Real Salt Lake believe they can build an MLS dynasty, at least according to general manager Garth Lagerwey.
The confidence stems from the new four-year contract that Lagerwey signed on Thursday, ensuring he will continue as RSL's general manager through the end of the 2014 season.
The former MLS goalkeeper and lawyer is credited with helping construct the team that captured the first MLS Cup championship in club history in 2009, and RSL president Bill Manning called him “one of the sharpest young minds in the game today.”
“This is my dream job,” Lagerwey said in a statement. “I hope to reward [owner Dave Checketts'] faith by fulfilling the mission he has laid before all of us to construct a dynasty here at RSL.
Lagerwey joined the club in September 2007 and since then has worked closely with current Real Salt Lake manager Jason Kreis, a former Duke University and Dallas teammate whom Lagerway said he looks forward to continue working with.
"[RSL] can win multiple championships and reward the devotion of our fans, without whom we would not have our Rio Tinto Stadium unbeaten streak nor our MLS Cup triumph,” said Lagerwey.
Lagerwey, a former member of the soccer media as a writer and broadcaster, is responsible for extending contracts for seven current RSL starters, including goakeeper Nick Rimando and midfielder Kyle Beckerman, while recruiting three others.
He also orchestrated the acquisition of Ned Grabavoy off waivers, the trade for American youth national team star Luis Gil, and the loan deal that brought forward Alvaro Saborio.
The announcement of Lagerwey’s extension came on a day when Real Salt Lake find themselves at the top of the league standings for the first time in club history after Thursday night’s 0-0 tie in Seattle. RSL are tied for the best record in MLS on 44 points with the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Columbus Crew, who face off on Saturday.
