Chris Wingert

Chris Wingert (born June 16, 1982) is an American former professional soccer player. He spent fourteen seasons of his professional career in Major League Soccer (MLS) with the Columbus Crew, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, and New York City FC, before finishing his career with New York Cosmos B in the National Premier Soccer League. He was a starting defender with Real Salt Lake's MLS Cup Championship team in 2009.

Career

College

Wingert attended St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School and played college soccer for St. John's University, where he was the 2003 Hermann Trophy winner as that year's best collegiate player.

During his college years Wingert also played with the Brooklyn Knights in the USL Premier Development League.

Professional

The Columbus Crew drafted Wingert in the second round (twelfth overall) in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft. Despite his collegiate success, MLS teams were skeptical about his ability to adapt to the faster and more physical professional game. Nevertheless, Wingert managed to earn a spot on a very good Crew team and was a versatile member of the squad for two years. While in Columbus, he played as both a defender and a defensive midfielder. On January 20, 2006, the Crew traded Wingert to Colorado Rapids for a fourth-round pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On July 13, 2007, Real Salt Lake acquired Wingert from Colorado for a first-round pick in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft and a second-round pick in the 2009 supplemental draft.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

After eight years with Salt Lake, Wingert was selected in the tenth round of the 2014 MLS Expansion Draft by expansion club New York City FC. The club also selected fellow Salt Lake teammate Ned Grabavoy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Wingert was waived by New York City on January 30, 2016.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Three days later, on February 2, he was claimed off of waivers by Real Salt Lake, starting his second stint with the club.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He announced his retirement as a professional soccer player on February 19, 2018.<ref>Judd, Brandon. "Real Salt Lake defender Chris Wingert announces his retirement via social media," Deseret News (Salt Lake City, UT), Monday, February 19, 2018. Retrieved February 19, 2018</ref>

International

Wingert made his first international appearance for the United States against Sweden on January 24, 2009.

Personal

Wingert is the son of Norm Wingert who played for the Philadelphia Atoms in the North American Soccer League.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Honors

Real Salt Lake

<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

• Major League Soccer MLS Cup (1): 2009
• Major League Soccer Eastern Conference Championship (1): 2009
• Major League Soccer Western Conference Championship (1): 2013

External links

• Template:MLS player
• Template:Webarchive