To kick off a new feature for MLSsoccer.com titled “Five Questions with…,” we spoke to New York Red Bulls defender Tim Ream, who was a finalist for Rookie of the Year award and is about to kick off his US national team career.
Ream is currently in South Africa as part of the US squad summoned to play Bafana Bafana on Wednesday (2 p.m. ET, ESPN2). Before jetting halfway across the world for his first cap, Ream spoke with MLSsoccer.com.
Don't be thrown by the first question. Much as this is Ream's first shot with the US, this feature is the first in many short interviews with USMNT figures, from uncapped starlets to experienced veterans.
MLSsoccer.com: What's your most memorable USMNT moment?
Ream: That's pretty simple: getting the first call-up. Every kid dreams of representing his country, wearing the US jersey and playing on the biggest stage.
MLSsoccer.com: What would you tell the you of five years ago?
Ream: I'd probably tell myself to not be as reserved. I should try out for the bigger and better teams, the youth national teams and whatnot. I'd want to see how I stack up against the best teens in the country.
[inline_node:319836]WATCH: Ream headed to South Africa
MLSsoccer.com: Who is your favorite teammate to play with and why?
Ream: Mike Petke, only because of what he's meant to me this year and how he's brought me along all year. Just the amount of knowledge that he's passed on to me and helped me. He's a big reason why I was able to start every game this year.
MLSsoccer.com: What's one skill you could improve?
Ream: I'd like to be more physical. I got more physical as the year went on, but I'd like to really be physical. I'd like to really be a force in the back. I think it's a mentality, and then it's getting bigger and telling yourself that you can be a physical guy even when guys bigger than you are and trying to push you around.
WATCH: Ream on his USMNT call-up
MLSsoccer.com: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Ream: Hopefully, I'm over in Europe playing. If not, just playing anywhere, to be honest. I'm just one of those guys who wants to have a successful career.
Noah Davis covers the United States national team for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on Twitter at @noahedavis.
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