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MLS Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake Reacquires Captain Jason Kreis From Toronto FC

November 17, 2006 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Real Salt Lake News Release


SALT LAKE CITY (Friday, November 17th, 2006) RSL reacquired the rights to Jason Kreis, the team's first player and captain, from Toronto FC today, in exchange for a partial allocation. Kreis was one of 10 players selected by Toronto FC in today's MLS expansion draft.

"Real Salt Lake emerged from today's expansion draft with its roster intact," said RSL General Manager Steve Pastorino. "In conversations with Toronto FC this week, there were several players discussed that we were not prepared to lose. Both teams accomplished their goals today."

"It is important to our ownership, our coaching staff and our entire organization that Jason Kreis continue, and ultimately, conclude his playing career in an RSL uniform," Pastorino continued. "His abilities, character, leadership and professionalism set a tone for us on- and off-the-field."

When informed of the team's decision to leave him unprotected, Kreis admits being disappointed, but expressed appreciation to the organization for handling it the right way.

"When I was first informed of the decision (to be left unprotected), I was certainly disappointed," said Kreis. "But I also understood where the team was coming from. Even though I didn't necessarily agree with their decision, I respected what they had to do. Everyone handled the situation very well and I would like to publicly thank Dave Checketts for communicating and keeping me informed. When the decision was made to leave me unprotected, Dave picked up the phone and called me; I can't tell you how much that means, that the owner of our franchise would take time out of his schedule to personally communicate with me."

Kreis said he went through a roller coaster of emotions when thinking about the possibility of having to pick up his family and move north to Toronto, but was very relieved that in the end, he was able to remain in Utah.

"I am very happy that the team did what they had to do to keep me here; it is a fantastic sentiment and shows that the organization does appreciate all the things that I have tried to give up to this point," said Kreis. "With the way we finished this season, I am eagerly anticipating next year already. I can promise that I will continue to give my best effort on the field, and carry myself of as a professional off the field. I take the captain's responsibility very seriously. Wearing that arm band is an honor, and I'm not ready to give it up."

The deal has been agreed upon by both teams, and is expected to be formally approved by Major League Soccer on Monday, when the official paperwork will be completed.

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