Lion Links: 5/7/15

With only one day left until Orlando City faces off with the New England Revolution, start your pre-gameday morning off right with today’s Lion Links.

OCSC Presents: #PurpleFriday

Yesterday, the brilliant minds that are the OCSC Marketing team announced that this Friday would be #PurpleFriday.The team hopes that this will get the whole city backing the Lions as they play what may be the biggest game of the season so far.

In order to encourage fans and non-fans alike, the team posted their Six Steps to #PurpleFriday

The team is also encouraging local businesses to pledge their support for the team here: www.orlandocitysc.com/PurpleFriday

MetroPCS Announced as Official Wireless Provider of Orlando City

Sticking with the trend of Orlando City announcements, MetroPCS has been officially announced as the wireless provider of Orlando City. MetroPCS is currently the largest no contract cell service provider in the United States and hopes to grow their brand by joining forces with Orlando City.

MetroPCS will be teaming up with Orlando City to provide custom promotions and campaigns, as well as supporting the development of young players through the Orlando City Youth Soccer program.

“We are are excited to be a part of the soccer movement that has taken over Central Florida over the past few years, and look forward to another successful year together,”

Chandra Waters, Director of MetroPCS Field Marketing

Barcelona Defeats Bayern Munich In First Leg of Champions League Semi-Final

In what many thought would be a good game, Barcelona came away with a 3-0 victory over an injury-ridden Bayern Munich. In truth, the defeat could have been even worse if not for the superhuman efforts of Munich keeper Manuel Neuer. Despite his effort between the sticks, and wherever else he happens to be roaming, Barcelona dominated the game and came away with three beautiful goals in the last 20 minutes of the match.

Bayern will return home to face Barcelona in the second leg without the benefit of an away goal, but if past weeks serve as an idea for what’s to come, the La Liga front runners may have some trouble in Munich.

Spanish FA to Suspend La Liga Effective May 16th

Due to passing of a new T.V. rights law in Spain, the Spanish Football Federation has announced that all domestic matches will be suspended effective May 16th. The Federation argues that the law undermines their authority to control T.V. rights, and therefore all domestic leagues will suspend play until the issue is resolved.

Normally the politics of Spain would not concern many stateside, but this work stoppage will also suspend the extremely tight title race between La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao if the strike is not over by May 30.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has backed the unions decision to strike, and soccer fans around the world hope to see the battle of egos resolved quickly.

Brek Shea Named to MLS Best 11

Soccer By Ives has tabbed Orlando City defender Brek Shea as a Best XI player from the first quarter of the MLS season. Also on the list are Seattle Sounders‘ striker Obafemi Martins, the Galaxy’s Omar Gonzalez, and MLS newcomer Octavio Rivero.

With three quarters of the season to go, who knows how many of these players will remain on the list. Let’s hope a few more Lions can show that they belong among the MLS elite.

Polling Closed