Reis Returns to Gillette
- Updated: June 3, 2015
Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – For nearly a decade, Matt Reis was synonymous with the Revolution thanks to his heroics between the sticks, not to mention his charismatic personality. But on Sunday, the former keeper found himself in an unusual spot: the visitors’ locker room.
Nearly 18 months after closing the door on a remarkable career in which he helped the locals reach the MLS Cup final in three consecutive years, Reis was back at Gillette Stadium in his role as the Galaxy’s goalkeeper coach for Sunday’s match against the Revolution.
“Obviously, change happens,” Reis told NESoccerToday.com following Sunday’s 2-2 draw. “It’s kind of natural, but it’s a little different being over here (in the Galaxy locker room), but that’s the way it is.”
Switching clubs isn’t the only transition Reis has made since retiring after the 2013 season. After he stepped to the podium to say goodbye, Reis immediately joined the Galaxy staff, and embraced a new challenge.
Working with Galaxy goalkeepers Jaime Penedo, Brian Perk and Brian Rowe, the former Revolution shot-stopper is responsible for sharpening their games rather than improving his own.
“I’m trying to give all the information to Jaime on Monday through Friday for the game on Saturday,” Reis said. “It’s not in my hands anymore – it’s out of my hands, so I just try and do a good job of preparing him with video and talking with him about games and situations and what to expect from the other team.”
His work with Penedo proved to be especially productive during his first year of coaching. The Panamanian keeper registered eight clean sheets, posted a 1.14 GAA en route to the Galaxy’s fifth MLS Cup title.
“It’s been fabulous,” Reis said. “Obviously, winning a championship last year in the first year was unbelievable and how everything falls into place knowing how hard it is to win a championship – it was real nice to be able to do so.”
Not to be overlooked in Reis’ successful first year on the Galaxy staff was the fact that he was plying his new trade in familiar surroundings.
“Being able to be in southern California, around UCLA, and all the places where it all started for me – it’s just nice to be back,” Reis said.
As much as Reis has enjoyed his return to Los Angeles, he was happy to back in Foxborough, where he was a fan favorite during the bulk of his 11 years with the Revolution. Not surprisingly, the supporters stationed in the Fort and behind the technical area warmly welcomed him back with hearty applause following the conclusion of Sunday’s rainy draw.
“It’s great, there are a lot of familiar faces, so it’s always great,” Reis said. “The fans have always been good to me, and it was good to get back out here.”
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