Aaron Long Bio
Aaron Ray Long, born on 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. His professional career has taken him through several clubs, including time with the Seattle Sounders organization and a long stint with the New York Red Bulls, where he earned league-wide recognition as one of the top defenders in MLS.
Early Life and Background
Aaron Ray Long was born on October 12, 1992, in Oak Hills, California, a small unincorporated community in the high desert of San Bernardino County. Growing up in Southern California gave Long early exposure to a wide variety of competitive youth sports and helped shape his athletic foundation. He attended Serrano High School in Phelan, California, where he lettered in both football and soccer, an unusual combination that highlighted the versatility and toughness that would later define his professional profile.
Long played four years of college soccer at the University of California, Riverside between 2010 and 2013, representing the UC Riverside Highlanders. During his time with the Highlanders, he recorded 13 goals and 5 assists across his collegiate career, demonstrating an ability to contribute in the attacking third as well as in defensive duties. While still in college, Long also gained senior-level experience by appearing for USL Premier Development League club FC Tucson during their 2012 and 2013 seasons.
Path to Professional Soccer
Long’s performances with the UC Riverside Highlanders and FC Tucson drew the attention of Major League Soccer scouts. In January 2014, he was selected by the Portland Timbers in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft with the 36th overall pick, marking the official start of his professional career. After signing with Portland, Long was loaned to the club’s USL Pro affiliate Sacramento Republic, where he made his debut on March 29, 2014, in a 1–1 draw against LA Galaxy II. He also featured for Orange County Blues during the 2014 season on a short-term loan before being released by Portland on July 2, 2014.
Following his release, Long signed with rivals Seattle Sounders FC during the 2014 campaign but did not make an appearance for the senior squad. On March 14, 2015, he joined Seattle Sounders FC 2, where he became a regular starter while being converted from a midfield role to center-back. That positional change proved decisive, laying the groundwork for his emergence as one of the most reliable defenders in American soccer.
Aaron Long Career
Early Career (2014–2015)
Aaron Long’s first taste of professional soccer came through the Portland Timbers system in 2014, where his senior-team pathway quickly closed after loan spells with Sacramento Republic and Orange County Blues. Released by Portland mid-season, he joined Seattle Sounders FC and was assigned to the reserve side, Seattle Sounders FC 2, for the 2015 campaign. It was at Sounders 2 that Long found consistent minutes, appearing in 28 matches and recording one goal and two assists while adjusting to his new role as a center-back.
On July 12, 2015, Long scored his first goal as a professional in a 4–0 victory over Arizona United SC, a small but symbolic moment that helped cement his growing confidence in front of goal. The environment at Seattle Sounders FC 2 offered Long the platform to refine his defensive craft and prepare for the next step in his career.
New York Red Bulls Breakthrough (2016–2022)
Long went on trial with the New York Red Bulls during the 2016 pre-season and signed with affiliate club New York Red Bulls II on March 10, 2016. He made his official debut as a starter in a 2–2 draw against Toronto FC II, and on June 19, 2016, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2–2 draw at Orlando City B. His form was outstanding: he helped New York Red Bulls II claim the 2016 USL championship with a 5–1 victory over Swope Park Rangers in the USL Cup Final, was named to the 2016 USL All-League First Team, and was recognized as the 2016 USL Defender of the Year after leading a defense that conceded the fewest goals in the league.
On August 16, 2016, Long made his debut for the New York Red Bulls first team, appearing as a starter in a 1–1 draw against Alianza F.C. in the CONCACAF Champions League. He scored his first goal with the senior side on September 2, 2017, in a 2–2 draw at FC Dallas, finishing his first full MLS season with 41 appearances and a reputation as a first-choice center-back. The 2018 season proved to be his breakout year: Long scored in multiple matches, was named to the MLS All-Star Team for their 2018 friendly against Juventus FC, and was awarded the 2018 MLS Defender of the Year after the Red Bulls defense conceded only 33 goals all season as the club captured the 2018 MLS Supporters’ Shield.
Long remained a fixture of the Red Bulls lineup until a ruptured Achilles tendon in May 2021 ruled him out for the remainder of the season. He returned as a starter on February 26, 2022, in a 3–1 victory over San Jose Earthquakes, and on July 12, 2022, was named to the MLS All-Star Team for the second time in his career, this time for their friendly against the Liga MX All-Stars.
Los Angeles FC Era (2023–Present)
On January 4, 2023, Aaron Long signed a two-year contract with Los Angeles FC as a free agent. His signing followed a strong market that included offers from Seattle Sounders FC, Inter Miami CF, Monterrey, Cruz Azul, and two unnamed English clubs, underscoring the high regard in which he was held around North America. The move to LAFC reunited Long with a championship-caliber squad and offered him the chance to compete for major trophies in Major League Soccer and continental competition.
Driving Style and Strengths
Long’s game is built on aerial dominance, physical duels, and organized defending. Originally a midfielder, his conversion to center-back sharpened his reading of the game and his ability to step into midfield to break up play, while his football background contributed to a willingness to compete in contested situations. He is comfortable operating on both sides of central defense and has shown a capacity to contribute goals from set pieces.
Notable Events and Milestones
Long’s 2018 season stands as the defining chapter of his career so far, with the MLS Defender of the Year award, the Supporters’ Shield, an MLS All-Star selection, and his debut for the United States national team against Peru. His role in New York Red Bulls II’s 2016 USL Cup triumph and his senior-team performances in the CONCACAF Champions League further cemented his reputation as a big-match defender.
Aaron Long Career Wins
Across his club career, Aaron Long has accumulated a strong collection of team and individual honors. His most prominent team trophies include the 2018 MLS Supporters’ Shield with the New York Red Bulls and the 2016 USL Cup with New York Red Bulls II. Individually, he was named the 2016 USL Defender of the Year, earned the 2018 MLS Defender of the Year award, and was selected to the MLS All-Star Team in both 2018 and 2022.
Major League Soccer Highlights
In MLS, Long has been a two-time All-Star and the 2018 league Defender of the Year. He played a central role in the New York Red Bulls’ 2018 Supporters’ Shield-winning campaign and has continued as a regular starter since joining Los Angeles FC in 2023.
Other Wins and Performances
Long’s early professional resume also includes the 2016 USL Cup and USL All-League First Team honors during his season with New York Red Bulls II, as well as multiple U.S. Open Cup appearances with the senior Red Bulls side.
Aaron Long Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Long grew up in Oak Hills, California, and attended Serrano High School in nearby Phelan, where he lettered in both football and soccer. Public details about his immediate family are limited, with verified personal-life information focused on his upbringing in the high desert region of San Bernardino County.
Personal Life
Beyond his professional career, Long is recognized as one of the prominent American center-backs of his generation. Publicly verified personal-life details beyond his athletic career are limited.
2025 Season Performance
Aaron Long remains a key part of the Los Angeles FC defense heading into the 2025 Major League Soccer season. As a veteran center-back with extensive playoff and international experience, he is expected to feature prominently in LAFC’s pursuit of another MLS Cup and a deep run in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
After a full season of adjustment to LAFC’s system in 2023 and the stability provided by his two-year contract, Long is positioned to anchor a back line that combines his aerial strength with the technical qualities of his teammates. His leadership and communication are expected to remain central to LAFC’s defensive organization throughout the campaign.
The 2025 season also represents an opportunity for Long to reinforce his standing within the U.S. men’s national team picture, following his 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup experience. With a year of consistent club form behind him, he enters the new campaign with momentum and a clear role as one of the senior voices in the Los Angeles FC locker room.