NYCFC fires former RSL coach Jason Kreis


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NEW YORK CITY — Former RSL head coach Jason Kreis has been let go at New York City FC following the club's inaugural season, the New York-based team announced Monday.

Former assistant coaches CJ Brown and Miles Joseph were also let go, according to a statement from NYCFC president Tom Glick.

"Prior to the start of the season, it was agreed with the coaching team that securing of a playoff place was an appropriate target for this year," the statement read. "A win rate of less than one in three games and a points tally which was the second lowest in the league is clearly not in line with the targets that were agreed.

"While the challenges of building and integrating a new team are recognized, it was felt by the Board, following a comprehensive review, that there was not enough evidence of the dynamics required to improve the performance of the team for the next season and beyond."

Kreis led New York City FC, an MLS affiliate of City Football Group and Manchester City FC in England's Premier League, to a 10-17-7 record in its first year of operations to finish 12 points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The first-ever player signed by RSL, Kreis left the club following the 2013 season and was announced as the head coach of the MLS expansion outfit's head coach in December of that year.

New York FC coach Jason Kreis applauds his team prior to the game with Real Salt Lake in MLS action in Sandy, May 23, 2015. (Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
New York FC coach Jason Kreis applauds his team prior to the game with Real Salt Lake in MLS action in Sandy, May 23, 2015. (Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)

"The decision to part company with Jason and his team after two years of working together has not been taken lightly and this is a difficult announcement for all involved," Glick said in the statement. "We thank Jason for his passion, his efforts and for his contribution to the historic inaugural season of New York City FC. Many memories of this first season will be indelibly etched in the minds of all involved with the Club and Jason and his team have played a huge part in that.

"We wish him all the very best in what will undoubtedly be a continued successful career in soccer management."

No new hire was made during Monday's announcement, but NYCFC added the club "is committed to ensuring that a suitable candidate is in place in good time to prepare for the 2016 season."

Kreis scored 17 goals in 58 appearances during the early years of Real Salt Lake's expansion efforts, sliding into the manager's chair after retiring as a player in 2007 with 108 career goals. He was the first Major League Soccer player to top the century mark in his career when he scored his 100th goal in 2005, and he took the reigns of the franchise in May 2007 following the departure of the club's original coach John Ellinger.

Kreis led RSL to six postseason appearances, including the 2009 MLS Cup title and subsequent run to the CONCACAF Champions League final, as well as a runner-up finish in the MLS Cup playoffs in 2013. His No. 9 jersey is retired at Rio Tinto Stadium, one of a select few in Major League Soccer and the world to bear such a distinction.

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