Aaron Long Bio
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. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, Long is recognized across the league for his aerial ability, defensive organization, and leadership at the back.
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. Over the course of his professional career, Long has suited up for several clubs, including Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Sounders FC 2, and the New York Red Bulls, earning significant recognition for his performances at the top flight of American soccer.
Early Life and Background
Aaron Ray Long was born on October 12, 1992, in Oak Hills, California, a small community in the High Desert region of San Bernardino County. Growing up in Southern California provided him with year-round opportunities to train and play the sport, and he developed his game through local youth circuits before reaching high school.
Long attended Serrano High School, where he lettered in both football and soccer. His time as a multi-sport athlete helped him build the physicality and competitive mindset that would later define his professional career. Balancing two sports in high school also sharpened his tactical awareness, as he learned to read plays quickly and adapt to different positions on the field.
After graduating from Serrano High School, Long committed to the University of California, Riverside, where he played four years of college soccer for the UC Riverside Highlanders between 2010 and 2013. During his time in the college ranks, he recorded 13 goals and 5 assists, demonstrating an ability to contribute on both ends of the pitch and catching the attention of professional scouts.
Path to Soccer
While competing for UC Riverside, Long also gained senior-level experience by appearing for USL Premier Development League club FC Tucson during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. These stints in the PDL gave him a taste of professional-style play and helped him transition from the college game to the demands of a higher competitive level.
His performances with the Highlanders and FC Tucson made him an attractive prospect ahead of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. The Portland Timbers selected Long in the second round with the 36th overall pick, marking the official start of his journey toward becoming a regular starter in Major League Soccer.
Aaron Long Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
Long began his senior career in 2012 with FC Tucson, where he developed a reputation for his composure in the back line. Following the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, the Portland Timbers loaned him to their USL Pro affiliate Sacramento Republic, and he made his debut on March 29, 2014, in a 1–1 draw against LA Galaxy II. He also featured for Orange County Blues on a short-term loan during the 2014 season.
Portland released Long on July 2, 2014, ending a brief association with the organization. Despite the setback, the early loans gave him valuable professional minutes and prepared him for the next chapter of his career.
Seattle Sounders FC Era (2014–2015)
After his release from Portland, Long joined Seattle Sounders FC during the 2014 season, though he did not make an appearance for the senior side. On March 14, 2015, he signed with Seattle Sounders FC 2, the club’s reserve team, where he was given consistent playing time and the chance to refine his defensive game.
On July 12, 2015, Long scored his first professional goal in a 4–0 victory over Arizona United SC. He went on to appear in 28 matches, recording one goal and two assists, while initially playing as a midfielder before being converted into a center-back. That positional change set the stage for his emergence as one of the league’s top defenders.
New York Red Bulls Era (2016–2022)
Long went on trial with the New York Red Bulls during the 2016 preseason and signed with affiliate club New York Red Bulls II on March 10, 2016. He quickly became a key figure for the reserve side, scoring his first goal for the club on June 19, 2016, in a 2–2 draw at Orlando City B, and helping the team reach the 2016 USL Cup Final, where they defeated Swope Park Rangers 5–1. His dominant season was recognized with selection to the 2016 USL All-League First Team and the USL Defender of the Year award.
On August 16, 2016, Long made his debut for the New York Red Bulls first team in a 1–1 draw against Alianza F.C. in the CONCACAF Champions League. He scored his first MLS goal on September 2, 2017, in a 2–2 draw at FC Dallas, finishing his first full MLS season with 41 appearances and 1 goal while establishing himself as a first-choice center-back.
The 2018 campaign marked Long’s true breakthrough. He scored against Orlando City SC, netted in a 4–0 derby win over New York City FC in the U.S. Open Cup, and added another goal in a 3–0 victory over FC Dallas. On July 29, 2018, he was named to the MLS All-Star Team for their friendly against Juventus FC, and he was later crowned the 2018 MLS Defender of the Year after leading a Red Bulls defense that conceded only 33 goals while the club captured the 2018 MLS Supporters’ Shield.
In May 2021, Long ruptured his Achilles tendon, an injury that ended his season and kept him out of action for an extended period. He returned as a starter on February 26, 2022, in a 3–1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes, scored his first goal of the 2022 season in a 4–1 win over Toronto FC on March 5, 2022, and was named to the MLS All-Star Team for a second time for the 2022 friendly against the Liga MX All-Stars.
Los Angeles FC Era (2023–Present)
On January 4, 2023, Long signed a two-year contract with Los Angeles FC as a free agent. The signing came after a period of significant transfer interest, with reported offers from Seattle Sounders FC, Inter Miami CF, Monterrey, Cruz Azul, and two unnamed English clubs.
The move to Los Angeles FC gave Long a fresh start on the West Coast and the opportunity to compete for trophies with one of the league’s marquee franchises. Wearing the number 33 jersey, he has continued to serve as a veteran presence in central defense for the club.
Driving Style and Strengths
Long is widely regarded as a physically imposing center-back with strong aerial ability, sound positioning, and an ability to read the game. His background as a converted midfielder gives him composure in possession, while his leadership qualities and communication at the back have made him a stabilizing influence for every team he has represented.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Long’s signature moments are his 2018 MLS Defender of the Year award, his role in the New York Red Bulls’ 2018 Supporters’ Shield triumph, his selection to multiple MLS All-Star rosters, and his contributions to the New York Red Bulls II 2016 USL championship. He also represented the United States at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where the team finished as runners-up.
Aaron Long Career Wins
Aaron Long has built a trophy-laden resume at both the reserve and first-team levels of American soccer, highlighted by league titles, cup finals, and individual recognition as one of the top defenders in Major League Soccer.
New York Red Bulls Highlights
Long’s most celebrated club spell came with the New York Red Bulls organization. He helped New York Red Bulls II win the 2016 USL Cup and was named the 2016 USL Defender of the Year while leading a defense that conceded the fewest goals in the league. With the senior team, he played a central role in the club’s 2018 Supporters’ Shield-winning campaign, anchoring a back line that allowed just 33 goals across the regular season.
Other Wins and Performances
In addition to his New York honors, Long earned selection to the 2016 USL All-League First Team and received MLS All-Star nods in both 2018 and 2022. On the international stage, he captained the United States in a 3–0 friendly victory over Panama on January 27, 2019, and scored twice in a 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup victory over Trinidad and Tobago as the team reached the final.
Aaron Long Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Detailed public information about Aaron Long’s parents and broader family background is limited, with verified records focused primarily on his athletic development at Serrano High School and the University of California, Riverside.
Personal Life
Aaron Ray Long, who maintains an active presence on social media, is known for his dedication to professional soccer. Verified public details about his spouse and children are not available in the sourced records.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 Major League Soccer season, Aaron Long remains a key center-back option for Los Angeles FC as the club looks to build on its standing among the league’s title contenders. His contract runs through 2025, and his veteran experience is expected to play an important role in shaping the team’s defensive identity throughout the campaign.
Long will be tasked with leading a competitive LAFC back line that has been built around experienced international players. His ability to organize defenders, win aerial duels, and contribute in both boxes will be central to the team’s ambitions, and he is likely to feature regularly as a starter when fully fit.
With multiple clubs reportedly interested in his services before his 2023 move to Los Angeles, Long has continued to demonstrate the form that made him a sought-after defender across North America. As the 2025 season progresses, his performances will be closely watched by both club supporters and United States national team observers.
