Аарон Лонг: Биография спортсмена

Long's professional career began when he was drafted 36th overall by Portland Timbers in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. After initial struggles to establish himself, including loans to Sacramento Republic and Orange County Blues, Long eventually found his footing with New York Red Bulls. There, he transitioned from midfielder to center-back and helped New York Red Bulls II win the USL Championship in 2016. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he won MLS Defender of the Year and helped the Red Bulls secure the Supporters' Shield. After overcoming an Achilles tendon injury in 2021, Long signed with Los Angeles FC in 2023 as a free agent, citing family proximity and club culture as motivating factors. With LAFC, he contributed to winning the U.S. Open Cup in 2024.

Aaron Ray Long is an American professional soccer player who currently plays as a center-back for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer (MLS). Standing at 186cm tall, Long has established himself as a prominent defender in American soccer and has represented the United States Men's National Team on the international stage.

Long's trophy cabinet includes a USL Cup (2016), MLS Supporters' Shield (2018), and U.S. Open Cup (2024). His individual accolades are impressive, featuring MLS Defender of the Year (2018), two MLS All-Star selections (2018, 2022), and inclusion in the CONCACAF Champions League Best XI (2023). On the international stage, he scored his first two goals during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup and was named to the tournament's Best XI.

Aaron Long represents the potential for player development within the American soccer system. His journey from college player to MLS SuperDraft pick, through lower-division soccer, and eventually to becoming one of the premier defenders in MLS demonstrates the pathway for American players. His resilience in overcoming early career struggles and later injury setbacks provides inspiration for aspiring players. Off the field, Long embraces his role as a family man with two children, bringing perspective to his professional life and serving as a role model for balancing athletic excellence with family responsibilities.