facebook-pixel

Real Salt Lake’s Damir Kreilach named to MLS All-Star team

The versatile midfielder leads RSL in goals scored this season.

Real Salt Lake midfielder Damir Kreilach reacts after scoring against the Portland Timbers in the first half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020, in Sandy, Utah. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

  | Aug. 4, 2021, 5:27 p.m.
| Updated: 11:59 p.m.

Real Salt Lake’s Damir Kreilach wears a lot of different hats.

He is a defensive midfielder. He an attacking midfielder. He is a striker.

And now RSL’s Swiss Army knife is a Major League Soccer All-Star.

Kreilach was officially named one of the league’s best on Wednesday morning. The RSL midfielder will take on Mexico’s Ligations MX All-Stars on Aug. 25 in Los Angeles.

“It is such an honor to be chosen by Bob Bradley to represent Real Salt Lake at the All-Star Game. I am so proud of the efforts we have put in and I look forward to doing my best to represent the club,” Kreilach said in a news release. “I would like to thank everyone in the RSL organization — my teammates, the coaching staff, the medical staff, the media staff, as well as the fans who mean so much to the club. I especially would like to thank my family. My wife and our families give me so much support here and back in Croatia and that’s what pushes me to reach new heights every year and I couldn’t do it without them.”

In his four seasons with RSL, Kreilach has shined. He has twice been named the team’s most valuable player. This season, he leads the team in goals (7) and is second in assists (5).

“Damir deserves this. He has done so much for the club and scored so many big goals for the team and that is a product of his talent, but also his work ethic,” RSL head coach Freddy Juarez said. “Every day since joining the team he has been dedicated to working at his craft and he sets such a great example for everyone to follow. This is a great achievement for him that recognizes all of his hard work and commitment.”

Kreilach is the ninth RSL player to ever be selected for the midseason showcase.

Prior selections include:

Kyle Beckerman (2007, 2009-2014, 2016)

Nick Rimando (2010-2015, 2019)

Jámison Olave (2010-2012)

Eddie Pope (2005, 2007)

Javier Morales (2009-2010)

Tony Beltran (2013, 2015)

Will Johnson (2009)

Fabián Espíndola (2012)

The MLS-Liga MX All-Star game will kick off at 7 p.m. on Aug. 25. The match will be televised on FS1, Univision, TSN and TVA Sports.