Dillon Powers heads to Reading FC for a two-week trial

The trend over the last two years has seen the American talent pipeline to European dry up. It appears one Major League Soccer player is attempting to buck that trend. Colorado Rapids midfielder and potential United States international Dillon Powers is going on trial at Reading FC of the English Championship.

The Rapids announced today that the 24-year-old will join the second-division side for a two-week trial in hopes of impressing their manager Steve Clarke.

Powers is a dual-citizen, while he was born in Plano, TX he acquired an Italian passport in January. With a European passport in tow, it makes it much easier for him to find playing opportunities abroad without having to apply for a work permit.

The midfielder has 13 goals and 21 assists in his three-year MLS career. He'll be joining fellow Yank and USMNT member Danny Williams who is a regular starter at the club at a similar position that Powers plays. If the trial is successful, it's possible the two could be competing for the same spot.

While it's nice to be optimistic about these sorts of trials, they are actually a pretty common occurrence. Sometimes MLS players head over to Europe for short stints to stay fit and to gain experience, rarely do they ever materialize into a transfer or a loan. The fact that Powers holds a Euro passport is the one variable that gives this trial a bit a spotlight.

Powers has represented the U.S. at the U-18 and U-20 international levels, but despite pleas from many supporters, has not been called up by Jurgen Klinsmann for the senior team.