Longanecker signs with Charlotte FC Youth Academy

SANDPOINT — Kai Longanecker has come a long way since starting his soccer career with Sandpoint Strikers FC at the age of seven.

Longanecker, who is just 16 years old, was recently offered and accepted a spot with Major League Soccer's Charlotte FC. He will be training with their second team and U18 Academy team, which is a testament to his hard work and the unwavering support from his coaches, teammates, and the local community throughout the years.

On Jan. 3, he'll officially make the move to Charlotte, marking a pivotal step in his journey as an athlete.

Previously, Longanecker trained and competed with Spokane Sounders SC, benefiting from the mentorship of goalkeeper coach Bryan Hernandez, who played for Humboldt State University (NCAA Division II) and for the U20 El Salvador National Team, and head coach Jesse Retan, who played for both NWAC powerhouse Peninsula College and Whitworth University (NCAA Division III).

While at Sandpoint High, Longanecker was coached by both Tanner French and Dan Anderson, who are both alumni and former collegiate players. Under their leadership, he excelled during his freshman and sophomore seasons, earning 4A All-State First Team and 4A Inland Empire League First Team honors. 

This past summer, Longanecker was honored to join the Spokane Shadow Men’s first team. He also competed with Timbers North FC for two seasons, playing alongside his older brother Jett, who currently plays for the College of Idaho (NAIA).

Furthermore, Longanecker's accolades extend beyond local fields. He has represented Idaho in the Olympic Development Program (ODP), helping secure the Far West ODP Championship earlier this year in Arizona. His talent earned him a spot on the 2024-25 US Youth Soccer ODP Interregional roster, placing him among the nation’s top youth players. However, with his commitment to Charlotte FC, he will forgo the ODP showcase in Florida this February and focus solely on this new opportunity.

While with Charlotte FC's second team and U18 Academy team, Longanecker will train four times a week and represent the club in competitive matches in the MLS Next league. MLS Next features Academy sides from MLS teams and other top youth programs from the United States and Canada. The Academy plays a European-style fall-through-spring schedule, which coincides with the academic school year, and can even earn the right to participate in the prestigious, annual tournament, the MLS Generation Adidas Cup, which features elite youth competition from MLS, Europe and South America.

Longanecker will be fully-funded by Charlotte FC in terms of living training, traveling and equipment costs. This playing opportunity also provides Longanecker with a professional pathway from the Academy to Crown Legacy FC (Matthews, N.C.) to Charlotte FC's first team. In addition, it also allows him to be highly visible through the U.S. Soccer Scouting Network and creates pathways to NCAA Division I soccer. 

Longanecker's achievement highlights the exceptional talent and coaching within the Inland Northwest, and proves that local soccer programs can nurture players ready to compete at the highest levels.

From left, Jameson Longanecker, Pax Longanecker, Kai Longanecker, Amy Longanecker and Jett Longanecker are all smiles after a Sandpoint Legends-Spokane Sounders game at War Memorial Field.