Lion Links: 8/1/15

It's match day against that team from Ohio that, I suppose, has become our first MLS rivalry here in Orlando. While we are all getting ready to cheer our Lions on to three points, let's start the day off right with some Lion Links.

Orlando City Stadium Plan Announcement

Yesterday, as I am sure you all know by now, Orlando City owners Phil Rawlins and Flavio Augusto da Silva announced the redesigned plans for the team’s new soccer stadium. The venue will hold 25,500 people to start, with the option to expand, and also offers a “safe standing” supporters section much like a smaller version of Borussia Dortmund’s “Yellow Wall.” For more details on the new stadium, be sure to check out our coverage of the announcement.

SiriusXM Best Kit Competition

Satellite radio company SiriusXM is holding a competition to see what soccer kit fans like the most. In the MLS category, Orlando City leads the voting with over 27% of the vote at the time of this writing. If you haven't already, be sure to go vote for that sexy purple jersey. We know you love it. They are also holding competitions for La Liga, Serie A, and the Premier League so if you are a fan of a team from those leagues, be sure to vote.

Aron Jóhannsson to MLS Rumors — Could He Be a Fit for Orlando City?

United States and AZ Alkmaar forward Aron Jóhannsson could be making the move to MLS sooner than many thought, with the player previously stating that he wanted to play in MLS at “the height of my career.” While not as prolific as Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, Jóhannsson could bring much needed help to Orlando City, a team where rookie of the year candidate Cyle Larin is the team’s top striker. Jóhannsson has been a top player in the Eredivisie, even playing recently in Europa League qualifying, and could be the latest national team star to make the jump to the American league where he would be a difference maker from the start.

MLS Clubs Honor Fans With Special Jerseys

Major League Soccer has announced that all 20 teams will feature special jerseys for the month of August to recognize the amazing fans in the league. All teams will play every game this month with special shirts featuring fan pictures making up the numbers on the uniform. Orlando City announced that they will feature these same custom numbers to all fans for $30 (not including either the purchase or your own jersey there or you can bring your own). For more information from the team, go here.

MLS Oral History Outtakes

Sports Illustrated featured an oral history of the league to commemorate its 20th year and yesterday they released the "outtakes" that didn't quite make it into the official presentation. I must say, it was an incredibly eye-opening experience to hear and read about the league's first season and several of the stories were quite hysterical. I definitely encourage you to check it out, you won't regret it.

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That's all for the Lion Links today but I want to remind everyone of the #ForJono campaign that is currently raising money to support an ILF member and his wife as he struggles with brain hemorrhaging. For more information and an opportunity to donate, be sure to check out the GoFundMe campaign here. Have a great day everyone, I hope to see you out there cheering on the Lions tonight!