At least, he figures to have a different angle next time.

Team officials expect to learn from Major League Soccer today how severely Kreis will be punished for his harsh criticism of the referees last week. Having already been fined and suspended once for similar criticism earlier this season, the coach probably can expect a large fine and multigame suspension that would force him to watch games from a stadium suite or press box.

"To be honest, if we score our chances, I probably would not complain so much about the referees," he said in acknowledging the role frustration played in his outburst.

RSL has scored only three goals in its last six MLS games, though it has managed a 2-1-3 record in that span for nine points. Kreis had hoped that the exhibition against Santos would help his team regain its scoring touch - it scored 15 goals in its first league 10 games - though defense turned out to be the bigger problem against a savagely fleet and effective counter-attacking team.

Diminutive rookie striker Alex Nimo headed home the first goal of his career in the 70th minute, but only after RSL had fallen behind 2-0 in the first half on an own-goal by defender David Horst and a wicked blast from nearly 30 yards out by Santos' Oribe Peralta.

And moments after Nimo's goal, midfielder Gregorio Torres scored from the left side for Santos, restoring its lead to the great pleasure of the substantial green-and-white Santos cheering section. Midfielder Andony Hernandez added an insurance goal for Santos in the 84th minute for the reigning Mexican League champions.

Only a handful of regular starters played for RSL, and most of them did not play the entire game because they will be needed when the Columbus Crew visit for a league game on Saturday - though Kreis probably won't be on the sideline for it.

Earlier in the week, Kreis said he doesn't believe the referees he has criticized are out to get RSL. "I do think at the end of the day, it's probably honest mistakes," he said. "It's just very difficult not to feel wrong-done if they keep happening against us."

Normally, MLS announces its disciplinary action on Wednesdays, but spokesman Will Kuhns said the process probably was delayed by the holiday weekend.

mcl@sltrib.com

Storylines

* IN SHORT: Substituting liberally, Real Salt Lake falls 4-1 to Santos Laguna of the Mexican League in an exhibition game.

* KEY STAT: RSL fell to 4-3-2 all-time against international opponents.