USMNT defender Aaron Long signs with Los Angeles FC after seven seasons with the New York Red Bulls
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USMNT defender Aaron Long signs with Los Angeles FC after seven seasons in the New York Red Bulls system…and recording 139 first-team appearances since 2017
The New York Red Bulls have lost another captain as defending champion Aaron Long left the club for defending MLS Cup champion Los Angeles FC.
The club announced on January 3 that Long would not be returning, with a tweet captioned: “Best of luck in your next chapter, Aaron.” It has been an honor for us to be a part of his journey.
Much later he posted a thank you to the Red Bulls fans, saying: ‘Thank you! The last seven years have been better than I could have imagined. Thanks to the club for believing in me.
‘Thank you to the fans for supporting us through the ups and downs. Thanks to the trainers and staff for guiding us along the way. Lastly, thanks to my amazing teammates who made my journey so special and pushed me to be the player I am today. Truly grateful and wishing the boys and the club nothing but the best.
Former New York Red Bulls captain Aaron Long signed with Los Angeles FC in free agency
Long became the club’s first player to be promoted to the first team and later become captain.
On January 4, it was announced that Long would join the defending champions with video from both the player and the club.
Long grew up in Oak Hills, CA, located more than 80 miles from Banc of California Stadium, which will now be his new stadium.
The Red Bulls have had a problem with leadership both on and off the pitch. Since winning the Supporters Shield in 2015 under Mike Petke, the team has gone through four managers and five captains.
Of their previous five players to wear the bracelet, Dax McCarty was traded to the Chicago Fire, Sacha Kljestan was traded to Orlando City, Luis Robles was not re-signed, and Sean Davis joined Nashville in free agency.
He long made club history by becoming the first player to move from the second team, New York Red Bulls II, to the first team, later becoming club captain.
Long was called up to the US Men’s National Team for the 2022 World Cup, but was unable to record an appearance.
He has been capped 29 times for the USMNT, having scored three goals during that time.
Long was called up to the final 26-man roster for the USMNT World Cup campaign.