Lion Links: 2/3/15

Well, it looks it's going to be six more weeks of winter, or at least that's what the groundhog up in Punxsutawney would have you believe.

Not that it will bother Orlando City SC much.

Preseason training is well underway for the Lions and hopefully some of the new arrivals are beginning to see the benefits of playing soccer in paradise. With another friendly set for Wednesday against FC Dallas, the Lions have no time to rest as they prepare for the 2015 season. And neither do we. On to the Lion Links!

Lions reach 11,000 season ticket holders

Orlando reached another milestone on Monday, as the Lions announced they have reached 11,000 season ticket holders with the start of the 2015 regular season still over a month away.

Orlando City adds Eric Avila, close to signing Paulo Andre

Orlando will add two more players to its roster this week, as the club announced the signing of former Chivas USA man Eric Avila through allocation on Monday and is reportedly close to signing Brazilian veteran Paulo Andre, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

With more than 150 games of experience playing in MLS, Avila provides veteran leadership and adds some extra depth to the midfield. As an American, he will not cost the Lions an international slot.

Paulo Andre is another story. The Brazilian defender comes to Orlando from Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese League, but has previous playing experience with Corinthians in his native country and Le Mans in Ligue 1. He seems like an ideal replacement for Heath Pearce, who didn’t sign with the Lions after he was picked in Expansion draft.

LA Galaxy head to the White House

The MLS Cup Champions headed to our nation's capital on Monday for their customary meet-and-greet with President Obama, a trip they've made three out of the last four years.

Joining the Stanley Cup Champion Los Angeles Kings, the Galaxy were honored by President Obama for their remarkable run of success and Landon Donovan (who missed the trip while traveling overseas) was honored for his contribution to the game. The President also singled out Galaxy defender Robbie Rodgers for “blazing a trail” as one of the first openly gay pro athletes in sports.

Keep an eye out for selfies with the president if you happen to follow any Galaxy players on Instagram.

Tim Cahill leaves RBNY for China

The Red Bulls’ Aussie striker announced he will be leaving the club for Shanghai Shenhua this season. Cahill’s career in MLS was a memorable one, as he established a reputation for flashy goals and even flashier celebrations. He also owns the record for the fastest goal in league history, which came only eight seconds into a 2013 match against the Houston Dynamo.

Revolution finally get their championship

Who says MLS doesn't command international respect?

The Daily Mail reported on Monday that the Revs (and star…striker?) Tom Brady had won the Super Bowl. At least it was an "enthralling match."

That's all the links for this morning. Have a great Tuesday and just run it with Marshawn Lynch.