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Jason Kreis linked with return to Real Salt Lake

Former Real Salt Lake star and head coach Jason Kreis will interview for the club's vacant head coach and general manager positions, according to multiple reports.

The Athletic was the first to report the news back on Oct. 24, but Salt Lake City's KSL Sports on Tuesday confirmed the interview will take place, citing an RSL spokesperson. KSL also noted that talks between Kreis and RSL were started by interim GM Elliot Fall in September, while Kreis was in town for a celebration commemorating the team's 2009 MLS Cup win.

Kreis was head coach of that team.

Kreis, 46, was the first player named to the RSL roster when he was acquired via trade from the Dallas Burn in Nov. 2004, ahead of RSL's inaugural season in 2005. He scored the first goal in club history during RSL's second match against the LA Galaxy, and went on to become the first player in MLS history to score 100 career league goals.

Kreis, who made 58 appearances for RSL, announced his retirement from professional soccer on May 3, 2007, and was named head coach. Under Kreis, RSL won the 2009 MLS Cup, and made it to the MLS Cup final in 2013 and the CONCACAF Champions League final in 2011. He went 112-85-64 across 261 matches with RSL before becoming the first head in New York City FC history in December 2013. Kreis also served as coach of Orlando City SC from 2016-18.

Currently, Kreis is the senior academy director at Inter Miami CF, an expansion club set to begin play in MLS next season. He also manages the United States' under-23 team as it attempts to qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

The RSL coaching position has been vacant since August when former head coach Mike Petke was fired for his conduct toward officials after a loss earlier this summer.