SANDY, Utah – Real Salt Lake has signed DF’s Chris Wingert and Tony Beltran to contract extensions. Per league and club policy, terms of the deals will not be disclosed.
“Chris and Tony have both played an integral role in RSL’s success,” RSL General Manager Garth Lagerwey said. “As we redefine our team’s core, we feel that they’re two critical building blocks for our future. They’re standout players and individuals and we’re thrilled to have them both back.”
Wingert, 30, joined RSL via trade with Colorado on July 13, 2007. RSL’s longest-tenured field player, the Babylon, N.Y. finished 2012 tied for second on the team in league appearances (31), third in starts (30) and third in minutes played (2603). All three numbers were career highs for Wingert, who is third in RSL history in MLS appearances (153), fourth in starts (142), fourth in minutes played (12,668) and eighth in assists (11).
“I’m really excited,” Wingert said. “I’ve said all along that Real Salt Lake is where I wanted to be. I love all the guys on the team – it’s been a great 5 1/2 years for me here and I’m looking forward to being here at least a couple more.”
Real Salt Lake selected Beltran with the third overall pick of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. The 25-year-oldright back was a full-time starter for the first time in 2012, leading RSL – and setting career highs – with 32 MLS appearances, 32 MLS starts and 2,857 minutes played. Beltran is 10th in club history in MLS games played (110), 10th in games started (99) and ninth in minutes played (8877).
“I just want to thank the organization for giving me their full support in representing this club in the future,” Beltran said. “I'd like to thank Head Coach Jason Kreis and the rest of the back room staff for helping me grow exponentially, both personally and professionally, every year. Five years ago I arrived in Salt Lake City to begin my professional career. I can't stress enough how much this city has taken me in as one of their own, and I have come to truly consider SLC my home. I feel privileged to be able to continue my career here, and I promise to give my all for the team and our amazing supporters.”
Player: Chris Wingert
Position: Defender
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 155 lbs.
Date of Birth: June 16, 1982
Birthplace: Babylon, NY
Citizenship: U.S.
How Acquired: Signed a contract extension on Dec. 3, 2012
Player: Tony Beltran
Position: Defender
Height: 5-foot-8
Weight: 150 lbs.
Date of Birth: Oct. 11, 1987
Birthplace: Whittier, CA
Citizenship: U.S.
How Acquired: Signed a contract extension on Dec. 3, 2012
