Tim Ream stands out in Bolton Wanderers’ impressive result

Perhaps Tim Ream is getting tired of reading all the glowing reports of young American center backs – CBs not named Tim Ream, that is.

Omar Gonzalez, now immersed in his first extended U.S. national team camp, has gotten his share of public affection lately, hasn’t he?

And then there was lots of superlative-laced ink spilled over Andrew Farrell, the No. 1 pick in last week’s MLS draft, who may be stepping into New England’s central defense sooner rather than later.

For whatever reason, Ream had a pretty nifty week, too.

The former New York Red Bulls center back wasn’t in the lineup in mid-week as Bolton kicked a Premier League team (Sunderland) out of FA Cup action. Still, that’s a big plus for the entire organization, and the extra match can’t hurt Ream’s push for as much action as possible.

Ream did get back on the field Saturday as Bolton visited Crystal Palace and left with a well-earned point in a 0-0 draw. Ream, used occasionally in midfield lately for Bolton, started back at his more comfortable central defensive position Saturday at Selhurst Park, alongside Zat Knight as one of five changes in Wanderers lineup.

So much of the talk around this match centered on Manchester United target Wilfried Zaha, and the high-value target did tend to impress on Saturday.

Still, the road shutout belonged to Bolton, with at least one publication singling out Ream’s stellar contributions in particular. Said the hometown Bolton News: “Wanderers had to do a lot of defending, with Tim Ream particularly outstanding in the middle.”

Bolton teammates Stuart Holden, by the way, having appeared in the mid-week contest, was left out of the squad for this one.