Saint Louis University men's soccer alumnus Tim Ream (2006-09) is headed back to the English Premier League. Ream and his Fulham FC squad defeated Brentford on Tuesday, earning a promotion to the EPL after playing this past season in the Championship League.
 
Ream is no stranger to the English Premier League, widely considered the top soccer league in the world. He appeared in 26 EPL matches with Fulham FC in 2018-19. In 2011-12, Ream became the first native St. Louisan to play in the EPL when he played in 13 matches with the Bolton Wanderers.
 
Since graduating from Saint Louis University in December 2009, Ream has enjoyed an illustrious professional soccer career. It began with the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer, where he was a finalist for MLS Rookie of the Year in 2010.
 
After playing two seasons in MLS, Ream headed to Europe and became a fan favorite after four years with Bolton. He was voted both the fan and club's Player of the Year following the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. Ream signed a long-term contract with Fulham FC in 2015, and he just wrapped up his fifth season with the Cottagers.
 
Ream has also been a regular contributor to the United States National Team over the years, having appeared in 40 matches while collecting a goal and three assists. He should figure into the USMNT's plans during 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying, which will take place June 2021 through March 2022.
 
With the Billikens, Ream played four years under head coach Dan Donigan from 2006-09. He accumulated 24 points (6G, 12A) while appearing in 82 matches. Ream was tabbed the 2009 Atlantic 10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year and earned third-team All-America status following his senior season.
 
With Vedad Ivisevic (2003) playing for Hertha in the German Bundesliga, the Billikens have a presence in two of the top soccer leagues in the world, bolstering the program's reputation of sending players to the top levels of the sport.
 
Saint Louis University also features two alumni who have played in the Premier League. In addition to Ream, SLU's all-time leading scorer Brian McBride (1990-93) played six seasons in the EPL, one with Everton in 2002-03 and five with Fulham FC from 2003-08.