu break down the win — including Malik Tillman’s standout performance, Patrick Agyemang’s hard-earned game-winner, and key lineup decisions. The crew also discusses Matt Freese’s costly giveaway, whether Tillman is locking in a long-term role, and what to expect in the quarterfinal matchup vs. Costa Rica.Plus, a full recap of the day’s Gold Cup action. Saudi Arabia and Trinidad & Tobago share points, Mexico and Costa Rica play to a scoreless draw, and Tuesday’s Group B & C showdowns decide the remaining quarterfinal spots. To wrap things up, Alexi reflects on the USMNT’s legendary 1994 World Cup win over Colombia—31 years ago today.Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLifeIntro (0:00)USMNT Clashes with Haiti in Group D (4:02)Is Malik Tillman a Potential World Cup Starter? (12:11)Matt Turner vs Matt Freese (17:51)Dante Sealy’s Goal of the Tournament (21:43)Group A Recap (23:03)Club World Cup Action (29:24) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Curaçao delivered the shock of Matchday 2 with a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer against Canada, keeping Group B wide open. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down what went wrong for Jesse Marsch’s side and how changes to the starting XI may have backfired.The guys look ahead to the USMNT's final group stage clash against Haiti, with updates on injuries, potential lineup changes, and what success looks like for the United States this summer. Will Tyler Adams return to the starting lineup? And who needs to step up with Diego Luna and Sebastian Berhalter sitting on yellows?They wrap the show by previewing Group A’s matchups and discussing Gio Reyna and the Dortmund bench watching from the locker room during Club World Cup action.Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLifeIntro (0:00)Canada Drops Points in Group B (3:30)Jeremy Antonisse's Late Equalizer (7:43)Honduras Bounces Back (13:48)USMNT Eyes Top of Group D (16:10)What does success look like for USMNT this summer? (20:52)Group A Preview (25:46)Gio Reyna Watches Club World Cup from Locker Room (28:07) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leon Bailey dazzles in San Jose, leading Jamaica to a comeback win over Guadeloupe with a wonder strike and relentless pressure. Alexi Lalas and David Mosse break down the Reggae Boyz’s performance and Panama’s 1-0 win over Guatemala. With the USMNT securing back-to-back wins and a spot in the quarterfinals, the guys continue the center back conversation and preview lineup decisions ahead of Sunday’s clash with Haiti. Plus, the controversy at Jesse Marsch's post-match presser, and what to expect from Canada and the rest of Group C. Club World Cup results round out the show.Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLifeIntro (0:00)Leon Bailey Boosts Jamaica (2:15)Panama Tops Guatemala 1-0 (7:41)USMNT vs Haiti Preview (11:15)Is Tim Ream our Starting CB? (14:34)Jesse Marsch Reacts (19:35)Club World Cup Action (24:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Richards delivers a statement performance on both ends of the field as the USMNT grinds out a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia. Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Landon Donovan break down Richards' game-winning goal off a set piece and his crucial defensive stops. Is he the leader this backline needs? The guys also discuss Matt Freese’s solid showing in net, and what Pochettino’s consistent XI says about World Cup planning.Then, a look ahead to a critical Group C showdown as Jamaica faces Guadeloupe and Guatemala battles Panama, with knockout stage spots on the line. In Club World Cup action, Lionel Messi makes history again — scoring the match-winner for Inter Miami in their 2-1 victory over Porto, marking the first MLS win over a European club in a competitive match. Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife Intro (0:00)Trinidad & Tobago and Haiti Draw 1-1 (3:57)USMNT Rolls Out Same Starting XI vs Saudi Arabia (5:55)Chris Richards Saves the Day (15:00)Set Piece Goals (22:44)Pochettino’s Approach Against Haiti  (26:03)Group C Preview (32:38)Messi’s Inter Miami Makes History (36:11) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Mo Edu dive into the Gold Cup action following Mexico’s second half goals in the night game. Costa Rica snatches a late winner over the DR, Mexico punches their ticket thanks to set-piece domination, and Jesse Marsch is under the microscope again. Alexi drops his latest CONCACAF Power Rankings—Canada on top, USMNT hanging on. We break down the USMNT Starting XI ahead of their clash with Saudi Arabia: who’s in, who’s out, and who needs to step up. Plus, Pochettino responds to the doubters.The FIFA Club World also rolls on tonight with Captain Weston McKennie and Tim Weah securing a 5-0 win in their opening match. How much can we really glean from this tournament? Presented by Yerba Madre #CometoLife Intro (0:00)Costa Rica Late Game Winner (5:16)Set Pieces, Set Pieces, Set Pieces (10:22)Jesse Marsch Under Investigation (17:29)USMNT Predicted Starting XI & Pochettino Getting Revenge on the Doubters? (22:54)Captain Weston McKennie (33:37) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices