As the U.S. Men’s National Team prepares to face Belgium tonight in its biggest World Cup match in more than two decades, St. Louis’ influence will once again be on display. Team captain Tim Ream is the latest in a long line of Saint Louis University-connected players to shape the USMNT, a legacy that stretches from Brian McBride to the present day and continues under Billikens coach Kevin Kalish.
The last time the United States won a World Cup knockout match, in 2002, Saint Louis University alumnus Brian McBride scored in a 2-0 victory over Mexico. More than two decades later, another Billiken—Ream—will help lead the Americans into another historic World Cup showdown.
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Ream, McBride, and fellow SLU alumnus Brad Davis have maintained close ties to their alma mater, thanks in large part to Kalish, who has helped foster a culture that connects generations of Billikens.
“I owe a lot to everyone who came before me,” says Kalish, a member of the 1997 SLU national championship team. “I’m just fortunate to be the caretaker of this program.”
Kalish’s return to his alma mater ushered in a new era of success for one of college soccer’s most celebrated programs, leading the Billikens back to the NCAA semifinals while helping prepare another generation of professional players, including the Columbus Crew’s Patrick Schulte, the San Jose Earthquakes’ Max Floriani, and St. Louis CITY SC’s Simon Becher.
Before those players walked through the gates of Hermann Stadium, Kalish helped develop Ream during the early days of St. Louis Scott Gallagher. Even then, the center back’s composure and ability on the ball stood out as he progressed from youth soccer to SLU, MLS, and eventually the Premier League with Fulham. The USMNT captain has long credited Kalish and St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer Tommy Howe with helping launch his career.
“I’ve given those guys a lot of credit over the years,” Ream told reporters ahead of the USMNT’s final group stage match. “They’re a big part of who I am as a player, of the way I play. They deserve a lot of credit.”
Howe and Kalish recounted those early days in an episode of The Assist, a docuseries focused on key moments of support for Ream and other USMNT players. The trio reflected on training in North County warehouses before turf fields became commonplace in St. Louis and youth facilities evolved into the nearly professional environments players enjoy today.
“I’m just fortunate enough to have been around some really good developers of talent who taught me that, more importantly, it’s about caring about the individual journey,” Kalish says. “Every player needs a coach who can dream for them.”
Those formative years shaped Kalish’s philosophy, both in developing talent and in cultivating a network of former players who regularly return to speak with the current Billikens.
After a St. Louis CITY SC training session last week, Becher reflected on the influence of both Kalish and Ream. “I remember Tim [Ream] came and talked to us, and at the time, it was inspirational,” Becher says. “The St. Louis soccer community is so tight knit. For me, that was special. I hope that it’s the same for the younger generation now.”
It’s during those visits that Kalish believes players truly connect with St. Louis soccer’s legacy, hearing firsthand from alumni who once stood in their shoes. “The biggest lesson they can learn from Tim is the door is going to be open at times, and you have to be ready to step through it,” Kalish says.
As the USMNT prepares to take on Belgium tonight, Kalish is enjoying another World Cup as both a fan and the steward of one of college soccer’s most storied programs, with a SLU player or manager being involved in every World Cup in which the USMNT has qualified since 1994.
“It’s really special,” Kalish says. “Not many programs can say that.”
