5 Questions with Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts

Real Salt Lake majority owner Dave Checketts was at Red Bull Arena on Saturday to watch his team take on the big-spending New York Red Bulls. With the MLS regular season coming to a close in a couple of weeks, Checketts chatted with Deseret News sports writer James Edward about the state of RSL heading into the MLS playoffs.

Q: Do you like the make-up of Real Salt Lake at his point in the season and believe your team is capable of repeating as champs?

A: I certainly do. In many ways, we're a better team this year and more prepared and mentally tough. We've got to stay healthy, which is critical. As we saw in the playoffs last year, you've got to be a little lucky, too. I think we have a great shot if these guys can stay together.

Q: RSL coach Jason Kreis talked a lot about the importance of advancing out of CONCACAF Champions League group play. Is that something that was mandated from the top?

A: I thought our first time in CONCACAF we'd try and make a good showing and the coaches agreed with me; they were intrigued by the challenge. They've done a great job of managing through that.

Q: This has been the summer of Designated Player signings around MLS. Is that something Real Salt Lake will be venturing into sometime soon?

A: We've said that we've needed to get ourselves in that position, and I believe we're headed in that direction. Our challenge will be to do our best to repeat as champions, that's what I've challenged the club to do and that's what they want to do. Our challenge in the offseason is how do we keep this team together, that's when we'll have to make decisions like that.

Q: It's been about a year since Dell Loy Hansen came on board as minority owner of the team. Has that been a good direction for the club and where has he had his biggest impact?

A: He's certainly energetic, and he cares very much about the team. The reason we brought him on board was to strengthen the franchise financially, and I think we've done that. The franchise is in very good shape now and has a strong future in Utah. The franchise now has a chance to be not just successful on the pitch but a healthy business as well, and he's had a major impact that way.

Q: Do you think Jason Kreis is U.S. National Team coach material?

A: Absolutely. I don't have any doubt about it. I hope we have the privilege of having him in Salt Lake for a very long time. He's an outstanding coach, and a manager, and a great person. He's got big dreams, and we're certainly not going to hold him back from pursuing them. He's got a great future.