This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A born and raised New Yorker, Chris Wingert emerged from the dugout at Yankee Stadium last March 15. Sporting the sky blue No. 17 on his back, Wingert's cleats clicked against each concrete step as the roar of 43,507 in attendance reach its apex.
Life at New York City FC was officially underway that Sunday afternoon in front of more than 100 friends and family members in attendance.
The kid from Long Island was home, playing a mere drive away — how long depending on traffic — from where he grew up. That first home match in NYCFC history, in the Bronx, remains lodged as one of Wingert's best memories from 2015.
"The first game at home was one of the most special experiences in my soccer career, for sure," he said of the 2-0 win over the New England Revolution. "There was still so many cool things that came along with being part of the first team in New York City."
After eight seasons at Real Salt Lake, the defender was plucked by former coach Jason Kreis in the 2014 MLS Expansion Draft. Kreis was building his team and wanted a familiar face to help the back line transition. The 33-year-old went on to start 26 matches in NYCFC's inaugural year, but despite lofty expectations, the splashy new club did not buck the trend of expansion franchises missing out on the MLS Cup postseason.
"Obviously, we didn't get the results we would've liked, but I don't have any regrets about coming back," Wingert said. "It was a special year being back with my family, living in New York City — maybe something that I never do again, and I'm glad I did. It was worth it, even though I broke my bank a little bit."
On Thursday, Wingert returns to the Bronx. He'll emerge from the same dugout — both teams use it to access the soccer locker rooms — wearing different cleats, a different number and a different jersey color. It'll be in familiar RSL claret rather than the light shade of NYCFC blue that overtakes Yankee Stadium.
Put on waivers by NYCFC on Jan. 30, Wingert didn't spend much time in preseason limbo. Three days later, general manager Craig Waibel finalized a deal to bring the longtime RSL defender back to Utah. Acquired to compete with incumbent Demar Phillips — who was acquired to replace Wingert in 2015 — Wingert has again shown to be his usual, steady self. Through RSL's first 12 regular-season matches, Wingert has started seven as the club hits the finale of its five-game road trip in New York.
"For me, I didn't want to go anywhere else and start all over," he said. "For me, I wanted to go somewhere I could fit right back into the team immediately."
It's been seamless. Wingert returned to RSL having made 204 career appearances, including 21 postseason starts to his name. He's definitely picked up where he left off with RSL back in 2014. This trip home will again present another opportunity for his family and friends to pack the seats at Yankee Stadium.
Only this time, like Chris Wingert, they'll need different gear than a year ago.
"I do absolutely miss New York, and it was a little bit of a tease being here with my family and close friends for a year, but no complaints," he said. "I feel very blessed to be in a good environment professionally and also in my personal life, too. [Being in Utah] has always been the second-best place for me to be in terms of my life outside of soccer."
But undoubtedly No. 1 on the pitch.
Twitter: @chriskamrani —
About Chris Wingert
Age • 33
Position • Defender
Hometown • Babylon, N.Y.
Pro career • Real Salt Lake, 2016-present; NYCF, 2015; RSL, 2007-14; Colorado Rapids, 2006-07; Columbus Crew, 2004-05.
Games played • Wingert has made 212 career appearances with RSL, including 21 postseason starts. Has played 24,000 career minutes in MLS in 304 appearances.
Transaction • Signed by RSL off waivers on Feb. 3 after being released by NYCFC.
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Real Salt Lake at NYCFC
P Thursday, 5 p.m.
TV • KMYU —
About Chris Wingert
Age » 33
Position » Defender
Hometown » Babylon, N.Y.
Pro career » Real Salt Lake (2016-present), NYCFC (2015), RSL (2007-2014), Colorado Rapids (2006-2007), Columbus Crew (2004-2005)
Games played » Wingert has amassed a total of 212 career appearances with RSL, including 21 postseason starts. Currently has played 24,000 career minutes in MLS and has 304 career appearances.
Transaction » Signed by RSL off waivers on Feb. 3 after being released by NYCFC