SANDY, Utah (ABC4 Sports) - Jason Kreis has a new role with Real Salt Lake.
The former RSL player and head coach was named the team's President of Soccer Operations. Kreis returned to Real Salt Lake nearly two years ago as the team's Director of Club Operations and Special Projects.
“My family and I were elated to return to Utah and come back to the Club nearly two years ago,” said Kreis. “With the Miller family and David Blitzer serving as the community stewards for our beloved Club, the opportunities here are boundless, as is my excitement to continue building and accelerating our development on and off the field.”
Kreis will now oversee the operations of both Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals.
“Jason’s leadership, clarity of vision, and track record of elevating people and programs will align every part of Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC,” said Steve Miller, Chairman and Governor for Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC. “Jason knows this community, and I’m confident he will raise our standards and take the entire organization to new heights.”
“We are excited to formalize this new sporting structure for Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC,” said Starks. “Jason is an incredible leader who has a championship legacy and a commitment to building an elite culture. With the support of our ownership group, Jason will bring passion and experience to this new role and leverage synergies across both teams while creating a championship culture.”
In October of 2004, Kreis moved from FC Dallas to Real Salt Lake, becoming Utah’s MLS expansion team’s first-ever player. Kreis served as the Club’s Captain, earning the distinction as Major League Soccer’s first-ever 100-goal scorer while playing for RSL.
In May 2007, Kreis retired as a player to become RSL’s second-ever head coach, a seven-year run that saw him guide RSL to four various Cup finals, and the MLS Cup 2009 title. Kreis had an overall record of 111-87-68 across all competitions from 2007-13.