USMNT Vs Canada: 5 key players to watch – DeAndre Yedlin returns

2. Tim Ream

Tim Ream was easily the worst defender on the field for the USMNT in last month’s loss to Canada. The Fulham center-back consistently gave up the ball, was burned by runners, and found himself out of position on multiple occasions. What’s worse? He was given the captain’s armband.

While Ream’s performance was abysmal last month, the Saint Louis native has actually performed decently as a distributor under Berhalter when protected by a pacier left-back. Still, the ice is wearing thin as his legs continue to slow.

While his speed continues to be a liability, Berhalter clearly values Ream’s leadership and presence given his consistent inclusion in the starting XI. Thus, he will probably be given the chance to redeem himself this time around. If Ream continues to make defensive errors, his time with the USMNT could be over as younger players with the ability to play centrally and on the left like Daniel Lovitz emerge, but he is playing well in the Championship and has the trust of Berhalter, which should count for something.