Lion Links: 1/28/16

A pleasant Thursday morning, Mane Land readers! I'm glad to present you with today's Lions Links to distract you from your work/school/other commitments. Before we begin, let's take a second to celebrate the Lego, as the company patented the design of its iconic bricks on this day in 1958. (As a 28-year-old, I am not ashamed in the slightest over this recent purchase.) Now, to the links!

Orlando City Signs Darwin Cerén to Four-Year Extension

El Salvador international Darwin Cerén has signed a new four-year contract extension with Orlando City, keeping the midfield stalwart with the club for the foreseeable future. The extension comes on the heels of a very successful 2015 season, which saw Cerén impress in his defensive midfield role.

OCSC Acquires Honduran U-20 International Devron García

In other roster news, OCSC has acquired defender Devron García from Honduran club CD Victoria. García has represented his country at the U-17 and U-20 levels and served as the Honduran captain at the 2015 U-20 World Cup, where he was teammates with current Lions forward Bryan Róchez.

Orlando Pride Defender Samantha Witteman Contributes to USWNT U-23 Victory

Pride defender Samantha Witteman participated in the USWNT U-23 victory over Ireland on Monday. Selected by the Pride with the 10th overall pick in this month's NWSL Draft, the former Cal Bear came on as a halftime substitute and saw out the shutout in the 3-0 victory.

Copa America Centenario to Air on FOX Sports

FOX Sports has secured the English-language rights to broadcast this summer's special one-off edition of the Copa America to celebrate the tournament's 100-year anniversary. All 32 games will be available on the network's over-the-air family, with additional digital availability via FOX Sports Go and FOX Soccer 2Go. The event will be held in venues across the United States (including three group stage games at the Citrus Bowl) and Canada from June 3-26. Univision holds the Spanish-language rights for the tournament in the United States.

MLS News and Notes

The LA Galaxy have made recent headlines with the signings of defenders Jelle Van Damme and Ashley Cole. Belgian defender Van Damme comes to the club with a questionable past, one which coach and GM Bruce Arena looked into prior to the signing. English left back Cole will hopefully spend more time on the field than on one of Southern California’s many beaches during his time with the Galaxy.

The reigning MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers have extended the contract of head coach Caleb Porter.

The San Jose Earthquakes have signed a partnership agreement, which includes a jersey sponsorship, meaning every MLS team now sports a jersey sponsor.

That's it for the Links, enjoy your Thursday!