What you call the game can sometimes be used as a litmus test for how authentic, genuine, and passionate your fandom really is.

I call it soccer, but soccer is a trigger word. I'll be honest. I love that the word

soccer triggers people. I love that it makes some cringe. It makes me want to use it even more.

Soccer is the name of the game.

Hello, Sunshine.

I'm Alexi Lollis, and welcome

the State of the Union Podcast,

where we look at the beautiful game on and off the field

through the lens of red, white and blue colored glasses as you heard

we'll be talking about the power of the word soccer we'll have our mossy makes the case

segment mossy is going to be talking about the death of romance from beloved

Barcelona we'll be answering your questions the death of romance from beloved Barcelona.

We'll be answering your questions in our hashtag

Ask Alexi segment.

We'll talk about Bielsa and the US women's national team

and so much more.

But first, as always, joining me my friend my colleague my guiding light

David Mossier soccer savant and a fox soccer researcher and writer extraordinary

how are you mossy I am good you know Alexi I know we teach our kids that honesty is the best policy but there are situations

Don't speak for me and my wife but okay yes in general that's what

Situations where it's better to lie I'll give you an example I did not watch your Minnesota show but I asked lots of people about it most of them

were smart enough to say it was all right there were a couple of idiots who said

...