Tim Ream appears to have the calmest demeanor on the US men’s national soccer team, having been entrenched in professional soccer for over 15 years.
“Listen,” Ream said on Tuesday, just two days after their intense Gold Cup quarterfinal win in Costa Rica. Leading up to a heated moment in the match, he noted, “I’m not in a rush.”
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However, when 23-year-old US player Malik Tillman missed a penalty kick and a Costa Rican player capitalized on it, Ream’s response was quick and strategic.
“No,” he thought. “You’re not going to choose the quietest guy… this isn’t happening.”
He quickly sprang into action, relishing the fact that nine of his teammates joined him, which led to jubilant celebrations in the US locker room.
Even goalkeeper Matt Freeze dashed into the fray, with coach Mauricio Pochettino remarking on how impressive it was that Freeze sprinted to join the altercation. “Did you see it? That was incredible,” he said on Tuesday.
Since taking over the role last September, Pochettino has championed a fighting spirit among the USMNT. “We Argentinians,” he remarked, “love to compete.”
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Yet many felt that the American players had not shown enough fight in previous matches against Panama and Canada, which drew heavy criticism regarding their mentality. Christian Pulisic’s decision to skip this summer’s Gold Cup only added fuel to the fire. Pochettino didn’t directly criticize his players but made several comments that suggested he shared these sentiments.
As a result, he sent a strong message with his Gold Cup roster by excluding some regulars and opting for a mix of less experienced MLS players. They gathered in Chicago on June 1 and, through team-building, developed a sense of unity that encouraged everyone to fight together.
On the 29th, that spirit was evident.
Ream described the aftermath of the incident following the Tillman penalty as “exciting to witness.” “It ultimately shows that we are a cohesive group. We’re not going to be pushed around,” he said.
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Pochettino acknowledged the qualities within the team as well. During a press conference alongside Tyler Adams, he pointed out, “This guy,” referring to one involved in the brawl, “clearly loves to compete,” with a smile.
“Now,” he continued, “what’s essential isn’t just him, but the entire group.”
“And,” he concluded, “that signifies our connection.”
Costa Rica’s Kenneth Vargas confronts Malik Tillman after the USMNT midfielder missed a penalty. (Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
(Steven Machuren via Getty Images)
Upon starting his role last fall, he inherited a team that had enjoyed familiarity for years but had become too complacent. Pochettino therefore set out to break some of these connections, reset the culture, and foster a new environment.
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However, his initial training camps did not achieve this. Players would arrive on Mondays or Tuesdays, train a few times, play games, and then “disappear,” as Pochettino lamented.
Ultimately, the summer offered a chance to reset. It started with a week of training in Chicago, followed by two friendly matches and then a three-week Gold Cup. “This type of period with the coaching staff is crucial for building emotional bonds,” Pochettino stated.
While many stars were absent and new faces emerged, it was uncertain whether this mix of veterans and newcomers would mesh successfully.
But Sunday seemed to affirm that they had indeed bonded.
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Ream expressed that it confirmed “the sense of unity we created and nurtured.” In the locker room, they reflected on the ups and downs of the game, emphasizing the importance of having one another’s backs.
Reflecting on their previous challenges, he noted that “perhaps it wasn’t the best lead-up to the Gold Cup,” yet he observed that during team dinners, “you could feel the energy,” as they connected at a single table rather than being separated.
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“It’s a voluntary connection,” Pochettino affirmed. “It can’t be forced; it’s about creating a supportive environment.”
He added, ahead of their semi-final match against Guatemala, “That’s what makes us proud.”
Ream, the seasoned voice among the players, shared his pride as well. “I’ve seen how quickly we’ve fostered these relationships through games, communal meals, and small connections. It’s remarkable.”
Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer fans as it highlights the growing unity and competitive spirit within the USMNT, suggesting they are on a promising path to success. A cohesive team can inspire hope for the future of American soccer on the international stage.
