BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem Steel FC announced on Wednesday that the club had signed midfielder Chris Wingate to a one-year contract.

“It’s something you dream about your whole life,” Wingate said. “I’m happy to have found a home within this organization and despite my short time with the club, it already feels like I’m a part of the family. It’s been a different journey than I’d dreamt of having to come in late to the club during preseason but it motivated me to work ever harder and prove that I could be one of the guys.”

Last summer, Wingate played in the Premier Development League for Sounders FC U23. He appeared in seven matches, scoring a goal and assisting on another as the club finished second in the Northwest Division.

“Chris is an important addition in an area of the field where we needed some depth and I think Chris is more than just depth,” Steel FC head coach Brendan Burke said. “He is someone has a great background based on his college career. We were fortunate to be able to pick up him up after he was released and he hasn’t had a bad day in training since he arrived. Plus, he has brought a steady influence to our group.”

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Wingate joins Steel FC after a strong preseason trial that featured four appearances including a start against Notre Dame on March 16. Wingate joined Steel FC midway through the preseason after being drafted No. 54 overall by MLS-side New York City FC.

Wingate had a stellar four-year career at New Hampshire, appearing in 70 games and earning 55 starts. During his Wildcat career, the 22-year-old scored 13 goals and had 15 assists. Wingate was named the 2016 America East Midfielder of the Year and received First Team All-Conference honors his senior season, scoring four goals and adding eight assists as the club posted a 12-win season.

A native from Hovik, Norway, Wingate thrived off the field as well, being selected as a senior CLASS award finalist that honors the attributes of NCAA Division I senior student-athletes in four areas: community, classroom, character and competition.