Real Salt Lake coach signs 2-year contract extension

Coach Jason Kreis has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him on the sidelines for Real Salt Lake through the 2013 season, and will see the team retire the No. 9 jersey he wore as a Major League Soccer player later this summer.

The former striker was in the final year of his previous contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"Jason continues to fit the profile of every great leader I have worked with throughout my career," team majority owner Dave Checketts said in a statement. "Not only is he one of the best young coaches in MLS, he's one of the best — period. We are thrilled to have him here for a very long time."

Kreis led RSL to the 2009 MLS Cup championship, and had the team in contention for the Supporters Shield regular-season championship until the end of last year.

The team also has advanced to the semifinals of the prestigious CONCACAF Champions League international tournament, and ranks among the top championship contenders in the league this season.

RSL plays its home league opener against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday.

"We have enjoyed some success here now at Real Salt Lake and the entire organization — players, coaches, staff, ownership, management and, most importantly, the fans — believes, as I do, that 'the team is the star,' " Kreis said. "Everyone involved in establishing and raising our expectations continues to work towards earning championships, and no one takes that responsibility lightly. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue in this great endeavor."

The team will retire Kreis' jersey number when it plays July 4 against the New England Revolution.

Kreis was the first player in team history, scored its first goal in 2005, and retired as a player in order to replace original coach John Ellinger in 2007.

mcl@sltrib.com —

L.A. Galaxy at RSL

P At Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy Saturday, 7 p.m.