When Tim Ream arrived in Major League Soccer, little was known about the defender. Ream played four years at the University of St. Louis, a solid – but not outstanding – college program, but had never been considered for the youth national team set-up. Ream was still an unknown quantity even after the league scouting combine, where draftees strut their stuff for three days in front of would-be employers. Indeed, after he was drafted in the second round with the 18th overall selection, the choice was widely met with bemusement by supporters.
Yet Ream was quick to vindicate his new bosses, head coach Hans Backe and sporting director Erik Soler. He drew rave reviews during the preseason training camp for his poise and skill on the ball, including an effusion from Backe in which he compared Ream to Rio Ferdinand. Ream also surprised many when he broke into the starting XI in his rookie campaign and started every league match, anchoring the defense en route to the Eastern Conference regular season title. Ream impressed throughout the campaign with his calm demeanor on or off the ball on the backline, as well as his strong aerial skills. Ream was also a finalist, though did not win, the Rookie of the Year award.
The reward for his successful rookie campaign came in the form of a first cap for the United States against South Africa, in a friendly in November 2010. Ream impressed in his early appearances for the notional team and was quickly tipped to be a stalwart in an aging backline.
Yet as his star rose within the national team set-up, his play digressed during year two in MLS. Some of his trademark confidence betrayed him, and New York’s defense became one of the leakier ones in the league. His – and to be fair, the entire team’s – aerial prowess betrayed him a few times during the course of the season and many were beginning to question what happened to the young star. His digression carried over to the international venue, when Ream was called-up for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Ream started the first two group matches of the competition, though was benched for the remainder of the tournament after his poor performance in the embarrassing 2-1 loss to Panama (it was the USA’s first ever loss to Panama and first ever loss during the group stages of the Gold Cup).
It was during the late summer months and postseason that Ream first put suitors on alert, however. Ream first impressed during the Emirates Cup at the Emirates Stadium, prompting Arsenal to be linked, with rumors of a loan deal or possible offer of £1.5 million being bandied about. During December, Ream went on to train with West Brom and Bolton, again generating rumors that those two clubs could make offers, with Trotters boss Owen Coyle particularly keen.
It was the impending sale of Gary Cahill, however, that really forced Coyle into the market, with the £2.5 million sale representing good business for both sides.
Ream will naturally take some time to settle into the EPL, but should impress. The MLS’s fast and physical play are comparable to what he might find with Bolton and his mobility should hold him in good stead against some of the trickier forwards in the league. Ream will also come into the dressing room with no preconceived notions about playing time, instead relying on his strong work ethic to prove his worth. Further, the presence of fellow American international Stuart Holden will only aid Ream’s transition. As a supporter of Red Bulls, it was easy to tell that this day would come sooner rather than later. It is a sad day knowing that our young star is leaving, but exciting to know that he will be continuing his career in the best league in the world. The move will pay dividends, both for Coyle and for Ream’s progression with the national team, and I am confident that Ream will one day become the player Hans Backe gushed about during that preseason training camp two summers ago
