You probably do not know who Tim Ream is. You should. He’s all the buzz in New York City and could be America’s next soccer superstar.

Let me introduce you to Tim Ream.

The former All-American played four years for the Billikens as their all-star defender. He was named the 2009 Atlantic 10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year Award while helping the team to post seven shutouts that year.
He now plays for the New York Red Bulls.

And he could be on his way to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup.

Ream left Saint Louis University with a reputation that preceded him. Known as an aggressive-but-quiet defender, he had several chances to leave college and pursue professional ball, yet he never tried out for the development programs. He never won a national championship but is only the Billiken in the last five years to go into the MLS.

Bring up a flattering question – how do you feel about being a Rookie of the Year candidate – and he courteously sidesteps the question. Meek as he is humble. I blame SLU.

Perhaps that’s why he has found such big success so quickly in the Big Apple.

I asked Ream what he thinks of New York. “It’s different than St. Louis,” he said. What a nice guy.

But don’t let the soft guy image paint the wrong picture. Ream is quickly earning a reputation as one of the best young defenders in the nation. Fellow teammates Juan Pablo Angel and Thierry Henry, both global superstars, have noted his tenacity and intensity on the field. Soccer America, and even ESPN, have picked up on Ream’s style of play.

While I continued with the flattery as we spoke on the phone, Tim reminded me “it was difficult [transitioning] at first. The speed of play is faster and it’s more physical.” The transition must have gone well enough – the former Billiken has started all 21 games for the Red Bulls this season.

“I’ve always believed in the way I play and the way I approach the game,” he continued. “I wanted to come into a team and be part of a team and have the opportunity to play every day.

Looking back on it, it comes as a big surprise. I’m happy about, but it’s not what I expected. “

It’s a success story that many saw in the making but never expected would take off so quickly. A year ago, Ream would have been preparing for the first regular season game with SLU. Last week, he defended against L.A. Galaxy’s Landon Donovan. You’ve probably heard of him.

Ream’s teammates have nicknames for him – “Roy,” for Rookie of the Year, and “The Prodigy.” But he takes the kidding in stride; his demeanor exudes humility with a strong sense of confidence.

“I’ve had some good opportunities thrown my way. It’s wild to be in your first professional season, not even a full season in, and your name’s being thrown around to be on the national team.”

It will be even wilder if he makes the U.S. national club. The chance to represent our cIt could be a Billiken scoring a goal to advance the U. S. of A.

He had the Netherlands over Spain this year, by the way. I think the kid knows his soccer.

And if he doesn’t make it – “if it happens, it happens,” he says – there’s no doubt that Tim Ream is making a big name for himself in NYC. He’ll keep plugging away regardless of the next step.

But Tim, just so you know, Brazil, like New York, is very different from St. Louis. Be prepared.

We’ll see you there.