Birthdays of note: Argentina and Inter Milan defender Walter Samuel, known to be one of the toughest men of his generation, turns 34 today. Celebrate by stabbing yourself in the hand with a pencil – then just play if off like it’s nothing.
Big Important Story of the Day: 6-0 against over-matched Cuba? Not good enough! So says U.S. under-23 manager Caleb Porter, who’s looking for better Saturday against Canada.
RASNoD (Random American Soccer Name of the Day): Steve Ralston
Twitter dab: From U.S. Soccer’s official Twitter feed (@ussoccer) Final from Nashville: U-23 #USMNT 6, Cuba 0. Three points to start the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament!
Ahead on the blog today*: Arlo White helps set up tonight MLS match in Seattle, as undefeated and un-scored upon Houston comes calling.
What we should all be watching on TV: About the time Seattle and Houston are finishing from CenturyLink Field in Seattle (kickoff set for 10 p.m. EDT on NBC Sports Network), Mexico begins its march to London at the Home Depot Center against Trinidad and Tobago (11:30 EDT).
*Always subject to change; you know how it is