Salt Lake City, Utah – The era of Damir Kreilach at Real Salt Lake has come to an end, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter in the club’s history. Both Kreilach and Real Salt Lake officially announced the departure on Wednesday, drawing a close to the Croatian midfielder’s impactful tenure since joining the team in 2018.
Kreilach, who arrived at RSL from German club Union Berlin, leaves behind a remarkable legacy. In his six seasons with the team, he notched an impressive tally of 47 goals and 24 assists over 151 regular-season appearances. Despite his remarkable contributions, the club decided not to exercise his contract option following the 2023 campaign.
Kurt Schmid, the sporting director of Real Salt Lake, expressed the difficulty of parting ways with such a pivotal figure. “Saying goodbye to Damir Kreilach is a challenging moment for our club,” Schmid stated. “His impact, leadership, and service were almost unparalleled, and he embodied the spirit of a true professional and leader.”
The highlight of Kreilach’s career at RSL came in 2021 when he delivered an outstanding performance of 16 goals and 9 assists. This exceptional form earned him a spot in the MLS All-Star team and saw him forge a formidable attacking partnership with Albert Rusnák, now with Seattle Sounders FC. The following year, Kreilach was named club captain, a testament to his influence both on and off the field.
However, his tenure was not without challenges. A back injury significantly affected his playtime, limiting his contributions in his final season to 4 goals and 1 assist over 27 games, including 15 starts.
Reflecting on his departure, Kreilach shared his emotions in a heartfelt letter to the RSL fanbase. “Leaving RSL is the most difficult decision I’ve ever made,” he wrote. “The past six years have been incredible, filled with unforgettable moments and emotions.”
As Real Salt Lake turns the page to the post-Kreilach era, they face a new beginning, starting their 2024 MLS regular season against Inter Miami CF on February 21. The match, scheduled for 8 pm ET, will be available on MLS Season Pass, heralding a new chapter for the team and its fans.
