Lion Links: 4/29/15

Good morning, Lion Nation. I hope you are well.

I am not, having been bitten by some nefarious bug or another, and am trying to recover from illness. This happened within 24 hours of having my Orlando City magnet stolen from my vehicle by some ne’er-do-well. It’s hard to stay mad at a miscreant who wants to show his or her love for City, though. Plus, I had a spare.

Let's get to your Wednesday Lion Links:

House Knocks Off Early

As if I didn't feel bad enough, the news broke yesterday that the Florida House of Representatives adjourned three days early without approving the $30 million already set aside for City's new downtown soccer stadium. Not only that, but they didn't even bother to do the one thing they're required by the state's constitution to do – pass a balanced budget.

What would your boss do to you if you left your job three days early without doing what was required of you? Good job, good effort, Florida House. Welp, you tried.*

*Nope.

People Talkin'?

According to a Twitter account called “soccerbits,” Orlando City is the third most talked about NASL/MLS team on Twitter in April, behind New York City FC and the Montreal Impact. Far be it from us to question a Twitter account with 148 followers (as of last night), but we’re not sure this is accurate data or even where the data came from. Personally, I find it hard to believe Indy Eleven is getting more play than Seattle Sounders, but hey, that’s just the skeptic in me.

International Champions Cup Schedule Announced

Sites in the United States, Canada and Mexico will host matches in this summer’s International Champions Cup, featuring big-name clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona and Paris St.-Germain. MLS clubs LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls and San Jose Earthquakes will also participate in these international club friendlies from BMO Field in Toronto to Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, and from StubHub Center in Carson, CA, to East Hartford, CT’s Rentschler Field. San Jose’s meeting with Manchester United is the only game yet to have its date and venue announced. Check out the full lineup (so far) here.

Madrid Transfer Ban Coming

Both of Madrid's La Liga giants are reportedly facing a two-window transfer ban for violating FIFA's rules on the transfers of minors. Kevin McCauley of the SB Nation mother ship has all the details on what this means for the two powerhouse clubs and why it probably isn't going to hurt either. Also, they can still appeal if and when the ban is handed out, so don't expect any short-term changes.

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That's all for today, friends. Time for me to load up on Dayquil, Cold-Eeze and Airborn.