RSL defender Chris Wingert returns from NYCFC


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SANDY — New York City FC claimed veteran defender Chris Wingert from Real Salt Lake a year ago in Major League Soccer's expansion draft.

After one season, the Long Island native is coming back to the mountains.

RSL claimed the 33-year-old fullback off waivers after New York City FC released him less than a week ago. Wingert logged more than 2,000 minutes in 27 appearances with the Manchest City-owned MLS club in its inaugural season, but appeared to become expendable once former RSL coach and striker Jason Kreis was let go as manager after one postseasonless season.

NYCFC also saw the departure of midfielder Ned Grabavoy, the other acquisition from RSL at last winter's expansion draft, to defending MLS Cup champions Portland Timbers FC as a free agent. The 32-year-old midfielder became the Timbers' first-ever free agent signing in the inaugural offseason of the league's new acquisition mechanism.

In Wingert, RSL reclaims another player who helped the club to its only major trophy in franchise history, the 2009 MLS Cup championship. RSL added former Cup-winning striker Yura Movsisyan on loan from Russian club Spartak Moscow, to go along with veteran goalkeeper Nick Rimando and team captain Kyle Beckerman of the era, among others.

A 2004 MLS SuperDraft pick by the Columbus Crew, Wingert also spent time with the Colorado Rapids before RSL acquired him in 2007. The 5-foot-11 fullback played primarily on the left side of RSL's defense, but also filled in at center back in his eight seasons wearing a Claret and Cobalt uniform.

Wingert will join RSL as the 29th member of the roster at the moment, and the 11th defender. He could make an easy transition at left back alongside Demar Phillips and Abdoulie Mansally, or he could join the center back group of Aaron Maund, Jamison Olave, Justen Glad and Phanuel Kavita.

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