Real Salt Lake: Kreis' contract extended

Following a successful 2008 season that included a franchise-first playoff berth and a run to the MLS Western Conference Finals, Real Salt Lake has given coach Jason Kreis a contract extension that will keep him with the club through the 2011 season.

"First and most importantly, I am extremely grateful to Dave Checketts and the rest of the ownership group, Bill Manning and Garth Lagerwey for this gesture of faith," said Kreis through a statement. "It is a reflection on the team-oriented approach that the entire technical staff has embraced since day one. This also would not be possible without the dedication, hard work and success of the players on the field.

"We have turned things around to the point where the great people of Utah believe, as I do, that 'Fortune Favors the Bold.' Everyone involved in establishing the expectations of success for our team continues to work towards earning championships, and I do not take that responsibility lightly."

Kreis helped lead RSL to a 10-10-10 (40 points) record and third place in the Western Conference before upsetting No. 2 Chivas USA in the first round of the playoffs. He abruptly retired from playing to take over the coaching duties less than two months into the 2007 season. At the time he was the all-time leader in goals scored for MLS with 108 and was the league MVP following the 1999 season.

"Jason continues to fit the profile of every great leader I have worked with throughout my career," said RSL owner and SCP Worldwide Chairman Dave Checketts in a release. "He is a hard-working, dedicated overachiever who refuses to accept anything less than maximum effort from everyone around him. And while we have made great strides thus far under his leadership, I know we are bound for unprecedented heights, and I know that Jason is the right person to help guide our team's ascent."