Tim Ream Retires from USMNT After 16-Year International Career
The longtime captain was honored in his hometown of St. Louis prior to a friendly match, marking the end of his national team tenure.
United States Men's National Team captain Tim Ream has retired from international soccer after a 16-year career. The defender received a special presentation of a framed USA jersey featuring the number 86, representing his total international appearances, in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, before the team's friendly against Chile.
Ream, who previously played in the English Premier League, was joined by his wife and three children for the emotional ceremony. The match concluded with a 4-2 victory for the USMNT.
His international journey began in 2010 and concluded shortly after captaining the team in the FIFA World Cup held on home soil, which ended with a Round of 16 loss to Belgium. The USMNT is now entering a new phase, with manager Mauricio Pochettino fielding a younger squad as Ream steps away.
During a press conference prior to the Chile game, Ream confirmed his retirement. "This has been discussed and before this camp it was discussed that I would not be a player with the national team any more," Ream stated. "So it is retirement. We've used the word recognition. We weren't really sure how we want to label it. But that's it for me. I'm proud of being part of something for 16 years, but it is time to step away and stay away from playing with the national team."
Following the confirmation of his retirement and the public's reception, Ream spoke about his future plans. "Honestly, I look forward to doing a little bit more fishing, little bit more golfing," he said in a TV interview. "You know what though, honestly, I've missed so much of my kids' sporting events. Being away, not just for club but you're away for weeks with country. And just being able to go to a swim meet on a Saturday and watch my kids swim all day, and just be a cheerleader, is something I'm looking forward to."
Ream continues to play professionally in Major League Soccer for Charlotte FC, but his international playing days are now over. Manager Mauricio Pochettino had previously praised Ream, stating, "I think he was humble enough. He was always defending his team, the teammates, but always with empathy for [the coaching staff] and helping in every single decision."