Jason Kreis

Jason Kreis
Name	Jason Kreis
Birth date	29 November 1972
Birth place	Glenwood, New Jersey, United States
Height	1.78 m
Position	Forward
Youthclubs	Florida State University
Years1	1996–1997
Clubs1	Dallas Burn
Years2	1998–2002
Clubs2	Dallas Burn
Years3	2003–2007
Clubs3	Real Salt Lake
Nationalyears1	1998–2000
Nationalteam1	United States
Manageryears1	2007–2013
Managerclubs1	Real Salt Lake
Manageryears2	2015–2016
Managerclubs2	New York City FC
Manageryears3	2017
Managerclubs3	Orlando City SC

Jason Kreis Jason Kreis (born November 29, 1972) is an American former professional soccer forward and coach, known for his scoring in Major League Soccer and later managerial roles. He earned recognition with Dallas Burn and Real Salt Lake as a player, represented the United States men's national soccer team, and became head coach of Real Salt Lake, New York City FC, and Orlando City SC.

Early life and playing career

Born in Glenwood, New Jersey, Kreis attended Florida State University where he played collegiate soccer for the Florida State Seminoles men's soccer team. He entered professional ranks during the formative years of Major League Soccer and joined Dallas Burn, contributing as a forward alongside teammates and MLS contemporaries including Claudio Reyna and Jason Kreis-era opponents such as Tony Meola and Lloyd Sam. His technical skill and goal-scoring ability were developed under coaching influences tied to American and international figures active in MLS expansion during the 1990s.

Club career

Kreis began his MLS club career with the Dallas Burn, where he became one of the league's early leading scorers and earned selections to MLS Best XI honors, competing against clubs like Los Angeles Galaxy, New York/New Jersey MetroStars, and DC United. In 2003 he transferred to the expansion club Real Salt Lake, becoming their marquee striker and later their inaugural captain, helping to establish the club's identity in the Western Conference of MLS. His club career featured rivalries with players from Colorado Rapids, San Jose Earthquakes, and tactical matchups managed by coaches such as Bob Bradley and Sigi Schmid.

International career

Kreis earned caps for the United States men's national soccer team between 1998 and 2000, participating in friendlies and regional competitions alongside contemporaries such as Brian McBride, Landon Donovan, and Claudio Reyna. While not a regular starter for the national side during major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, he contributed in qualifying cycles and training camps overseen by national team coaches including Bruce Arena and staff from U.S. Soccer.

Coaching and managerial career

Immediately after retiring as a player, Kreis transitioned to management, becoming head coach of Real Salt Lake in 2007 and later serving as technical director, overseeing recruitment and youth development linked with the club's academy and the MLS SuperDraft. Under his leadership RSL reached the MLS Cup final and won the 2010 MLS Cup, opposing clubs such as Colorado Rapids in postseason competition; his tenure involved interactions with MLS initiatives including Designated Player Rule discussions and stadium development projects. He later accepted the inaugural head coach role at New York City FC in Major League Soccer's expansion period, working within ownership structures connected to City Football Group and collaborating with football executives experienced in Premier League operations. His subsequent brief tenure at Orlando City SC involved roster rebuilding, integration of international signings, and strategic planning amid Eastern Conference competition featuring teams like Atlanta United FC and Toronto FC.

Managerial style and legacy

Kreis is noted for an offensive, possession-oriented philosophy emphasizing movement, finishing, and development of young players drawn from academies and the MLS player pool; his approach was informed by tactical trends from both American and European influences, intersecting with coaching contemporaries such as Bruce Arena, Bob Bradley, and Gregg Berhalter. He left a legacy of converting former players into coaches and contributors to the sport, impacting club cultures at Real Salt Lake and influencing technical pathways used by MLS academies and development programs associated with U.S. Soccer Development Academy standards. His managerial record sparked debate on rotation, transfer-market strategy, and adaptation to evolving MLS rules overseen by the Major League Soccer Players Association and league front office.

Personal life

Kreis lives in the United States and has been involved in community outreach initiatives connected to his clubs, engaging with supporters groups and local soccer organizations such as youth clubs affiliated with regional academies. His career intersects with many figures in American soccer history, including players, coaches, and executives across MLS, the United States Soccer Federation, and international football institutions.

Category:1972 births Category:Living people Category:American soccer coaches Category:Major League Soccer players Category:Real Salt Lake players