The U.S. Soccer Federation announced on Tuesday that Jason Kreis has been named the new U.S. under-23 national team manager. Kreis, who last served as Orlando City SC manager, will have its first challenge in leading the team in qualifications for an appearance on the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
The news was confirmed on U.S. Soccer Youth National Teams’ official social media.
“Jason’s qualities and experience made him stand out as the best candidate to lead our U23 men’s national team in this important cycle towards the 2020 Olympics,” – said the men’s national team general manager Earnie Stewart in a statement. “The U23s are a meaningful part of our program, and Jason is an experienced head coach with significant success both in the league and CONCACAF competitions. His knowledge of the player pool is impressive, and we are confident in his ability to implement the style of play we are building with the senior MNT and throughout our national teams. We appreciate the willingness of Inter Miami CF to allow us the opportunity to take advantage of Jason’s abilities to guide this group.”
After wrapping up his professional soccer career with Real Salt Lake in 2007, Jason Kreis immediately took the role of the team’s manager. He spent seven years at the helm of Salt Lake and guided them to six consecutive playoff appearances since 2008 and one MLS Cup title.
Kreis also had stints with New York City FC and Orlando City SC, but failed to replicate his previous success. After leaving Orlando in June 2018, he joined the MLS expansion side Inter Miami FC’s technical staff and will continue with that role alongside the duties with U.S. Under-23.
“It’s a tremendous opportunity,” – said Kreis. “It’s an opportunity to be a part of a new system under the leadership of Gregg Berhalter and Earnie Stewart leading the national team the way that they are. It’s an opportunity to work with the country’s brightest young stars, and it’s an opportunity to represent your country. In my opinion, that’s the highest honor of all.”
