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| Aaron Long | |
|---|---|
| Name | Aaron Long |
| Fullname | Aaron Long |
| Birth date | 14 January 1992 |
| Birth place | Plano, Texas, United States |
| Height | 1.88 m |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Currentclub | New York Red Bulls |
| Clubnumber | 31 |
| Youthclubs | Plano West SC; Houston Dynamo Academy |
| Collegeyears | 2010–2013 |
| College | Saint Mary's Gaels |
| Years1 | 2014 |
| Clubs1 | New York Cosmos B |
| Years2 | 2016– |
| Clubs2 | New York Red Bulls |
| Nationalyears1 | 2018– |
| Nationalteam1 | United States |
| Nationalcaps1 | 12 |
Aaron Long (born January 14, 1992) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a centre-back. He has been a key defender for the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer and has represented the United States men's national team at international tournaments. Long is noted for his aerial ability, reading of the game, and contributions to club defensive records.
Long was born in Plano, Texas, and grew up in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, participating in youth setups including Plano West Senior High School programs and local club soccer before moving into collegiate soccer. He attended Saint Mary's College of California where he played for the Saint Mary's Gaels men's soccer team, developing under collegiate coaches and competing in the West Coast Conference (WCC). During his college years he combined studies with summer stints in the National Premier Soccer League and developmental competitions that linked him to semi-professional sides and scouting networks.
After college, Long spent time with reserve and semi-professional sides including New York Cosmos B in the National Premier Soccer League before signing with a professional organization. He joined the New York Red Bulls II setup and progressed through the club's pathway into the New York Red Bulls first team in Major League Soccer. At the club he formed partnerships with teammates and defensive peers, contributing to campaigns in the CONCACAF Champions League, MLS regular seasons and MLS Cup Playoffs. Long played under managers who included Jesse Marsch and later coaches at Red Bulls, experiencing tactical systems associated with pressing and zonal defending. He earned individual recognition for defensive metrics across MLS seasons, and featured in key matches versus rivals such as D.C. United, New York City FC, and Philadelphia Union.
Long received his first call-up to the United States men's national soccer team and made his debut in 2018, entering squads assembled by national team managers including Gregg Berhalter and predecessors. He was selected for major tournaments and friendly fixtures across CONCACAF competition cycles, competing in qualifiers and regional tournaments alongside teammates from MLS and European clubs. Long contributed to the national team’s defensive selections in matches against opponents like Mexico national football team, Costa Rica national football team, and other CONCACAF nations, and was part of squads preparing for competitions such as the CONCACAF Gold Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Long plays primarily as a central defender, noted for aerial strength, situational awareness, and pace to recover in transition. His profile fits coaches favoring a high defensive line and aggressive pressing, complementing full-backs and defensive midfielders in systems used by the New York Red Bulls. Analysts compare his physical attributes and reading of the game to other central defenders developed in North America and in professional leagues, and his playstyle has been assessed in match reports during fixtures in Major League Soccer and international friendlies.
Long's background includes roots in the Dallas area and relocation to the New York metropolitan area for his professional career. Off the field, he has engaged with club community initiatives connected to the New York Red Bulls organization and has appeared in media features alongside teammates and coaching staff. He maintains ties to collegiate mentors from Saint Mary's College of California and regional youth coaches from Texas.
Club - Appearances and goals recorded across seasons with New York Cosmos B, New York Red Bulls II, and New York Red Bulls in competitions including Major League Soccer, USL Championship, and the US Open Cup.
International - Caps for the United States men's national soccer team since 2018, participating in CONCACAF fixtures and international friendlies.
Category:1992 births Category:Living people Category:American soccer players Category:Sportspeople from Plano, Texas