International Window Wrap Up: Balogun Shines, Back Three Breakthrough & World Cup Qualifying
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)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
1:05:48
--------
1:05:48
Instant Reaction: Balogun and Zendejas Lift USMNT to Victory
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)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
50:31
--------
50:31
Instant Reaction: USMNT Falls to Korea Republic in First September Friendly
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)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
1:06:14
--------
1:06:14
USMNT September Window Preview: Alexi’s Starting XI & Grading USMNT Transfers
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)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
--------
1:05:28
--------
1:05:28
Pochettino Defends MLS, Balogun Joins the Squad, Messi and Miami Are Set for Leagues Cup Final
Pochettino Defends MLS, Balogun Joins the Squad, Messi and Miami Are Set for Leagues Cup FinalThe 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)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
U.S. Soccer legend Alexi Lalas discusses the biggest stories in soccer through the lens of red, white and blue glasses! Join Alexi Lalas and soccer guru David Mosse, as they break down the USMNT, USWNT, MLS, Bundesliga, Premier League, World Cup & everything in between.
Follow Alexi Lalas' State of the Union podcast @SOTUWithAlexi on all platforms!
https://twitter.com/SOTUWithAlexi
https://www.instagram.com/SOTUWithAlexi/
https://www.tiktok.com/@sotuwithalexi
https://www.facebook.com/SOTUWithAlexi/
México