The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) are scheduled to play in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday night, marking their first appearance since the 2017 result in Couva which led to their elimination from the 2018 World Cup. Tim Ream, a veteran center back, is the only current player who experienced that disappointment, with Christian Pulisic out due to an injury. Ream claims to focus on the positive moments than lingering on the past and insists that the Couva defeat won’t affect his game. What’s remarkable is that Ream is now the captain of the squad, despite having faced doubts about his future with the team earlier in his career.
Although Ream started the 2022 cycle well, his participation lessened due to personal reasons, and he didn’t represent the U.S. during their road to Qatar until he was unexpectedly recalled by coach Gregg Berhalter. At 36, Ream became a key figure in the team during the World Cup despite spending time away, attributing his return to the comfort and familiarity of the squad. Beyond soccer, Ream is making a name for himself through his podcast, “The American Dream,” which features insightful interviews with his USMNT peers and provides a platform where they can candidly address issues hindering the team’s performance.
Ream’s podcast is a unique space within the soccer realm, providing the opportunity for players to express themselves outside of traditional media outlets and games. Through it, Ream’s aim is to humanize USMNT players while spotlighting the dynamics within the team. Moreover, it has given him a potential career path post-retirement despite Ream’s insistence that he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
