Laukoa Santos always believed in himself, even when the 2017 Kealakehe graduate wasn’t picked in the three rounds of the Major League Soccer SuperDraft on Tuesday, which saw 78 players taken.
On Wednesday, the San Diego State graduate woke up early and looked at his phone and saw that the Charlotte Football Club, Houston Dynamo FC and Atlanta United FC reached out to him.
“What a turn of events,” Santos said. “Several clubs called. I talked to my agent and am flying out tonight for North Carolina. I wasn’t drafted but nonetheless I’m excited.
“I’m grateful the head coach reached out to me. I’m stoked. It’s a roller coaster of emotions.”
Charlotte FC had the No. 1 overall pick and drafted Maryland midfielder Ben Bender, took Wake Forest forward Kyle Holcomb in the second round and Clemson goalie George Marks in the third.
The club, which competes in the Eastern Conference, didn’t draft any defenders, a position Santos is expected to compete at, and he can also play midfield.
Several factors influenced his decision to go with with Charlotte FC, including the personal touch he got from coach Miguel Angel Ramirez.
“It was the coach reaching out himself,” Santos said. “I hope to gain a first-team contract. They don’t have a second team. They saw me at the combine, but they didn’t need to draft any backs. They’ll bring me in as a utility. They need wingers. I could play winger or right back. I’m super excited. I’m ready to jump on a plane and go to Charlotte.
“I firmly believe life is all about how you react and deal with adversity. I greatly appreciate all the messages I’ve received over the past 24 hours.”
The club is owned by David Tepper, who also owns the Carolina Panthers. He was awarded the expansion franchise on Dec. 17, 2019. Charlotte FC plays its home games at Bank of America Stadium, the home of the Panthers.