N.Y. has given Real Salt Lake some lasting memories

Three of the more memorable moments in Real Salt Lake's brief, three-year history involve New York, RSL's opponent Saturday in its fourth-to-last regular season game.

In 2005, Real played its first-ever MLS game at New York, then known as the MetroStars, in what turned out to be a memorable 0-0 draw — memorable, because hurricane-like winds and rain engulfed Giants Stadium and made the game nearly unplayable.

In 2006, New York humiliated RSL 6-0 at Giants Stadium, which is the worst defeat in Real history.

And earlier this year, Jason Kreis, RSL's inaugural player, made his inaugural appearance as the team's second head coach in a home game against New York.

Over four months have passed since Kreis' debut against the Red Bulls, but the rookie coach can still recall what he felt throughout.

"We went down 2-0 in the first half," said Kreis, "and I remember having such a nauseating feeling in my stomach, wondering, 'What am I doing here?' And to be completely honest, felt outmatched in the coaching department (against legendary New York coach Bruce Arena) because I had put together a plan on what I thought their formation would be, and it was completely different.

"It just caused a whole lot of second-guessing in myself during that match."

Welcome to coaching, Mr. Kreis.

As it played out, the contest had plenty of late drama. Down 3-1 in the dying moments, RSL, composed of what are now mostly former players, scored twice in stoppage time to salvage a 3-3 draw.

"It was so emotional," said Kreis, "and I think all the guys were extremely emotional, as well. And it ended up that the emotions won out because we came back from a two-goal deficit to draw that game at the end."

Kreis has since overhauled Salt Lake's roster, and he — and the team — have changed immensely since.

Asked after training Wednesday how he's changed as a coach since that New York game, Kreis responded, "It's probably too long for an answer, to be honest.

"It's a lot of things. My views on a lot of things have changed. I think I had some ideals in my head or some ideological feelings about what a coaching staff could or could not do. Obviously, I think some of that's changed, but it's probably a story for another time."

HOME COOKIN': Most Real Salt Lake fans will tell you their team has endured plenty of home cookin' — a k a poor refereeing decisions — during three years of existence.