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New York City FC’s inaugural MLS squad: Where are they now?

By Matt Coles

New York City FC player starting line up Josh Saunders (12), Shay Facey (24), Andoni Iraola (51), Angelino (69), Chris Wingert (17), Mehdi Ballouchy, (20), Javier Calle (30), Andrew Jacobson (4), Thomas McNamara (15), Kwadwo Poku (88), and Captain David Villa during the 2015 MLS Match between New York City FC vs Orlando SC on July 26, 2015 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, NY, USA . New York City FC won the match with a score of 5 to 3. Photo �� Ira L. Black (Photo by Ira Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
New York City FC player starting line up Josh Saunders (12), Shay Facey (24), Andoni Iraola (51), Angelino (69), Chris Wingert (17), Mehdi Ballouchy, (20), Javier Calle (30), Andrew Jacobson (4), Thomas McNamara (15), Kwadwo Poku (88), and Captain David Villa during the 2015 MLS Match between New York City FC vs Orlando SC on July 26, 2015 at Yankee Stadium in Bronx, NY, USA . New York City FC won the match with a score of 5 to 3. Photo �� Ira L. Black (Photo by Ira Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 15: Jason Hernandez #21 and Chris Wingert #17 of New York City FC celebrate the win after the inaugural game of the New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on March 15, 2015 in the Bronx borough of New York City.The New York City FC defeated the New England Revolution 2-0. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 15: Jason Hernandez #21 and Chris Wingert #17 of New York City FC celebrate the win after the inaugural game of the New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on March 15, 2015 in the Bronx borough of New York City.The New York City FC defeated the New England Revolution 2-0. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

CB – Chris Wingert – Retired

Already a veteran of the United States’ top flight, Chris Wingert brought experience and poise to New York City’s defence in their first season in the league.

He was drafted by the Columbus Crew in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft, and spent the first two seasons of his professional career with the club, playing over 50 times for them. After a one-season stint with the Colorado Rapids, Wingert signed for Real Salt Lake, where he would win both the hearts of the fans and silverware.

The American stayed with the club for eight seasons, playing more than 200 times at the heart of the Real Salt Lake defence. During his spell there, he helped the club to win the MLS Cup in 2009, playing 34 times on their way to glory. He also made his one and only international appearance whilst he was at Salt Lake. It came in January 2009, as he featured for the USMNT against Sweden.

After his eight-year stint in Salt Lake City, Wingert made the move east to New York, signing for NYCFC after they selected him in the expansion draft. He was with the team for one season, playing 28 times, before joining Real Salt Lake for a second spell in 2016. After a further two seasons with the club, Wingert retired from professional football.

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