By Scott Gleba

Manchester United against Celtic … Sporting Lisbon versus Tottenham Hotspur … Panathinaikos meets Inter Milan. If it sounds like an exciting evening of UEFA Champions League action, think again.

In what has become an increasingly popular summer tradition, clubs from all around Europe are holding pre-season camps and playing friendlies throughout North America…and the above are only a sample of the appetizing match-ups on offer.

Cities as far flung as Charlotte, Toronto, Guadalajara, and even Harrison, New Jersey, will play host to some of the best-known clubs in Europe over the next three weeks.

Owen Coyle, head coach of the English Premier League's Bolton Wanderers, is pleased to bring his squad across the Atlantic Ocean for intensive preparation. Last night, they defeated the Charlotte Eagles, which plays in the USA's USL Second Division, 3-0.

"I've been there the last two pre-seasons and the facilities are terrific," Coyle told the Bolton Wanderers Web site. "They are what you would desire for a Premier League club.

"The humidity is different to England so training will be hard, but when we come back then there is no doubt that we will certainly be in better condition."

In advance of its CONCACAF Champions League game against Motagua six days later, Toronto FC will welcome Bolton to BMO Field on July 21.

Manchester United is no stranger to making pre-season trips to North America as this will be their third in eight years. Mike Phelan, United's assistant coach, echoed sentiments similar to Coyle's to manutd.com. "We've been to America before and the facilities have always been excellent. That's one of the major reasons why we've chosen this environment again. It's been successful in the past and there's no reason why it won't be again."

For clubs like Manchester United, these tours are not solely limited to getting physically fit for the upcoming season, they also help to strengthen bonds with supporters outside the home country, as well as offer a way in which to connect with new fans.

"To get a club like Manchester United coming over is going to be amazing for the fans in America," former United and current Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham told MLSsoccer.com. "It'll be fantastic for the people to see the world-class players United have in their squad -- and also their world-class manager.

"It's one of the biggest clubs in the world, if not the biggest. It'll be exciting for the players who are going to come up against the United lads and for the supporters watching."

Manchester United is scheduled to play five games in three countries over 15 days, including one to open Guadalajara's spectacular new stadium on July 30. Javier Hernandez, the Mexican national team star who recently joined United from Chivas, is expected to play. A sell-out crowd of 45,000 is anticipated and there can be little doubt that more United fans will be created.

Another major attraction will be the presence of UEFA Champions League champion, Inter Milan. In addition to playing Panathinaikos in Toronto (August 3), the Nerazzurri will face Manchester City in Baltimore (July 31) and FC Dallas in Frisco, Texas (August 5).

"We're really looking forward to getting quality games to help prepare for our season," said new head Rafael Benitez, whose club begins Serie A play in late August. "We'd like as many of our players as possible in place to really gauge where we are while we have an opportunity to face good competition in FC Dallas, Panathinaikos and Manchester City."

Fans in North America can anticipate seeing Inter Milan at nearly full strength, as Samuel Eto'o, Javier Zanetti, Diego Milito, Dejan Stankovic and Maicon are all expected to make the trip. Only Dutch star Wesley Sneijder, who played in Sunday's World Cup final, is not currently confirmed.

Not to be outdone, Mexico City giant Club America has scheduled two games against European opposition in the USA. The Aguilas defeated England's Portsmouth 2-1 last night at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. An August 4th tilt against Real Madrid in San Francisco promises to be a special occasion.

Perhaps to top it all off, the New York Red Bulls plan to debut new signing Thierry Henry, who made his name at England's Arsenal, against…appropriately enough…the Gunners' eternal rival, Tottenham Hotspur, on July 22nd at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.

Can it get any better than that?

Who knows?

But you can be certain that a million fans or more within CONCACAF's reach will enjoy finding out.

And furthermore…

In another friendly last night, a battle of CONCACAF Champions League teams saw Olimpia of Honduras defeat Mexico's Cruz Azul, 1-0, before 7,000 fans at Memorial Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Ramiro Bruschi scored the game's only less than a minute after the opening whistle. Cruz Azul will face Aguila of El Salvador on Saturday in Durham, North Carolina, before returning to Mexico City on Sunday.