Aaron Long (soccer)

Aaron Long

Long with the United States in 2019
Personal information
Full name	Aaron Ray Long [1]
Date of birth	(1992-10-12) October 12, 1992 (age 31) [2]
Place of birth	Oak Hills, California, United States
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) [3]
Position(s)	Center-back
Team information
Current team	Los Angeles FC
Number	32
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2010–2013	UC Riverside Highlanders	71	(13)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2012–2013	FC Tucson	17	(3)
2014	Portland Timbers	0	(0)
2014	→ Sacramento Republic (loan)	2	(0)
2014	→ Orange County Blues (loan)	3	(0)
2014	Seattle Sounders FC	0	(0)
2015	Seattle Sounders FC 2	27	(1)
2016	New York Red Bulls II	22	(2)
2016	→ New York Red Bulls (loan)	0	(0)
2017–2022	New York Red Bulls	139	(12)
2023–	Los Angeles FC	28	(0)
International career‡
2018–	United States	35	(3)
Medal record Representing   United States Runner-up CONCACAF Gold Cup 2019
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of April 6, 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of July 12, 2023

Aaron Ray Long (born October 12, 1992) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a center-back for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC and the United States national team.

Born in Oak Hills, California, Long played four seasons of college soccer for the UC Riverside Highlanders before being drafted in the second round of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft by the Portland Timbers with the 36th overall pick. After loan spells with USL Pro clubs Sacramento Republic and Orange County Blues, Long was released by the Timbers and subsequently signed by rivals Seattle Sounders FC.

Long was part of the Sounders organization for two seasons. After not making an appearance for the senior team, Long signed a contract with their reserve side, Seattle Sounders 2. He spent a season with Sounders 2 before joining the New York Red Bulls II in 2016. During his one season with Red Bulls II, Long helped the side win the USL championship and was named the USL Defender of the Year. Long then established himself as a starting center-back for the New York Red Bulls in 2017. In 2018, Long had a career breakout season, earning a spot as a MLS All-Star, winning MLS Defender of the Year Award, and helping the Red Bulls win the Supporters' Shield. His performance that season helped earn Long his debut for the United States against Peru.

Youth and college

Long graduated from Serrano High School where he lettered in both football and soccer. ^[4] Long played four years of college soccer at UC Riverside between 2010 and 2013, recording 13 goals and 5 assists during those years. ^[5] While at college, Long also appeared for USL PDL club FC Tucson during their 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Professional career

Portland Timbers

Long was drafted by Portland Timbers in the second round (36th overall) of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. ^[6] After signing with Portland, Long was loaned to their USL Pro affiliate Sacramento Republic, where he made his debut on March 29, 2014, in a 1–1 draw against LA Galaxy II. ^[7] He also played for Orange County Blues during the 2014 season on a short-term loan. Long was released by Portland on July 2, 2014. ^[8]

Seattle Sounders FC

Long joined Seattle Sounders FC during the 2014 season, but did not make an appearance with the first team. On March 14, 2015, Long signed with Seattle Sounders FC 2. ^[9] On July 12, 2015, Long scored his first goal as a professional in a 4–0 victory over Arizona United SC. ^[10] He was a regular starter for Sounders 2 playing as a midfielder before being converted to centerback, appearing in 28 matches and recording one goal and two assists.

New York Red Bulls

Long with the New York Red Bulls II in 2016

Long went on trial with New York Red Bulls during the 2016 pre-season, and on March 10, 2016, signed with affiliate club New York Red Bulls II. ^[11] Long made his official debut for the club appearing as a starter in a 2–2 draw against Toronto FC II. ^[12] On June 19, 2016, Long scored his first goal for the club helping them to a 2–2 draw at Orlando City B. ^[13] On June 26, 2016, Long helped New York to a 4–1 victory against the Wilmington Hammerheads scoring the club's second goal of the match. ^[14]

On August 16, 2016, Long made his debut for the Red Bulls first team, appearing as a starter in a 1–1 draw against Alianza F.C. in the CONCACAF Champions League. ^[15] On October 2, 2016, Long scored two goals to help New York Red Bulls II advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2016 USL Playoffs in a 4–0 victory over Orlando City B. ^[16] On October 18, 2016, Long was named to the 2016 USL All-League First Team. ^[17] Days later Long helped the club to a 5–1 victory over Swope Park Rangers in the 2016 USL Cup Final. ^[18] Long was named as the 2016 USL Defender of the Year after leading a defense that conceded the fewest goals in the league during the regular season. ^[19]

On September 2, 2017, Long scored his first goal with New York Red Bulls in a 2–2 draw at FC Dallas. ^[20] He ended his first full season with the first team appearing in 41 matches and scoring 1 goal, establishing himself as a first choice center-back.

On March 31, 2018, Long scored his first goal of the 2018 season for the New York Red Bulls in a 4–3 loss to Orlando City SC. ^[21] On June 6, 2018, Long scored the second goal of the match in New York's 4–0 derby win over New York City FC in the fourth round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. ^[22] On June 23, 2018, Long scored another goal in a 3–0 victory over FC Dallas. ^[23] On July 29, 2018, Long was named to the MLS All-Star Team for their 2018 friendly against Juventus F.C. ^[24] Long was named 2018 MLS defender of the year after leading the Red Bull's defense in conceding only 33 goals all season long as the club captured the 2018 MLS Supporters' Shield. ^[25]

In May during the 2021 MLS season, Long ruptured his Achilles tendon, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season. ^[26] On February 26, 2022, after a long absence due to injury, Long appeared as a starter in a 3-1 victory over San Jose Earthquakes in the opening match of the 2022 season. ^[27] On March 5, 2022, Long scored his first goal of the season in a 4-1 victory over Toronto FC. ^[28] On July 12, 2022, Long was named to the MLS All-Star Team for the second time in his career, this time for their 2022 friendly against the Liga MX All-Stars. ^[29]

Los Angeles FC

On January 4, 2023, Long signed a two-year contract with Los Angeles FC. ^[30] He was a free agent and attracted offers from Seattle Sounders FC, Inter Miami CF, ^[31] Monterrey, Cruz Azul, and two unnamed English clubs. ^[32]

International career

On September 2, 2018, Long received his first call-up to the United States national team. He made his first international appearance in a 1–1 draw against Peru. The following year, he captained the national team in a 3–0 friendly victory against Panama on January 27, 2019. ^[33] In June 2019, he was called up to his first international tournament when Gregg Berhalter named him to the final roster for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup. ^[34] On June 22, 2019, Long scored his first two international goals in a Gold Cup victory over Trinidad and Tobago. ^[35]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played April 6, 2024 ^[36]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			National cup		Continental		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Portland Timbers	2014	MLS	0	0	—		—		—		0	0
Sacramento Republic (loan)	2014	USL	2	0	—		—		—		2	0
Orange County Blues (loan)	2014	USL	3	0	—		—		—		3	0
Seattle Sounders FC	2014	MLS	0	0	—		—		—		0	0
Seattle Sounders FC 2	2015	USL	27	1	2	0	—		1 [lower-alpha 1]	0	30	1
New York Red Bulls II	2016	USL	22	2	—		—		4 [lower-alpha 1]	2	26	4
New York Red Bulls	2016 [37]	MLS	0	0	—		3 [lower-alpha 2]	0	—		3	0
	2017		31	1	5	0	2 [lower-alpha 2]	0	3 [lower-alpha 3]	0	41	1
	2018		34	3	1	1	6 [lower-alpha 2]	0	4 [lower-alpha 3]	0	45	4
	2019		24	2	—		4 [lower-alpha 2]	0	1 [lower-alpha 3]	0	29	2
	2020		16	2	—		—		1 [lower-alpha 3]	0	17	2
	2021		5	0	—		—		—		5	0
	2022		29	4	5	1	—		1 [lower-alpha 3]	0	35	5
	Total		139	12	11	2	15	0	10	0	175	14
Los Angeles FC	2023	MLS	21	0	0	0	7 [lower-alpha 2]	0	7 [lower-alpha 4]	0	35	0
	2024		7	0	0	0	—		0	0	7	0
	Total		28	0	0	0	7	0	7	0	42	0
Career total			221	15	13	2	22	0	22	2	278	19

1. Appearance(s) in USL Cup Playoffs
2. Appearance(s) in CONCACAF Champions League
3. Appearance(s) in MLS Cup Playoffs
4. Three appearances in Leagues Cup, four appearances in MLS Cup Playoffs

International

As of match played July 12, 2023 ^[38]

Appearances and goals by national team and year

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
United States	2018	2	0
	2019	14	3
	2020	2	0
	2021	3	0
	2022	8	0
	2023	6	0
Total		35	3

As of match played November 15, 2019

Scores and results list United States' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Long goal.

List of international goals scored by Aaron Long

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	June 22, 2019	FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, United States	Trinidad and Tobago	1–0	6–0	2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup
2				6–0
3	November 15, 2019	Exploria Stadium, Orlando, United States	Canada	3–0	4–1	2019–20 CONCACAF Nations League A

Honors

New York Red Bulls II

• USL Cup: 2016

New York Red Bulls

• MLS Supporters' Shield: 2018

Individual

• USL Defender of the Year: 2016 ^[19]
• MLS All-Star: 2018, 2022
• MLS Defender of the Year: 2018 ^[39]
• MLS Best XI: 2018 ^[40]
• CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI: 2019 ^[41]
• CONCACAF Champions League Best XI: 2023 ^[42]

References

1. "40-Player National Team Roster: 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup: United States" (PDF). CONCACAF. p. 16. Retrieved May 21, 2019– via Bernews.
2. "Aaron Long | New York Red Bulls".
3. mlssoccer. "Aaron Long | MLSsoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
4. "MLS profile". MLS Soccer. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
5. "The Official Athletics Site of University of California – Riverside". gohighlanders.com.
6. Michael A Orr (January 16, 2014). "Portland Timbers Select Aaron Long with 36th Pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft". Stumptown Footy.
7. "Galaxy II, Sacramento Finish Tied". uslsoccer.com. United Soccer Leagues. March 29, 2014. Archived from the original on April 6, 2014. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
8. "Portland Timbers waive midfielder Aaron Long". timbers.com. Portland Timbers. July 2, 2014. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
9. "Sounders FC 2 sign defender Aaron Long and forward Sam Garza". soundersfc.com. Seattle Sounders FC. March 14, 2015.
10. "S2 Returns to Top of West, Blanks Arizona". uslsoccer.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015.
11. "New York Red Bulls II Sign Aaron Long". newyorkredbulls.com. New York Red Bulls. March 10, 2016.
12. "Allen Leads Red Bulls II Rally in 2–2 Draw". USLSoccer.com. United Soccer League. March 26, 2016.
13. "Da Silva, OCB Fight for Draw Against NYRBII". USLSoccer.com. United Soccer League. June 19, 2016.
14. "MATCH RECAP: New York Red Bulls II 4, Wilmington Hammerheads 0". NewYorkRedBulls.com. New York Red Bulls. June 26, 2016.
15. "Alianza FC, 1 vs. New York Red Bulls, 1". MLSSoccer.com. Archived from the original on August 22, 2017. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
16. "USL Match Recap: NYRB II Advances to Conference Semifinals with Win over Orlando City B". newyorkredbulls.com. Retrieved October 2, 2016.
17. "2016 USL All-League Teams Unveiled". uslsoccer.com. October 18, 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
18. "Allen's Hat Trick Leads Red Bulls II to USL Cup". uslsoccer.com. October 23, 2016. Retrieved October 23, 2016.
19. "New York's Long Named USL Defender of the Year". uslsoccer.com. November 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
20. "New York Earns a Draw in Dallas". newyorkredbulls.com. Retrieved September 2, 2017.
21. "Orlando City SC 4, New York Red Bulls 3 2018 MLS Match Recap". mlssoccer.com. March 31, 2018. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
22. "New York Red Bulls Bounce Back and Defeat New York City FC in the U.S. Open Cup". newyorkredbulls.com. June 7, 2018. Retrieved June 7, 2018.
23. "New York Red Bulls 3, FC Dallas 0". newyorkredbulls.com. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
24. "Tata Martino announces full 2018 MLS All-Star Game roster". atlutd.com. July 29, 2018. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
25. Bogert, Tom (November 7, 2018). "New York Red Bulls' Aaron Long wins 2018 MLS Defender of the Year award". Major League Soccer . Retrieved November 7, 2018.
26. "Aaron Long to miss 2021 season after undergoing Achilles' tendon surgery | MLSSoccer.com".
27. "Recap: San Jose Earthquakes 1, New York Red Bulls 3". mlssoccer.com. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
28. "Hat-trick hero! Lewis Morgan already proving worth for New York Red Bulls". mlssoccer.com. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
29. "New York Red Bulls Captain Aaron Long Selected to Roster for 2022 MLS All-Star Game Presented by Target". newyorkredbulls.com. July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
30. "LAFC Signs Free Agent Defender Aaron Long". Los Angeles FC. January 4, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
31. Bogert, Tom (January 4, 2023). "LAFC make another splash: USMNT's Aaron Long joins in free agency". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
32. Oshan, Jeremiah (January 2, 2023). "Sounders 'in the mix' for free agent Aaron Long, report says". Sounder at Heart. SB Nation . Retrieved January 8, 2023.
33. "Aaron Long Captains USMNT Against Panama". newyorkredbulls.com. Major League Soccer. January 27, 2019. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
34. "Berhalter Names 23-Player Roster For 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup". USSoccer.com. U.S. Soccer. June 6, 2019. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
35. "Zardes Scores twice, US rocks Trinidad and Tobago 6–0". AP.com. The Associated Press. June 22, 2019. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
36. Aaron Long at Soccerway
37. Loan
38. Aaron Long at National-Football-Teams.com
39. Bogert, Tom (November 7, 2018). "New York Red Bulls' Aaron Long wins 2018 MLS Defender of the Year award". Major League Soccer . Retrieved November 7, 2018.
40. "2018 MLS Best XI". MLS Soccer. November 11, 2018.
41. "2019 Concacaf Gold Cup – Best XI". goldcup.org. July 7, 2019. Archived from the original on July 30, 2019. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
42. "Davila, Ambriz, Bouanga headline 2023 SCCL Best XI". CONCACAF. June 5, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023.

External links

• Aaron Long at Major League Soccer
• Aaron Long at Soccerway