Former RSL Midfielder, MLS Cup Champion Wants To Coach In Salt Lake
Sep 24, 2019, 2:21 PM | Updated: 3:31 pm
Eddie Lewis #6 and Gregg Berhalter #16 of the Los Angeles Galaxy defend Javier Morales #11 of Real Salt Lake during the MLS match at The Home Depot Center on June 13, 2009 in Carson, California. Real Salt Lake defeated the Galaxy 2-0. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
(Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
SANDY, Utah – Former RSL midfielder Javier Morales has ambitions to coach. His dream job? Take over the reigns at the club where he became an icon on and off the pitch. The fanbase loves him, and the feeling is mutual. He wants to coach the Claret and Cobalt.
Morales and the 2009 MLS Cup Championship team is back in town as they celebrate their 10-year anniversary Wednesday night against the LA Galaxy. Morales will be honored by having his name put in the rafters alongside former head coach Jason Kreis, who will also be in attendance.
Now working for Inter Miami FC as an academy coach, Morales told KSL Sports’ Tom Hackett he has ambitions to become a head coach one day, but realizes it is a process.
“I did not want to be one of those players that jumped into head coaching right away. I wanted to learn the ropes and continue to climb the business and one day become a head coach,” he said.
Morales was asked about the vacant coaching position at Real Salt Lake and whether or not he would be interested in applying. His response was fascinating.
“I know that someday I will come back here,” he said. “I don’t know. Something inside of me is saying that. It’s not over, but I do not know when.”
"I know that someday I will come back here." Says RSL club legend @javi_mo11 when asked if he would ever be interested in coaching @realsaltlake.https://t.co/4kU961CZ7h pic.twitter.com/Sf6ao1Atge
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) September 24, 2019
There is no question that if Morales eventually made his way back to the Beehive State to take over as manager of Real Salt Lake, the fan base would be ecstatic. Over the 14 years that RSL has been in existence, Morales was and will continue to be the fan favorite.
There is a reason his name will be raised alongside Jason Kreis. Not only was his play on the field sensational, he understood how to captivate his audience.
Morales ended his time at RSL having played 240 games for the Claret and Cobalt scoring on 49 occasions.
His family will be with him as he is honored against the LA Galaxy. They are just as excited as he is, according to Morales.
Prior to the game fans can interact with Morales and the 2009 championship team by joining them in the plaza, located on the East side of Rio Tinto Stadium. The team will be on hand from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Game Info
Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at Rio Tinto Stadium. RSL currently sit in 5th position in the Western Conference on 47 points, while the Galaxy sit one position above RSL in 4th on 48 points.
The winning team will be in position to host the first round of the MLS Playoffs, depending on the results of their final two regular season games.
You can stream the game for free on sports.ksl.com or the KSL TV app, which you can download here: ksltv.com/app.
