LOCAL WATCH: Longanecker makes professional debut for Crown Legacy FC

Full caption: Sandpoint's Kai Longanecker, 18 years old, made his MLS NEXT Pro professional debut for Crown Legacy FC (6-13-8) of Matthews, N.C. in a 1-0 loss to Atlanta United 2 (8-9-8) at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex on Saturday, Sept. 20. Longanecker, a former 4A All-State First Team and 4A All-Inland Empire League goalkeeper as a sophomore for the Bulldogs, started and played all 90 minutes as he tallied two saves and was 15-for-19 on passes, which included three accurate long balls and two successful short passes. Longanecker signed with Charlotte FC's Academy team in December of 2024 after short stints playing with FC Dallas, St. Louis City 2, and Sporting Kansas City. Crown Legacy FC finishes out the season Friday, Sept. 26 at noon in a game against the New England Revolution II at Gillette Stadium — also home to the NFL's New England Patriots. All MLS NEXT Pro games are streamed on Apple TV. Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT to MLS first teams. MLS NEXT Pro currently consists of 29 teams, 27 of which are MLS-affiliated. Over the last four years, more than 160 players have signed with MLS first teams after competing in MLS NEXT Pro.