By Ambrosia Tonkovich @heyambrosia
Real Salt Lake’s new coach Mike Petke was named today, and it was mostly no surprise. When he was hired on to coach the Real Monarchs, Salt Lake’s USL team, fans of RSL who were concerned with former coach Jeff Cassar’s performance started wondering if the plan was to eventually move Petke to be head coach over RSL.
Mike Petke, 41, previously coached New York Red Bulls, both as an assistant (2011-2012) and then head coach (2013-2014). He was fired in January 2015, which resulted in huge backlash from Red Bulls supporters. He was hired to coach the Real Monarchs in December of 2016.
As a player, Petke played as a defender in the MLS for the MetroStars (later became what is now the New York Red Bulls) from 1998-2002, then was traded over to D.C. United to play for them from 2003 to 2005. After, he played for Colorado Rapids (2005-2008), then back to the Red Bulls from 2009-2010. He also made two appearances with the USMNT before retiring.
Petke has lead the New York Red Bulls to their first major trophy, the Supporters Shield in 2013 as well as leading them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2014.
Since being coach of the Real Monarchs, he has lead the team to victory over the Timbers 2, with a 2-1 lead.
Many supporters of RSL are very excited to have Petke as a coach. He will be a welcome addition to the team.
Featured image courtesy: @RealSaltLake
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Let’s see how they fare at Minnesota this weekend. Should be in their favor with the terrible start for the Loons. If they win Petke won’t get full credit; his side SHOULD win this match. We’ll see how the new additions acclimate themselves.