India, June 1 -- Tim Ream was surprised, his voice filled with emotion.

On the verge of becoming the oldest US player to appear in a World Cup, the 38-year-old defender was picked by coach Mauricio Pochettino to captain the Americans next month.

"Wow," Ream said during a news conference Saturday, seated alongside Pochettino. "This is more than a dream come true. I've done everything possible to be a part of this group, to help this group along. I'm just really, really grateful to be sitting here, to have this honour."

Ream was not aware he was going to be appointed captain until Pochettino made the announcement during a news conference on an indoor field at the new US National Soccer Training Center.

"It's the highest honor for me in ...