SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake Owner Dell Loy Hansen announced on Wednesday the club had appointed former Real Monarchs SLC Head Coach Mike Petke to the same position with the organization’s MLS club.

Petke becomes the fifth current Head Coach in Major League Soccer with USL head coaching experience, joining Brian Schmetzer (Seattle Sounders FC), Curt Onalfo (LA Galaxy), Wilmer Cabrera (Houston Dynamo) and Adrian Heath (Minnesota United FC).

“Mike’s leadership capabilities, his track record, work ethic and fiery personality are anticipated to confidently lead Real Salt Lake into a new era,” said Hansen. “Mike quickly integrated himself into our club, and has embraced both the pressure of our short-term expectations and all the tenets and principles guiding our long-term intentions.”

Petke was appointed as the Monarchs Head Coach this past December, and led the side to a 2-1 victory on Saturday night against the Portland Timbers 2 in its opening game of the 2017 USL regular season. Prior to joining Real’s organization, Petke served as the Head Coach of the New York Red Bulls for the 2013 and 2014 seasons. With the Red Bulls, Petke led the original MLS side to its best two-year run in club history, amassing a 30-19-19 mark and earning the club its first trophy, the 2013 MLS Supporters Shield. In 2014, the Red Bulls reached the Eastern Conference Final of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. 

“First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to Mr. Hansen for his belief in my abilities,” said Petke. “My family (wife, Kim; sons Dylan, 12, and Mason, 9) has been excited about our return to the Rocky Mountains since Christmas; we have always been amazed by the fantastic culture for soccer here in Utah, and I am honored to be charged with delivering pride and excellence to the passionate RSL fan base.”

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The 41-year-old Petke appeared as a player in 196 of his 351 career MLS games with the MetroStars/Red Bulls (also playing with D.C. United and Colorado Rapids), after growing up on Long Island. In 2004-05 with D.C. United, Petke was a teammate of current RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando, with the duo winning MLS Cup in 2004. From 2005 to 2007 with the Colorado Rapids, Petke was teammates with another pair of current RSL players, Captain Kyle Beckerman and defender Chris Wingert.

An announcement regarding a new Head Coach for Real Monarchs SLC is also expected to be made on Wednesday.