US Soccer Stars Honor Mentors Who Made World Cup Dreams Real

Three US Men's National Team stars are using their moment in the spotlight to celebrate the people who believed in them first.

Tyler Adams, Matt Turner, and Tim Ream share their stories in "The Assist," a new documentary series that reunites each player with a mentor who changed everything. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to North America, these athletes wanted to say thank you before stepping onto the world's biggest stage.

Ream returns to a St. Louis warehouse where coaches Kevin Kalish and Tommy Howe taught him fundamentals he still uses today. "When people look at your career, they usually see the games, the trophies, or the big moments, but they don't always see the people who helped you get there," Ream says.

Turner reconnects with coach Javier Decoima, who stood by him after a crushing mistake when he dropped a ball into his own goal. "Javier was someone who believed in me before I fully believed in myself, and that made all the difference," Turner recalls.

Adams reunites with Bradley Wright-Phillips, his childhood role model who became his teammate on the New York Red Bulls when Adams was just 16. Wright-Phillips showed the young player what professional soccer really meant, from daily preparation to mental toughness.

Why This Inspires

These stories remind us that behind every success story stands someone who saw potential when it wasn't obvious yet. Each mentor gave their time and belief without knowing if these players would ever reach the World Cup.

The documentary captures something rare: elite athletes being vulnerable about the moments they doubted themselves. Turner's "horrendous error" and his coach's response shows how one person's faith can carry you through your worst day.

These reunions matter because gratitude often arrives too late. Adams, Turner, and Ream are choosing to honor their mentors now, while they can look them in the eye and say the words that matter most.

The series proves that teamwork extends far beyond the field. Every goal scored, every save made, every defensive stand connects back to someone who invested in a dream when it was still fragile.

You can watch "The Assist" at New York Life's website or experience it through community events celebrating the USMNT across the country as World Cup excitement builds.