It’s that time of year again in soccer. When the European football (soccer) giants come over to the United States to fill stadiums, fill their coffers with money, and build up their brand – sell more and more jerseys. It’s smart, you can’t blame them for doing it…the first to come were the likes of Barcelona and Mancheser United, now it’s nearly all the top teams. I’d like to see some MLS teams go play at the Camp Nou or the Theatre of Dreams.

Some of the highlights of these matches up include: Beckham versus his AC Milan club and Jose Mourinho facing his old Chelsea side for the first time. But the chance to see Barcelona play might just be the biggest draw, assuming they bring all of their stars, as this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see one of the best teams in the history of Barcelona play live.

Then there’s the MLS All-Star game, against an Everton side that’s no slouch and could very well be FA Cup winners after tomorrow. And I’m sure a few other games will be announced this summer as well. Get your tickets while you can, I’m sure the Barcelona games will sell fast. Is Manchester United not coming this summer? I guess not.

Real Madrid

Friday, August 7 Real Madrid v. Toronto FC, at BMO Field (Toronto)

Sunday, August 9 Real Madrid v. DC United, at RFK (DC)

Barcelona

Saturday, August 1 Barcelona v. Los Angeles Galaxy, at the Rose Bowl Pasadena (Los Angeles)

Wednesday, August 5 Barcelona v. Seattle Sounders FC at Qwest Field (Seattle)

Saturday, August 8 Barcelona v. Chivas de Guadalajara at Candlestick Park (San Francisco)

This tour is part of an arrangement between Barcelona and MLS and will last for the next five years.

Chelsea

Saturday, July 18 Chelsea FC v. Seattle Sounders at Qwest Field (Seattle)

World Football Challenge

Big clubs versus big clubs:

Sunday, July 19 Club America vs. Inter Milan at Stanford Stadium, Palo Alto, California

Tuesday, July 21 Chelsea FC vs. Inter Milan at the Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California

Wednesday, July 22 AC Milan vs. Club America at the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Friday, July 24, AC Milan vs. Chelsea FC at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

Sunday, July 26, AC Milan vs. Inter Milan at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Sunday, July 26, Chelsea FC vs. Club America at Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

MLS All-Star Game

Wednesday, July 29 Everton FC v. MLS All-Stars at Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah