who was the agent for all three -- asked me if I had any need for a center defender, and my first response was no. And then I thought about it a little longer and I thought, 'yeah I do, but next year.'"
Fortunately for RSL, Kreis opted not to wait a year. Just 40 seconds into the match on Wednesday, Mantilla headed home a corner kick for an early lead against Kansas City that set the tone for the rest of the game.
"When I saw both his highlights DVD and game DVD, I instantly was trying to figure out how I was going to get all three players because I feel that [Mantilla] is that special," Kreis said. "He does a lot of directing, a lot leading -- there is a lot of vocalization going on, and so I left feeling that we had to get him."
Kreis' initial opinion of Mantilla was validated by assistant coach Robin Fraser.
"When I came back and showed Robin Fraser the DVD, who as we all know is one of the top three defenders in this league of all time, he was equally as convinced as I was," Kreis said. "We are very happy so far with Matias -- when he played in the reserves game last week we watched him and he didn't turn it off the whole game. And that's what you need, you need somebody in the back that's going to be directing and vocal, and we feel that he can do that."
Mantilla just was glad to see his struggling team get a victory.
"I am very happy with the goal; you don't think about scoring so fast," Mantilla said. "I am happier that we won."
Eddie Pope started the game next to Mantilla in the heart of the back four. The veteran defender also was pleased with Mantilla's contribution.
"I think we work pretty well together," Pope said. "I thought he was solid, and we can do good things together. The communication between each other was great, and we meshed well."
Peter Richins is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
