LA Galaxy storm to MLS Cup title, Messi named MLS MVP, Anti-American Bias

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap an electric MLS Cup Final between the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls. The Galaxy secured their record 6th title behind goals from Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic in the first half. Lionel Messi was also named the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP with 36 goal contributions in 19 MLS matches. The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 announces groups and the match schedule ahead of June 14th kickoff. Over in Europe, the USMNT players continue to make noise. Malik Tillman, Richard Ledezma, and Ricardo Pepi record an American hat trick in their dominant win over Twente. Christian Pulisic exits the pitch early against Atalanta due to a right calf tear. (6:39) In #AskAlexi, the guys address discussions on American players to MLS, anti-American bias, and soccer cleats impact on the beautiful game. To wrap the show Alexi shares his story with long-term LA Galaxy equipment manager. (39:13) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse broke down the USWNT’s late winner at the Hague. Lynn Williams slid in to score and secure the win in Alyssa Naeher’s last match. U.S. Soccer announced nominees for end of the year awards and MLS unveiled Best XI ahead of MLS Cup Final. Over in Europe, Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah take on white-hot Atalanta, Weston McKennie and Tim Weah battle Thiago Motta’s previous club, and captain Antonee Robinson faces the Gunners. (7:14) The guys discussed FIFA Club World Cup pots, favorite Christmas songs, and window vs aisle seat in #AskAlexi. To wrap the show Alexi and Mosse congratulated Carli Lloyd on her National Soccer Hall of Fame honor. (36:57) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back for another guest host appearance is the one and only Stu Holden, joined by extraordinaire David Mosse. The two recapped the record breaking crowd in Wembley Stadium that witnessed two of the best Women’s National teams battle it out. The USWNT take on Netherlands at the Hague next. Also this weekend, the MLS Conference Finals wrapped up, with the New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy advancing to the MLS Cup Final. The U.S. Men’s also had a great weekend abroad, with Christian Pulisic continuing his form for AC Milan and Folarin Balogun making his first start since his shoulder injury in October. (5:02) In #AskAlexi, Stu and Mosse answer questions on Pulisic’s nomination in the FIFA World Best XI, MLS Playoff structure, and rivalries & brawls. (53:55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special Thanksgiving episode of State of the Union, Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are joined by USWNT legend and Bay FC founder Leslie Osborne. The group chats about Bay FC’s success in year one, Emma Hayes’s hot start, and Alyssa Naeher’s retirement. Leslie also helps us preview a MASSIVE window for the USWNT against England and The Netherlands.  Alexi and Mosse wrap the podcast with the yearly telling of the “Size the Day” story in #AskAlexi before wrapping the podcast with Happy Thanksgiving wishes to our podcast family.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap the United States Men’s National Team weekend abroad. Ricardo Pepi recorded his fourth start of the season and now leads the way in the Eredivisie golden boot race. Gio Reyna is back on the field for Dortmund and Tyler Adams got the start for Bournemouth in their 2-1 loss to Brighton. Also in the Premier League, Manchester City’s win drought continues, losing their fifth match in a row to Spurs. Back stateside, MLS Cup Conference Finals are set with New York Red Bulls, Seattle Sounders, Orlando City, and LA Galaxy all advancing. Can Orlando City follow in the Orlando Pride’s footsteps to win their first MLS Cup in club history? (6:01) To wrap the show, the guys answer a few questions on MLS Cup games not being on national television, Mauricio Pochettino’s impact, and which coaches have the most influence on their teams across sports. (40:32) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are back to break down a full slate of soccer action. The CONCACAF Nations League Semifinals are set. The final four teams of USA, Panama, Canada, and Mexico will face off at SoFi Stadium on March 20th. The CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers wrapped up for the year with Argentina finishing atop the standings. In Lionel Messi’s last game of 2024, he had a beautiful assist to Lautaro Martinez to take down Peru. Emma Hayes also released the USWNT roster for their European Tour. They will be without a few big names including Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson. Staying in Europe, four Americans will face off in Serie A this weekend. Tim Weah and Weston McKennie versus Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah will be a match you cannot miss. (7:30) Alexi and Mosse answer a few #AskAlexi questions on the future of St. Louis City Park and USA/MLS chants. To wrap the show the guys discuss Christian Pulisic's emergence into Captain America. (44:36) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas, David Mosse, and special guest Stu Holden are fired up after the USMNT surpass Jamaica and advance to the CONCACAF Nations League Semifinals. The guys instantly react to the match and break down Tim Weah’s return and Christian Pulisic’s brace. They also dive into the UEFA Nations League and CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying action. (1:58) To wrap the show, Alexi, Mosse, and Stu discuss the quality of playing surfaces, Pepi’s next move, and earning back the support of USMNT’s fanbase. (37:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse instantly react to the USMNT’s 1-0 win over Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinals. Ricardo Pepi recorded his 12th goal for the national team on an assist from Christian Pulisic. The two squads will face off again on Monday in St. Louis for the second leg. Also this week, the UEFA Nations League and CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying continue. (1:37) To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse discuss Ronaldo and Harry Kane firing off on players skipping out on international duty. (23:23) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse are fired up after an eventful week. Messi and the Supporters’ Shield winners fell to the 9th seeded Atlanta United in one of the biggest upsets in MLS history. The top three seeds in the Eastern Conference are now out of the MLS Cup Playoffs opening round. Vote for your Conference Semifinal winners on Youtube @StateOfTheUnion. But before the Semifinals kick off, the USMNT will go head to head with Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League Quarterfinals. Mauricio Pochettino announced his roster on Sunday for the November window, the guys shared their thoughts. (8:16) To wrap the show, Alexi and Mosse discussed Jim Curtain's dismissal from Philadelphia Union, Bruce Arena joining San Jose Earthquakes, the possibility of Christian Pulisic winning a Ballon d’Or, Lily Yohannes’s announcement to play for the USWNT, and FOX Veterans Day 5K. (41:34) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alexi Lalas and David Mosse recap this week’s Champions League action and great performances by the USMNT. Malik Tillman becomes the 4th American to score a goal and assist in a single UCL match. Christian Pulisic bags an assist on the opening goal against Real Madrid. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty both start in Celtic’s historic win over RB Leipzig. MLS Cup Playoffs opening round wrap up this weekend with four matches on deck. Which teams will clinch the remaining Conference Semifinal spots? (5:16) Alexi and Mosse discuss Jurgen Klopp and NY Red Bulls, MLS Cup predictions, and Pros vs Joes in #AskAlexi. To wrap the show, the guys discuss the VAR decision in Cody Gakpo’s first UCL goal for Liverpool. (36:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices