Aaron Long (soccer)

{{short description|American soccer player (born 1992)}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}}

{{Use American English|date=August 2022}}

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Aaron Long

| image = Aaron Long on June 9, 2019 (cropped).jpg

| caption = Long with the United States in 2019

| full_name = Aaron Ray Long{{cite web |url=http://cloudfront.bernews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2019_Concacaf_Gold_Cup_Preliminary_Lists_May_20.pdf |title=40-Player National Team Roster: 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup: United States |publisher=CONCACAF |page=16 |access-date=May 21, 2019 |via=Bernews}}

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1992|10|12}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/players/aaron-long|title = Aaron Long | New York Red Bulls}}

| birth_place = Oak Hills, California, United States

| height = 6 ft 1 in{{Cite web |last=mlssoccer |title=Aaron Long {{!}} MLSsoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/aaron-long/ |access-date=2023-02-22 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}}

| currentclub = Los Angeles FC

| clubnumber = 33

| position = Center-back

| collegeyears1 = 2010–2013

| college1 = UC Riverside Highlanders

| collegecaps1 = 71

| collegegoals1 = 13

| years1 = 2012–2013

| clubs1 = FC Tucson

| caps1 = 17

| goals1 = 3

| years2 = 2014

| clubs2 = Portland Timbers

| caps2 = 0

| goals2 = 0

| years3 = 2014

| clubs3 = → Sacramento Republic (loan)

| caps3 = 2

| goals3 = 0

| years4 = 2014

| clubs4 = → Orange County Blues (loan)

| caps4 = 3

| goals4 = 0

| years5 = 2014

| clubs5 = Seattle Sounders FC

| caps5 = 0

| goals5 = 0

| years6 = 2015

| clubs6 = Seattle Sounders FC 2

| caps6 = 27

| goals6 = 1

| years7 = 2016

| clubs7 = New York Red Bulls II

| caps7 = 22

| goals7 = 2

| years8 = 2016

| clubs8 = → New York Red Bulls (loan)

| caps8 = 0

| goals8 = 0

| years9 = 2017–2022

| clubs9 = New York Red Bulls

| caps9 = 139

| goals9 = 12

| years10 = 2023–

| clubs10 = Los Angeles FC

| caps10 = 57

| goals10 = 2

| nationalyears1 = 2018–2023

| nationalteam1 = United States

| nationalcaps1 = 35

| nationalgoals1 = 3

| medaltemplates = {{MedalCountry|{{USA}}}}

{{Medal|RU|CONCACAF Gold Cup|2019}}

| club-update = April 19, 2025

| ntupdate = 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.

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/aaron-long|title = MLS profile|publisher=MLS Soccer|access-date=November 1, 2015}} Long played four years of college soccer at UC Riverside between 2010 and 2013, recording 13 goals and 5 assists during those years.{{cite web|url=http://www.gohighlanders.com/roster.aspx?path=&rp_id=1906|title=The Official Athletics Site of University of California – Riverside|publisher=gohighlanders.com}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.stumptownfooty.com/2014/1/16/5316362/portland-timbers-aaron-long-with-36th-pick-in-the-2014-mls-superddraft|title=Portland Timbers Select Aaron Long with 36th Pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft|author=Michael A Orr|work=Stumptown Footy|date=January 16, 2014}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/798128.html |title=Galaxy II, Sacramento Finish Tied |website=uslsoccer.com|publisher=United Soccer Leagues|date=March 29, 2014 |access-date=March 31, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406160254/http://uslpro.uslsoccer.com/home/798128.html |archive-date=April 6, 2014 }} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.timbers.com/news/2014/07/portland-timbers-waive-midfielder-aaron-long|title=Portland Timbers waive midfielder Aaron Long|website=Portland Timbers|publisher=Portland Timbers|date=July 2, 2014|access-date=July 3, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714202447/http://www.timbers.com/news/2014/07/portland-timbers-waive-midfielder-aaron-long|url-status=dead}}

=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.{{cite web|url=http://www.soundersfc.com/post/2015/03/14/sounders-fc-2-signs-defender-aaron-long-and-forward-sam-garza|title=Sounders FC 2 sign defender Aaron Long and forward Sam Garza|website=soundersfc.com|publisher=Seattle Sounders FC|date=March 14, 2015}} On July 12, 2015, Long scored his first goal as a professional in a 4–0 victory over Arizona United SC.{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210208188 |title=S2 Returns to Top of West, Blanks Arizona |publisher=uslsoccer.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713083148/http://www.uslsoccer.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=32800&ATCLID=210208188 |archive-date=July 13, 2015 }} 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=

File:Aaron Long.jpg 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/post/2016/03/10/new-york-red-bulls-ii-sign-aaron-long|title=New York Red Bulls II Sign Aaron Long|website=newyorkredbulls.com|publisher=New York Red Bulls|date=March 10, 2016}} Long made his official debut for the club appearing as a starter in a 2–2 draw against Toronto FC II.{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/629977?referrer_id=2333971|title=Allen Leads Red Bulls II Rally in 2–2 Draw|website=USLSoccer.com|publisher=United Soccer League|date=March 26, 2016}} On June 19, 2016, Long scored his first goal for the club helping them to a 2–2 draw at Orlando City B.{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/661974?referrer_id=2333971|title=Da Silva, OCB Fight for Draw Against NYRBII|website=USLSoccer.com|publisher=United Soccer League|date=June 19, 2016}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/post/2016/06/26/match-recap-new-york-red-bulls-ii-4-wilmington-hammerheads-0|title=MATCH RECAP: New York Red Bulls II 4, Wilmington Hammerheads 0|website=NewYorkRedBulls.com|publisher=New York Red Bulls|date=June 26, 2016}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2016-08-16-alianza-fc-vs-new-york-red-bulls/recap|title=Alianza FC, 1 vs. New York Red Bulls, 1|publisher=MLSSoccer.com|access-date=August 17, 2016|archive-date=August 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822220152/https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2016-08-16-alianza-fc-vs-new-york-red-bulls/recap|url-status=dead}} 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.

{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorkredbulls.com/post/2016/10/02/usl-match-recap-nyrb-ii-advances-conference-semifinals-win-over-orlando-city-b|title=USL Match Recap: NYRB II Advances to Conference Semifinals with Win over Orlando City B|publisher=newyorkredbulls.com|access-date=October 2, 2016}} On October 18, 2016, Long was named to the 2016 USL All-League First Team.{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/710622?referrer_id=2333971|title=2016 USL All-League Teams Unveiled|date=October 18, 2016|publisher=uslsoccer.com|access-date=October 18, 2016}} Days later Long helped the club to a 5–1 victory over Swope Park Rangers in the 2016 USL Cup Final.{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/712570?referrer_id=2333971|title=Allen's Hat Trick Leads Red Bulls II to USL Cup|date=October 23, 2016|publisher=uslsoccer.com|access-date=October 23, 2016}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/716040?referrer_id=2333971|title=New York's Long Named USL Defender of the Year|date=November 2016|publisher=uslsoccer.com|access-date=November 1, 2016}}

On September 2, 2017, Long scored his first goal with New York Red Bulls in a 2–2 draw at FC Dallas.{{cite web |url=https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/post/2017/09/02/match-recap-new-york-earns-draw-dallas|title=New York Earns a Draw in Dallas|publisher=newyorkredbulls.com|access-date=September 2, 2017 }} 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.{{cite news|url=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2018-03-31-orlando-city-sc-vs-new-york-red-bulls/recap|title=Orlando City SC 4, New York Red Bulls 3 2018 MLS Match Recap|date=March 31, 2018|work=mlssoccer.com|language=en|access-date=March 31, 2018}} 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/post/2018/06/07/new-york-red-bulls-bounce-back-and-defeat-new-york-city-fc-us-open-cup|title=New York Red Bulls Bounce Back and Defeat New York City FC in the U.S. Open Cup|date=June 7, 2018|work=newyorkredbulls.com|language=en|access-date=June 7, 2018}} On June 23, 2018, Long scored another goal in a 3–0 victory over FC Dallas.{{cite news|title= New York Red Bulls 3, FC Dallas 0|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/06/23/new-york-red-bulls-3-fc-dallas-0-2018-mls-match-recap|access-date= June 23, 2018 |work= newyorkredbulls.com}} On July 29, 2018, Long was named to the MLS All-Star Team for their 2018 friendly against Juventus FC{{Cite web|url=https://www.atlutd.com/news/tata-martino-announces-full-2018-mls-all-star-game-roster|title=Tata Martino announces full 2018 MLS All-Star Game roster|website=atlutd.com|date=July 29, 2018|access-date=June 13, 2022}} 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.{{cite web |last1=Bogert |first1=Tom |title=New York Red Bulls' Aaron Long wins 2018 MLS Defender of the Year award |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/11/07/new-york-red-bulls-aaron-long-wins-2018-mls-defender-year-award |website=Major League Soccer |access-date=November 7, 2018 |date=November 7, 2018}}

In May during the 2021 MLS season, Long ruptured his Achilles tendon, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.{{cite web| url = https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/aaron-long-to-miss-2021-season-after-undergoing-achilles-tendon-surgery| title = Aaron Long to miss 2021 season after undergoing Achilles' tendon surgery {{!}} MLSSoccer.com}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/recap-san-jose-earthquakes-1-new-york-red-bulls-3|website=mlssoccer.com|title=Recap: San Jose Earthquakes 1, New York Red Bulls 3|accessdate=February 26, 2022}} On March 5, 2022, Long scored his first goal of the season in a 4–1 victory over Toronto FC.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/hat-trick-hero-lewis-morgan-already-proving-worth-for-new-york-red-bulls|website=mlssoccer.com|title=Hat-trick hero! Lewis Morgan already proving worth for New York Red Bulls|accessdate=March 5, 2022}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/news/new-york-red-bulls-captain-aaron-long-selected-to-roster-for-2022-mls-all-star-g|title=New York Red Bulls Captain Aaron Long Selected to Roster for 2022 MLS All-Star Game Presented by Target|website=newyorkredbulls.com|date=July 12, 2022|access-date=July 13, 2022}}

=Los Angeles FC=

On January 4, 2023, Long signed a two-year contract with Los Angeles FC.{{cite web|date=January 4, 2023|title=LAFC Signs Free Agent Defender Aaron Long|url=https://www.lafc.com/news/lafc-signs-free-agent-defender-aaron-long|access-date=January 4, 2023|publisher=Los Angeles FC}} He was a free agent and attracted offers from Seattle Sounders FC, Inter Miami CF,{{cite news |last=Bogert |first=Tom |date=January 4, 2023 |title=LAFC make another splash: USMNT's Aaron Long joins in free agency |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/lafc-make-another-splash-usmnt-s-aaron-long-joins-in-free-agency |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=January 4, 2023}} Monterrey, Cruz Azul, and two unnamed English clubs.{{cite web |last1=Oshan |first1=Jeremiah |title=Sounders 'in the mix' for free agent Aaron Long, report says |url=https://www.sounderatheart.com/sounders-trades-transfers-rumors/2022/12/4/23492651/seattle-sounders-free-agent-aaron-long-rumor |website=Sounder at Heart |publisher=SB Nation |access-date=January 8, 2023 |date=January 2, 2023}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/post/2019/01/27/aaron-long-captains-usmnt-against-panama|title=Aaron Long Captains USMNT Against Panama|website=newyorkredbulls.com|publisher=Major League Soccer|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=April 26, 2021}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/06/berhalter-names-2019-gold-cup-roster|title=Berhalter Names 23-Player Roster For 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup|website=USSoccer.com|publisher=U.S. Soccer|date=June 6, 2019|access-date=April 26, 2021}} On June 22, 2019, Long scored his first two international goals in a Gold Cup victory over Trinidad and Tobago.{{cite web |url=https://www.apnews.com/04948095abae49ad885066065a25a1ab|title=Zardes Scores twice, US rocks Trinidad and Tobago 6–0|website=AP.com|publisher=The Associated Press|date=June 22, 2019|access-date=April 26, 2021}}

Career statistics

=Club=

{{updated|match played April 19, 2025}}{{soccerway|aaron-long/335436}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

!rowspan="2"|Club

!rowspan="2"|Season

!colspan="3"|League

!colspan="2"|National cup

!colspan="2"|Continental

!colspan="2"|Other

!colspan="2"|Total

DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Portland Timbers

|2014

|MLS

|0

0colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—00
Sacramento Republic (loan)

|2014

|USL

|2

0colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—20
Orange County Blues (loan)

|2014

|USL

|3

0colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—30
Seattle Sounders FC

|2014

|MLS

|0

0colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—00
Seattle Sounders FC 2

|2015

|USL

|27

120colspan="2"|—1{{efn|Appearance(s) in USL Cup Playoffs|name=USLC}}0301
New York Red Bulls II

|2016

|USL

|22

2colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—4{{efn|name=USLC}}2264
rowspan="8"|New York Red Bulls

|2016Loan

|rowspan="7"|MLS

00colspan="2"|—3{{efn|Appearance(s) in CONCACAF Champions League/Cup|name=CCL}}0colspan="2"|—30
2017

|31

1502{{efn|name=CCL}}03{{efn|Appearance(s) in MLS Cup playoffs|name=PO}}0411
2018

|34

3116{{efn|name=CCL}}04{{efn|name=PO}}0454
2019

|24

2colspan="2"|—4{{efn|name=CCL}}01{{efn|name=PO}}0292
2020

|16

2colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—1{{efn|name=PO}}0172
2021

|5

0colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—colspan="2"|—50
2022

|29

451colspan="2"|—1{{efn|name=PO}}0355
colspan="2"|Total

!139

1211215010017514
rowspan="4"|Los Angeles FC

|2023

|rowspan="3"|MLS

|21

0007{{efn|name=CCL}}07{{efn|Three appearances in Leagues Cup, four appearances in MLS Cup playoffs}}0350
2024

|29

130colspan="2"|—11{{efn|Seven appearances in Leagues Cup, four appearances in MLS Cup playoffs}}0431
2025

|7

1colspan="2"|—6{{efn|name=CCL}}200133
colspan="2"|Total

!57

230132180914
colspan="3"|Career total

!250

1716228233232723

{{notelist}}

=International=

{{updated|match played July 12, 2023}}{{NFT|72321}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year

National teamYearAppsGoals
rowspan="6"|United States

|2018

20
2019143
202020
202130
202280
202360
colspan="2"|Total353

{{updated|match played November 15, 2019}}

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

class="wikitable sortable"

|+ List of international goals scored by Aaron Long

scope="col"|No.

!scope="col" data-sort-type="date"|Date

!scope="col"|Venue

!scope="col"|Opponent

!scope="col"|Score

!scope="col"|Result

!scope="col"|Competition

align="center"|1

|rowspan="2"|June 22, 2019

|rowspan="2"|FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, United States

|rowspan="2"|{{fb|TRI}}

|align="center"|1–0

|rowspan="2" align="center"|6–0

|rowspan="2"|2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup

align="center"|2

|align="center"|6–0

align="center"|3

|November 15, 2019

|Exploria Stadium, Orlando, United States

|{{fb|CAN}}

|align="center"|3–0

|align="center"|4–1

|2019–20 CONCACAF Nations League A

Honors

New York Red Bulls II

New York Red Bulls

Los Angeles FC

  • U.S. Open Cup: 2024{{cite news|last=Butler|first=Dylan|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/champions-lafc-win-us-open-cup-over-sporting-kansas-city|title=Champions! LAFC win US Open Cup over Sporting Kansas City|publisher=Major League Soccer|date=September 26, 2024|access-date=September 26, 2024}}

Individual

  • USL Defender of the Year: 2016
  • MLS All-Star: 2018, 2022
  • MLS Defender of the Year: 2018{{cite web |last1=Bogert |first1=Tom |title=New York Red Bulls' Aaron Long wins 2018 MLS Defender of the Year award |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/11/07/new-york-red-bulls-aaron-long-wins-2018-mls-defender-year-award |publisher=Major League Soccer |access-date=November 7, 2018 |date=November 7, 2018}}
  • MLS Best XI: 2018{{cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/11/11/2018-mls-best-xi|title=2018 MLS Best XI|publisher=Major League Soccer|date=November 11, 2018}}
  • CONCACAF Gold Cup Best XI: 2019{{cite web|url=https://www.goldcup.org/en/awards/2019-concacaf-gold-cup-best-xi|title=2019 Concacaf Gold Cup – Best XI|website=Gold Cup|date=July 7, 2019|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730113130/https://www.goldcup.org/en/awards/2019-concacaf-gold-cup-best-xi|url-status=dead}}
  • CONCACAF Champions League Best XI: 2023{{cite news|date=5 June 2023|title=Davila, Ambriz, Bouanga headline 2023 SCCL Best XI|url=https://www.concacaf.com/en/champions-league/news/davila-ambriz-bouanga-headline-2023-sccl-best-xi/|access-date=6 June 2023|publisher=CONCACAF}}

References

{{reflist}}