United States international defender Aaron Long is staying with New York Red Bulls for years to come. Long, who is the reigning MLS Defender of the Year, signed a new multi-year contract with the team on Monday. The team signed him to a deal using Targeted Allocation Money.
Red Bulls confirmed the news on their social media, sharing a video of Long’s highlights from 2018 MLS season.
“We are very excited to complete this signing and solidify Aaron’s future with our club” – said Red Bulls Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. “Aaron has been key to our success as a team the last two seasons, and his personal achievements and recognitions speak for themselves. This signing is great news for our club and is also a prime example of our philosophy on player development.”
Aaron Long was part of New York Red Bulls’ defense that allowed just 33 goals in 34 regular season games. He also provided two goals and three assists in the same period, helping his team to league-high 71 points and the first seed in Eastern Conference.
“Aaron has been a major part of our team’s success over the last two seasons,” – said the team’s head coach Chris Armas. “He solidified our back line in 2017 and helped us become the best defense in the league in 2018. Aaron has also grown into a leader within our group and has earned the respect of everyone here.”
After spending most of his early career with teams from low-tier leagues, Long joined the Red Bulls for 2017 season. He immediately established himself as an integral part of the team’s back four, playing 31 games in the regular season and contributing one goal. This prompted USMNT interim head coach Dave Sarachan to hand him his first senior call-up in January 2018.
“This club gave me the opportunity I always wanted, and I will be forever grateful for that,” – said Long after inking the deal. “These coaches believed in me and allowed me to blossom into the player I am today. I will do everything I can to get silverware for this club.”
