Longanecker Takes Big Leap with MLS Charlotte FC Academy Contract

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Patience is a virtue when it comes to the career path for goalkeepers as many must wait their turn for the next opportunity. Spokane Shadow’s Kai Longanecker, however, is taking another big step in his development by crossing the nation and accepting an academy contract as the entry point for MLS Charlotte FC.

Several years ago, the young Sandpoint keeper made the jump from local soccer to joining FC Spokane / Spokane Sounders to take the next step in his development and now the B2007 player’s search for a new home base to work his way up the ladder has landed him in North Carolina, home of one of Major League Soccer’s newest clubs.

“I’m on an academy contract, training full-time with MLS Next Pro team Crown Legacy and playing games with the U18 team. My goal is to make my Crown Legacy debut soon and continue progressing within the club. It is an incredible opportunity to develop in a professional environment and work toward an impactful role with Crown Legacy.”

The contract offer wrapped up a big year in which he went from earning the starting spot with the Shadow Men’s First Team at 16 years old during the summer and a nationwide journey looking for the next opportunity.

“I was very excited and motivated to get to work. Charlotte felt like the perfect fit because of the player pathway, the professionalism of the staff, and the welcoming host family.

“It’s been a long journey, playing with FC Dallas, St. Louis City 2, and Sporting Kansas City, but all those experiences helped prepare me for this moment. Signing with Charlotte is a big step, and I’m ready to give everything I have to make the most of this opportunity.”

Playing since the age of seven, the story took its first big turn when he was in middle school.

“End of 7th Grade, I went to Spokane for the FC Spokane open tryout, where I made the team. After playing a few games, Jesse Retan gave me the opportunity to play with the 2007 ECNL boys for a game, which led to me joining their team.

“Over the past three years Bryan Hernandez and Jesse trained me and helped me develop as a player and person. Their mentorship allowed me to grow into the Shadow Men’s First Team goalkeeper under coach Mike Pellicio.”

The quickly rising keeper first joined the Shadow MFT program in the summer of 2023, but was limited to just training behind several standout college keepers as the team went on to claim the club’s third EPLWA championship that year.

But the experience paid off as he became the starter in 2024 and helped lead the squad to a repeat as the regular season division champions, facing and training with older players from college and ex-professional ranks.

“Playing with the men’s team was a huge step in my development as I gained invaluable experience learning from older players like Tanner Williams, Nick Hamer and Jesse. Coach Mike was instrumental in helping me refine my skills and better understand the game from a tactical and mental perspective.”

Challenges are something that seems to be a constant for Kai along the journey, but coming from his north Idaho beginnings it was inevitable.

“The biggest challenge was living far away from Spokane in Sandpoint, Idaho. The commute made it difficult to consistently attend training sessions. When I couldn’t drive, my parents went above and beyond to take me as often as they could, sacrificing a lot to ensure I could pursue my dream.

“I also had to balance schoolwork and training, which taught me the importance of time management and commitment. Those challenges helped me develop a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the support system around me.”

That Sandpoint-to-Spokane challenge has now exploded into spanning the map to launch his burgeoning professional career.

“Moving across the country is definitely going to be an adjustment. I’ll miss my family the most since they’ll be back in Sandpoint, but knowing they support me every step of the way makes it easier to stay focused.

“I’m also excited to embrace the challenge of living independently and growing both on and off the field. Staying connected with my family and friends through regular calls and visits will be important, and I’m confident the host family and team environment will help me feel at home in Charlotte.”

And once he does get settled in, the next challenge begins. Patience. Working your way up the professional ladder can be a difficult, lengthy process.

“I’m very excited to be in this professional environment. I see it as an opportunity to learn from experienced players and coaches, improve my game, and prepare for when those first-team opportunities come.

“On the field, I’m focusing on consistency, communication, and pushing myself every day in training. Mentally, I’m staying patient and trusting the process, knowing that every step I take now is building toward my long-term goals. My immediate focus is on contributing to the U18 team, earning a Crown Legacy debut, and hopefully getting first team training opportunities this year.”

He certainly has belief in himself and knows what it took to get there so the future is as unlimited as it was locally.

“Bryan Hernandez, Jesse Retan and Mike Pellicio all believed in me and invested so much time into my development. They saw potential in me when others didn’t, and their guidance shaped me into the player I am today.

“Bryan once told me I was his “project” and that if I worked hard, I could make it into the MLS system. That advice stuck with me, and I made sure to use every resource the club made available to me to grow and improve. I’m incredibly grateful for their mentorship and the friendships I’ve built with them.”