Christopher Scott Hegardt (born January 20, 2002) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer (MLS). A product of the Seattle Sounders FC Academy, Hegardt transitioned through collegiate soccer before establishing himself in the professional ranks.
Early Life and Youth Career
Hegardt was born in San Diego, California, and grew up in the soccer landscape of the Pacific Northwest. He joined the Seattle Sounders FC Academy, one of the most prominent youth academies in the United States, where he developed his skills as a central midfielder. During his time in the academy, he was highly regarded as a promising talent, participating in various youth competitions and showcase events.
College Career
After his academy tenure, Hegardt enrolled at Georgetown University and played collegiate soccer for the Hoyas in 2020. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the season, he made an impact, appearing in a limited number of matches and contributing to the team's efforts before deciding to pursue a professional career.
Club Career
Seattle Sounders FC
Hegardt signed a Homegrown Player contract with Seattle Sounders FC in April 2021, marking his official entry into professional soccer. During his time with the Sounders, he primarily featured for their USL Championship affiliate, Tacoma Defiance, gaining valuable experience in a competitive professional environment. He made several appearances for Tacoma Defiance, showcasing his ability to dictate play from the midfield.
Charlotte FC
In December 2021, Hegardt was selected by Charlotte FC in the MLS Expansion Draft, becoming one of the inaugural players for the newly formed MLS franchise. With Charlotte FC, he has continued his development, often featuring for their reserve teams, Crown Legacy FC in MLS Next Pro, and also experiencing loan spells with Charlotte Independence in USL League One. These opportunities have allowed him to accrue playing time and further hone his tactical understanding and physical conditioning in a senior professional setup.
International Career
Hegardt has represented the United States at various youth international levels, including the U-17 national team. He participated in training camps and international friendly matches, contributing to the development pathways for young American soccer players on the global stage.