US Men’s National Team captain Tim Ream just spilled the beans on what he called “the coolest thing” about playing in a home World Cup, and honestly, you might not expect his answer after how things went down. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 38-year-old center-back shared that the fan engagement and atmosphere during the U.S. team’s matches was “incredible” and “amazing.” Seriously, even after getting bounced from their own World Cup, Ream is still hyped on the crowd energy.
That Wild Ride in the Emerald City
Talk about a rollercoaster. Ream was front and center for what he called a “unique opportunity” that the guys really "embraced," playing in front of their home country. But it all came to a heartbreaking end right here in Seattle on July 6. Belgium dealt the U.S. a crushing 4-1 defeat, booting our squad from the tournament. You remember that game, right? Belgium jumped all over us, scoring the first goal just nine minutes into the match. It was a tough watch, especially for everyone packed into Lumen Field, ready to explode. What made that defeat even wilder was the whole Folarin Balogun saga. Our striker, Balogun, got hit with a red card suspension after the U.S. clinched a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1. He got tangled up with Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic, seemed like an accidental step on the ankle, but the ref sent him off for a one-game suspension. Then, just days later on July 5, FIFA totally overturned the ruling! Balogun was cleared to rejoin the team for what turned out to be our final World Cup match against Belgium. He was back, but it wasn't enough to stop that 4-1 drubbing.Beyond the World Cup: MLS Momentum
Even with the sting of elimination, Ream, who plays center-back for Charlotte FC, isn't letting that dampen his spirits about the future of soccer in the States. He is hoping to “capitalize” on the incredible community of soccer fans that grew this summer. With so much soccer played here, and the eyes of the world squarely on the sport in the U.S., Ream is all about looking to "piggyback off of that" energy. The return of Major League Soccer is key, and he’s clearly buzzing for what’s next. He pointed to the upcoming All-Star Game, happening in just two weeks’ time, as a "great experience" and one that is "unique." Ream believes it's exactly the kind of event the league needs to build on the momentum generated by the World Cup. It's all about keeping that incredible fan engagement he saw alive and well in MLS.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.