United States veteran Tim Ream says age no concern

Fulham and United States defender Tim Ream said he’s “not really thinking about age” as he’s embarks on his 16th season in professional soccer.

Ream, 35, is in his hometown of St. Louis preparing for the U.S. team’s friendly match against Uzbekistan on Sept. 9, which will be followed by a second friendly against Oman in St. Paul, Minnesota, four days later.

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Despite excelling for the U.S. at the 2022 World Cup, it wouldn’t have been a surprise to see the U.S. turn to other, younger defenders, but Ream is determined to continue to be a contributor for his country.

“I’m just kind of playing and living in the moment, just enjoying doing what I’m doing. I’m not, I’m not really thinking about age,” Ream told reporters on a conference call Monday. “I set goals for myself every season. I set longer term goals to try to get to another World Cup, try to be able to play in a Copa America next summer.

“I just think being able to enjoy what you’re doing. As you get older most people’s bodies start give out. Their mind starts to wander. And for me, I’m just trying to enjoy everything, try to take it all in, and do as much and play as much as I possibly can.”

Ream’s renaissance — he was a bit of a surprise inclusion on the team that reached the round of 16 in Qatar — has proved to be an inspiration for young players and veterans alike.

“Obviously, everybody knows Tim is a really important player to this team and to this program,” said U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner. “To perform at the level that he’s performing, week in and week out, over the last few years, to be away from the national team and then come back…the resiliency that he shows, but also, he just exudes this like, calmness even just the way he speaks.

“On the pitch for me, it’s really helpful. Off the pitch, it’s really helpful. If I can have half the career that this guy has had, I’ll consider it’ll be very successful.”