A revered name in Utah soccer has been selected by Miller Sports & Entertainment (MSE) to lead its soccer interests.
Jason Kreis, who was Real Salt Lake’s first player when it began Major League Soccer (MLS) play in 2005, has been named MSE’s president of soccer operations. Kreis will head Real Salt Lake (RSL), the Utah Royals FC of the National Women’s Soccer League, the Real Monarchs who play in the MLS Next Pro developmental league, and the RSL academy.
Kreis returned to Utah 21 months ago as RSL’s director of club operations and special projects. In that role, he integrated and streamlined numerous business and community initiatives, utilizing his nearly 30 years of experience as a Major League Soccer player and coach. He was the Real Salt Lake coach when it won its only MLS Cup in 2009. He will report directly to Steve Starks, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Co.
Starks said RSL and the Royals will continue to operate independently, but that the new structure will enable greater development, collaboration, innovation and commitment to building championship cultures.
“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 RSL and the Royals. “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.”
“My family and I were elated to return to Utah and come back to the club nearly two years ago,” said Kreis, whose youngest son recently graduated from the University of Utah. “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.”
In October 2004, Kreis moved from FC Dallas to Real Salt Lake, becoming the Utah 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. In May 2007, Kreis was named RSL’s second-ever head coach, a seven-year run that saw him guide RSL to four MLS Cup finals and the 2009 title.
In 2014, Kreis established New York City FC as an expansion team playing at Yankee Stadium. In 2016, Kreis became coach at Orlando City FC for a two-year run. Kreis then spent three seasons at Inter Miami FC, as the second team head coach for one year and then finished as the first team assistant coach. Kreis served U.S. Soccer as the federation’s U-23 coach from 2019 to 2021 for Olympic qualifying.
“Seeing what we now have at the Zions Bank Training Center, participating in the Utah Royals rebirth and the support of Miller Sports & Entertainment and David Blitzer and Bolt Ventures, I’m excited to help our leaders all around the club relentlessly pursue championships,” Kreis said.
Long-time RSL executive John Kimball will continue overseeing all business operations of Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals FC, the Miller group announced.