LOCAL WATCH: Longanecker signs with UCF for 2026 season
JACK FREEMAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 hours, 53 minutes AGO
Pride of Sandpoint Kai Longanecker has found a new home ahead of the 2026 season, moving to Orlando, Florida, to play with the University of Central Florida's men's soccer team. Longanecker, a goalkeeper, has been a star since his early teen years, leaving his hometown to play for Major League Soccer's Charlotte FC at 16 years old. Last year, Longanecker made his professional debut for Crown Legacy FC, recording two saves and going 15-for-19 on passes. He joins a UCF team fresh off a Sun Belt Conference Championship and an appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season. Whi…
Photo Courtesy UCF ATHLETICS
FULL CAPTION: Pride of Sandpoint Kai Longanecker has found a new home ahead of the 2026 season, moving to Orlando, Florida to play with the University of Central Florida's men's soccer team. Longanecker, a goalkeeper, has been a star since his early teen years, leaving his hometown to play for Major League Soccer's Charlotte FC at 16 years old. Last year, Longanecker made his professional debut for Crown Legacy FC, recording two saves and going 15-for-19 on passes. He joins a UCF team fresh off a Sun Belt Conference Championship and an appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season. While the Knights' schedule has not been released yet, they will kick off their season in August. A majority of UCF's games will be streamed on ESPN+.
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