AMSTERDAM — Former San Jose Earthquakes defender Bobby Burling is on an extended trial with recently relegated Belgian side Sint-Truiden, but can't say yet how it may turn out.
The 27-year-old, who recently auditioned with 3.Bundesliga outfit Kickers Offenbach, is now into his second week of training with the Canaries. With no set date for a decision from Sint-Truiden, he may still work out with other clubs in Europe.
"I trained and played a match last week, so they wanted me to come back for another week," Burling told MLSsoccer.com by phone on Wednesday. "It is a bit different timeframe because their season is over and they're looking forward to their holiday before next season.
"Looks like I may head to Denmark, as well, after my stay here. It has been great to experience different environments and travel around."
While in Belgium, Burling had the chance to reunite with old Chivas USA teammates Sacha Kljestan and Matt Taylor. The three celebrated Anderlecht's Jupiler League title — Kljestan's first championship as a pro.
"Sacha and his fiancée have been kind enough to let me stay at his place in Brussels during this time," said Burling. "I really had a great time watching two of his matches, and of course winning the title — different feeling over here and was cool to be in town to watch Sacha clinch the title.
"[It's] pretty cool to stay connected with friends you meet through different teams and was great to catch up with Sacha, as well as Matt Taylor, and see what life is like over here."
Originally a supplemental draft pick of the LA Galaxy in 2007, Burling quickly moved on to take part in 71 MLS contests for the Goats and Quakes. His MLS rights are currently held by the Montreal Impact, who selected the Texas native in the 2011 Expansion Draft.
