Grantham, PA — There are those who dream. There are those who live the dream.
And then there's
Kai Kasiguran.
As if winning three national championships, being named the 2007 National Soccer Coaches Association NCAA Division III National Player of the Year and garnering four All-American honors weren't enough, the Messiah senior is now in between pre-season training camps for Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire.
Just over a month ago, Kasiguran was drafted by the Fire in the first round of the MLS supplemental draft. Selected 12th overall, the midfielder then packed his bags, flew to Bradenton, Florida via Chicago and spent two weeks competing for a spot on the 28-player squad among more than 40-some potentials.
With an upcoming tour of Mexico the next leg in the Fire's weaning process, Kai hasn't been told to go home yet.
“I'm excited,” Kasiguran said during a brief visit to Messiah this week. “(The Fire) could have cut me multiple times at this point, so at least they don't think I'm terrible. They've had two weeks to see me play, and at the end of those two weeks they basically said, 'We like you, we think you have potential and we don't want to cut you. We'll see you in Mexico.'
“It's all happened pretty fast.”
One would assume life moves pretty quickly in these types of circles. Needing just three classes to graduate with an accounting degree, Kasiguran has had to put those plans on hold — for the moment, anyway — forgoing the spring semester at Messiah for a chance to play at the highest level of professional soccer.
“In the span of about three days I booked a flight to Chicago and dropped out of college,” he said. “I was all set and ready to go this semester, but what are you going to do?”
What he's trying to do is become the first player from Messiah to make it in MLS, as 2003 graduate Hayden Woodworth is the only other Falcon to be drafted in the league's history. Selected by D.C. United, Woodworth made it through the majority of the spring workouts before being let go by the organization. He wound up playing for the USL1 Charlotte Eagles.
Kasiguran will now possibly spend the next two weeks with the Fire as the team travels around Mexico, playing friendly matches with professional teams and going through grueling two-a-day workouts.
The fact that Kasiguran was invited on the Mexico trip was a good sign, as players came and went during the Fire's Florida training camp at an alarming rate. While Kai is trying to secure one of the team's 10 developmental roster spots available, the actual number is closer to three or four, as returning pros will most likely occupy a majority of those slots.
“There were some people who were sent home during the first two weeks, and they brought in some new guys, making additional cuts,” Kasiguran said. “Some guys made it all the way through, but then were told they weren't coming to Mexico. I'm happy to be going.”
Even with his laundry list of college accolades, Kasiguran said he was stunned in his first few days with the club. Citing the speed of play, how quickly the ball moves and the technical ability of the Fire squad, Kasiguran laughed in recalling his first few outings on the pitch.
“The first couple of days were quite an adjustment,” he said. “I remember I made a mistake during one of our first scrimmages, and (goalkeeper) Jon Busch hopped up and let me know what he thought of me, expletives included. It was a shocking experience for me, personally. The players will definitely get on your case, and it's such a competitive environment.
“When we got done, Jon came up to me and was like, 'It's nothing personal, we just want you to know the standards here.' Since then, he's been a great friend, helping me a lot off the field and getting to know the guys. But that was definitely a memory I'll always have.”
He paused.
“Welcome to MLS.”
Regardless of what happens from this point, Kai has promised himself — and his mom — that he will complete his college degree, most likely next fall. He'll give his best shot in Mexico, and will wait to see what the Fire's final decision will be.
“I think it's a very exciting thing for Kai,” said Dave Brandt, Messiah head coach. “It's a unique opportunity that not many players get. When you look at it as a true opportunity, there's much more reason to be excited rather than nervous.”
Of course, should things not work out in Mexico, Kai has plenty of options. He could always sign on with a USL team — he has a standing offer with his hometown Cleveland City Stars — or just shine in another venue altogether.
“I was a classically trained vocalist in high school, and I actually considered pursuing that option before deciding to come to Messiah to play soccer,” he said. “If things don't work out with the Fire, I would probably quickly explore music, either auditioning for music school or looking to perform in theater.”
He smiled.
“You know, just for fun, before I have to start real life.”
Now that is living the dream.
Kai Kasiguran style.
Cory Furman is the assistant athletics director for public relations and marketing at Messiah College. His monthly column, “Furm's Take” does not necessarily represent the views of Messiah College or the Messiah College department of athletics. Have a comment? Click here to send him an email.
