Lion Links: 6/1/16

Good Wednesday morning, Mane Landers. Don't get down this week since it's one day closer to the weekend and, even though our Orlando teams won't be in action for a while, OCB plays on Sunday and there is still plenty of soccer talk here. Let's kick the links off now.

Pierre da Silva Shining For Orlando City B

You may have read our Sean Rollins' article on Da Silva, and there's no reason for you not to read it because Sean's been covering OCB all season long. Well, Da Silva's work rate and effort have earned him USL Team of the Week honors. Check out one of his highlights from OCB's last match. The last few matches have made it seem like OCB has righted the ship from its shaky start to the season.

Southern Ford Dealers Become Founding Sponsor of Orlando City

In this team press release, Orlando City announced a new corporate sponsorship with Southern Ford Dealers, which will include a Southern Ford Dealers Halftime Show, featuring a preview of the anticipated second-half action through television, radio, and in-stadium properties. They will also hold a photo contest during the match that will crown the Southern Ford Dealers Fan of the Game. The release also mentions fans will enter City's brand new, state-of-the-art soccer stadium through the Ford gate. I think if the team can generate income for the club by having a sponsor for each gate of the new stadium, then I'm all for it.

Finding Out Orlando City’s Open Cup Opponent

The third round of 2016 U.S. Open Cup kicks off tonight and Lion fans should pay attention to the contest between the Charleston Battery visiting the Jacksonville Armada. Both teams have a spot on their respective website, but the Battery has a bare page while the Armada actually cared to give their fans information on the match-up. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. and can be viewed on the U.S. Open Cup page for the match. The winner will take on Orlando City in the fourth round on Wednesday, June 15.

Summer of Soccer

It’s a great time to be a soccer fan. In addition to watching the Lions in the U.S. Open Cup, it will act as an appetizer to the full course meal of soccer. I think Orlando Pride striker and U.S. Women’s National Team star Alex Morgan said it best on Twitter.

Several stories have come out on the cusp of Copa América Centenario. Here are a few you should know.

• MLSSoccer.com highlights the growth of supporters in the U.S. between the national team supporters, the American Outlaws and MLS clubs. We are all familiar with the saying "For Club and Country," and this story really highlights what having awesome supporters groups working together can do.
• Sports Illustrated came out with a story on Chicharito, the Mexican national team star who plays in Germany for Bayer Leverkusen. Hernandez was rumored last season to join Orlando, but that ship sailed and the rest is history. Good insight into a world-class striker's mind.
• And speaking of ships that sailed, yesterday the agent for Giuseppe Rossi stated his client made a mistake by picking Italy over the United States for his international duties. Stars and Stripes FC puts his decision in perspective and it may have been better for the USMNT that Rossi didn't don the kit for America.

That's all the links for today, Mane Landers. I'm hoping Orlando City plays Jacksonville for the Open Cup. Keep roaring.