The fourth head coach in Real Salt Lake’s franchise history, Mike Petke, has had a long and successful journey in the soccer sphere as both a player and a coach. He spent the majority of his playing career as a member of the New York MetroStars (now the Red Bulls), where he became the most capped player in the franchise’s history. After retiring from the sport, he spent two seasons as head coach of the Red Bulls before being dismissed in 2015. He has spent the beginning of this season as head coach of the Real Monarchs, RSL’s USL affiliate.
Here’s a timeline of Petke’s life and career in soccer:
1994-97: Played college soccer at Southern Connecticut State University. In 1995, led SCSU to the NCAA Division II national championship and was named Conference Rookie of the Year. In 1997 was honored as a a consensus NSCAA/Umbro First Team All-American selection.
1998: Drafted by the New York/New Jersey MetroStars in the first round of the 1998 MLS college draft.
2000: After leading the MetroStars to the Eastern Division championship, went on a two-week trial with Beyern Munich.
2001: Earned the first of two caps with the U.S. national team.
2003: Traded to D.C. United.
2004: Won the MLS Cup with D.C.
2005: Traded to the Colorado Rapids.
2008: Signed with the New York Red Bulls on waivers.
2010: Announced his retirement from professional soccer.
2010: Took a position as manager of business operations for the Red Bulls.
2013: Named head coach of the Red Bulls on Jan. 24.
2013: Guided the Red Bulls to the Supporters’ Shield.
2014: Led the Red Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals.
2016: Hired as head coach of the Real Monarchs of the USL on Dec. 22.
2017: Introduced as the head coach of Real Salt Lake.