Aaron Long

Aaron Long is an American professional soccer player known for his role as a center-back in Major League Soccer. Originally a central midfielder, Long transitioned to defense and overcame early career challenges, including being released by Portland Timbers, before establishing himself as a key figure for both club and country.

Long's career gained momentum with New York Red Bulls, where he contributed to New York Red Bulls II's USL championship and earned the USL Defender of the Year Award. He was promoted to the Red Bulls' first team, where he played all 34 league matches in a season that saw the club win the MLS Supporters' Shield. Long received an MLS All-Star selection and the MLS Defender of the Year Award, becoming the first Red Bulls player to earn that distinction. He was later named to the MLS All-Star Team again. Over seven seasons with New York, Long made 175 appearances, scored 14 goals, and participated in 15 Concacaf Champions League matches.

On the international stage, Long earned his first cap for the U.S. Men's National Team and became a regular starter, accumulating 35 caps and three international goals. He became the first U.S. defender to score two goals in a single match during a Gold Cup victory and was named to the Concacaf Gold Cup Best XI. Long was a finalist for the U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year Award and was part of the U.S. squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

After joining Los Angeles FC, Long was named to the Concacaf Champions League Best XI following LAFC's run to the final. He served as team captain in 12 matches, including all four playoff games, during a season in which LAFC won the U.S. Open Cup and reached the Leagues Cup Final. Long has overcome two ruptured Achilles tendon injuries, returning each time to reclaim his position as a starting center-back. He remains a central figure in LAFC's defense and is recognized among the most accomplished defenders in MLS history.