Prior to Real Salt Lake's match Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes, Jason Kreis was honored by his team and community for the achievement of scoring 100 career goals.
Kreis, the league's all-time leader in goals scored, joined the Century Club with a strike Aug. 13 against Kansas City. The long-distance volley ended up being the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week, which is voted on by fans.
The presentation began on the jumbotron, where 96 of Kreis's goals in MLS were replayed, along with congratulatory comments from teammates and coaches past and present. The tribute from his peers brought Kreis to tears.
"It was great just to see the reception I got, first of all from my teammates, from the organization and my family," Kreis said.
In addition to the video, Kreis was honored by Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr., who declared Aug. 20 "Jason Kreis Day." RSL owner Dave Checketts presented Kreis with a plaque commemorating the honor from the governor. Checketts also presented a gold watch with an inscription as a gift.
"Jason is somebody we feel embodies everything that this organization stands for and that is why we made him our first player," Real general manager Steve Pastorino said. "It is great to be able to share this milestone with him."
Said Kreis: "This means much more to me than being the league's all-time leading scorer. This reflects all the blood, sweat and tears I have put in and that means a lot."
That meaning was not lost on Real's fans in attendance at Rice-Eccles Stadium, who stood to give Kreis an ovation throughout the presentation.
Scott McAllister is a contributor to MLSnet.com. David Hale contributed to this report. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
