Kreis to enjoy stronger supporting cast in '06

AZUSA, Calif. — Despite much experimentation, Real Salt Lake never did find a complementary strike partner for Jason Kreis last year.

Among the players Kreis was paired with throughout the year were, Clint Mathis, Dipsy Selolwane, Melvin Tarley, Jordan Cila and Dante Washington. Occasionally coach John Ellinger found a tandem that worked, but it usually fizzled out a game later.

That shouldn't be much of a problem this year.

Coming off September ACL surgery, Kreis enters the 2006 season in a much different capacity, much like his fellow forwards a year ago. This year, Kreis is hoping to be the complementary piece to the Jeff Cunningham puzzle.

With uncertainty surrounding Kreis' abilities after his second ACL surgery at age 33, RSL didn't hesitate pulling a trigger on a trade with Colorado for Cunningham, one of the league's premier forwards. During his eight-year MLS career, the former Columbus Crew and Colorado Rapid player has found the net 74 times. He's also chipped in 46 assists.

While the burden of scoring mostly fell on Kreis last year, in many ways, he's passed that responsibility onto Cunningham. Considering he's been surrounded by an improved supporting cast in midfield and defense, success hinges largely on RSL's ability to find a complement for Cunningham.

"I think we've assembled a group that meets our needs and our playing style," said Ellinger.

Once healthy, Kreis figures to be in the starting 11 next to Cunningham.

Last weekend, Kreis played 20 minutes in an exhibition game against the University of Portland, his first action since injuring the knee against the Revolution last September. Even though it was a minor backward step, Kreis did suffer a little swelling after the match, a pretty good indication his body isn't ready for 90 minutes.

Knowing that, rookie Atiba Harris is getting the opening day nod.

The 20-year-old St. Kitts & Nevis was one of many players invited to RSL's training camp at the beginning of February, but unlike most, he made an immediate impression.

"He's got that hunger that comes with youth, so I'm sure he's going to have a good year. He's going to prove to a lot of people that he's a good player, but we already know he is," said Cunningham.

Despite his youth, Harris spent a season with Cadiz in the Spanish First Division in 2004-05.