THE AMERICANS ABROAD highlight reel falls short of Oscar-worthiness this season—the quantity isn't there, and neither is the quality. Things should be picking up soon, however, as some key players are returning from long-term injuries. Here's a quick look at some of the top performers.

Rubio Rubin shines again

Rubio Rubin has emerged as one of the bright spots overseas, as the Oregon teenager has made a meaningful impact with Utrecht’s first team. This weekend, he was a standout. On Sunday, Utrecht defeated Vitesse 3-1 and Rubin not only went a full 90, but he also picked up an assist and drew a penalty as well. In the 69th minute with the scored tied 1-1, Rubin moved into the right side of the box and sent in a low pass to Ruud Boymans who hit a well-placed shot past Vitesse keeper Piet Velthuizen. It proved to be the decisive goal.

Seven minutes later Rubin again made a difference, earning a penalty after he was pulled down in the box by Vitesse defender Arnold Kruiswijk . Boymans then converted the penalty to give Utrecht a 3-1 lead.

Danny Williams Back in Action

Danny Williams made his first appearance of the season on Saturday, playing the final 15 minutes of Reading’s 3-1 loss to Blackburn. The American defensive midfielder has struggled for most of this year with a knee injury and was forced into surgery at the start of Reading’s preseason training camp.

This is good news for Jurgen Klinsmann as he now likely has more European-based American players to choose from for the two November friendlies. The talent pool now includes Williams, Aron Johannsson, Terrence Boyd, and Geoff Cameron—none of whom have been available since the World Cup.

While Klinsmann is no doubt happy with Williams’ return, Reading coach Nigel Atkins must be thrilled as his club is off to a disappointing start to the season, having lost four of five and registering just one win in its last seven. With things going so poorly, there is a good chance Williams sees more minutes quickly in an effort to turn the club around.

Geoff Cameron returns to right back

Geoff Cameron has made no secret of his desire to play in the middle of the field for Stoke City—either in central defense or defensive midfield. Since his return from hernia surgery two weeks ago, he has gotten his wish and has played in central midfield. Recent injuries at Stoke, however, forced Cameron back into the right back role.

The Massachusetts native looked good in the role on Saturday, completing 35 of 47 passes in his 90-minute shift and his cross in the 33rd minute initiated the play that resulted in Viktor Moses’ opening goal. Cameron also looked very effective moving forward and despite a few awkward moments in defense, it was a solid outing.

Torres, Gomez & Tigres Climb Table

Jose Torres and Herculez Gomez are mostly afterthoughts in terms of the U.S. national team but Tigres has been making a rapid climb in Mexico in the Apertura season. On Saturday, the Monterrey, Mexico-based club defeated Querétaro 1-0 with Torres and Gomez both earning starts. Gomez was pulled at halftime while Torres was subbed out in second-half injury time. Torres has played in 14 of Tigres’ 15 games this season, including 12 starts.

The three points moved Tigres into third place with two games remaining in the season. The club now trails leaders Club America by just three points and second place Toluca by just one. Tigres and Toluca will face off in the final game of the season.

Brian Sciaretta is an American Soccer Now columnist and an ASN 100 panelist. Follow him on Twitter.