As the summer break approaches, sports move into transition. The MLS season is in full swing, while leagues across the pond wrap up. The European Championship will highlight the summer, but you will not have to look far for some exciting football. Canadian soccer is at a high, and the dog days will provide us with some promising tales for Canada.

The oldest Canadian MLS franchise, Toronto FC, plugs away at their sixth season, and they seem poised for another mediocre campaign. There are a lot of positive things to come out of BMO Field, however, as the roster hasn't had such a turnover as they have had in earlier seasons. While out west, Vancouver works on what should be a very successful season. They look great at the back, and they are even better going forward. Montreal is just starting out their first season, and the support for their club looks fantastic — that will carry them for years.

The point is, Canadian soccer is at an all-time high. It has comfortably carved a niche in the sporting public, and fans need to realize that this is a special moment. This summer will provide a fantastic time for us to enjoy soccer.

The Canadian men's Olympic team fell short this spring from qualifying, but the men's national team will still have a busy summer. With our newfound love for club teams, we must translate that passion to the national side. Canada plays the U.S. in the centennial game on June 3, and then they get into qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. All of their home games will be in Toronto, including a June 12 tilt against Honduras.

The European Championship will also occur. Although this isn't North American, this is still prime football that everyone will have eyes on. England will be in an interesting state without a manager only a few months going into the tournament. On top of it all, the under-23s take to the field in Great Britain for the Olympic tournament as well.

This summer will be a great one for football fans in this country, as we need to appreciate all that is going on in this nation in terms of soccer. This sport is growing, and we need to take a step back before we progress further.

Other stories: The English Premier League will wrap up with Manchester United looking sure for a title. Manchester City will need to pick up the pace and hope for a United loss if they expect to be crowned champions in May. The Champions League will wrap up in Europe as well. There's plenty of soccer to look out for this summer break!