Damir Kreilach named to 2021 MLS All Star team

In what is both surprising and unsurprising news (in equal measure), RSL’s multifaceted midfielder Damir Kreilach has apparently been named to the 2021 MLS All-Star team.

The news has yet to be announced by the club outside of a video posted earlier today on RSL.com.

Kreilach has already bettered his 2019 statistical record, scoring seven goals and notching five assists in just 15 games, and he’s steadily climbing toward his 2018 number, as well — a season in which he had 12 goals and eight assists.

“It’s all of you guys, you know,” Kreilach told the team after a surprise announcement after a July 30 video session. “I would like to say thank you so much for all you guys did for me at this point, for all you’ve done so far. At the end of the day, it’s a big satisfaction for me. I’m very happy about that. I’m going to represent the RSL organization in the proper way. I’m very excited right now. I’m going to give my best to represent you guys.”

Quotes from a club-issued release follow.

Kreilach

“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. 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.”

RSL coach Freddy Juarez

“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. 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.”

2021 MLS All-Star Game Roster by Position

via press release

Goalkeepers: Pedro Gallese (Orlando City SC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

Defenders: Julian Araujo (LA Galaxy), Jesus Murillo (LAFC), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders FC), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United), Alex Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC), James Sands (NYCFC), Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union), Yeimar Gómez Andrade (Seattle Sounders FC), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

Midfielders: Eduard Atuesta (LAFC), Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Damir Kreilach (Real Salt Lake), João Paulo (Seattle Sounders FC), Emanuel Reynoso (Minnesota United FC), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC), Lucas Zelarayán (Columbus Crew)

Forwards: Gustavo Bou (New England Revolution), Tajon Buchanan (New England Revolution), Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes), Javier “Chicharito” Hernández (LA Galaxy), Nani (Orlando City SC), Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas), Diego Rossi (LAFC), Raúl Ruidíaz (Seattle Sounders FC), Daniel Salloi (Sporting Kansas City), Carlos Vela (LAFC)