Real Salt Lake's Wingert invited to U.S. National Team camp

Real Salt Lake defender Chris Wingert was one of 25 players invited to U.S. National Team training camp in Southern California beginning Jan. 4.

The camp is a build-up to the United State's first match of 2009, a friendly against Sweden on Jan. 24 at the Home Depot Center.

The call-up to the senior national team is the first for Wingert, who participated with the U.S. Under-23 National Team back in 2004.

"To make this camp is a great opportunity, one I am incredibly excited for," said Wingert. "But, at the same time, when opportunities like this come along I feel you need to re-set and re-evaluate your goals as things go on. So while I was very excited when I first received the call, now my focus is on getting my fitness level up, having a solid camp, and proving to Coach Bradley that I deserve to make the roster for the Sweden game. I am excited to prove that I deserve to be at this camp, and hopefully my effort will pay off with invites to more camps in the future."

Of the 25 players invited to training camp, 20 play in Major League Soccer. Wingert started in 29 matches for RSL this past year, a new career high.

The Sweden match is a tune-up for the United States as it prepares for qualification for the 2010 World Cup. It opens qualification on Feb. 11 against Mexico in Columbus.

"This is the beginning of a big year for the national team, and it is important that we get started off heading in the right direction," said U.S. coach Bob Bradley. "This is another great opportunity to reinforce the principles of how this team operates both on and off the field, as well as getting players ready for the match against Sweden and the first World Cup qualifier this year against Mexico in February."