United States legend Tim Ream retires from national team - ESPN

United States legend and Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream has officially retired from the national team.

Ream, 38, made the announcement Tuesday before the USMNT's friendly against Chile, which was held at Energizer Stadium in his hometown of St. Louis, as part of a tribute to his career with the national team. He ends his international career with 86 caps — 33 as captain — over his 16-year career.

«It wasn't a difficult decision. You make it to a home World Cup, you get to captain the team. What else is there at almost [age 39]?» he said on the TNT broadcast. «For me, it was an easy decision, and age is the biggest factor.»

A product of the conveyor belt that is the St. Louis soccer scene, Ream played youth soccer with famed club St. Louis Scott Gallagher, and then played collegiately at St. Louis University. He was drafted in the second round (18th overall) of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the New York Red Bulls. He was an instant starter and went on to win the 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year award.

Ream moved to Bolton Wanderers in 2012, making a total of 125 appearances with the club. But it was with English side Fulham FC that Ream spent the bulk of his career. He helped lead the Cottagers to promotion to the Premier League on three separate occasions and ended his career at Fulham with over 300 appearances in all competitions.

Ream was named Fulham's player of the year for the 2017-18 season.

One unique aspect of Ream's international career was how it came in two phases. He made his international debut against South Africa on Nov. 17, 2010. But by 2018 his international career seemed to be over. He then went on to earn 60 caps thereafter.

Ream was a late addition to the 2022 World Cup roster, but his form with Fulham saw