USL Defender of the Year Aaron Long’s spectacular season with NYRB II began when he signed with the club on March 10, 2016.
He joined the club after a season with Seattle Sounders 2, where he played primarily as a midfielder. Prior to S2, he also played for USL sides Sacramento Republic FC and Orange County Blues FC.
The University of California-Riverside graduate played 22 USL games, a total of 1518 minutes, and the entirety of the USL Playoffs. He scored two goals in the regular season, and added another two in the postseason against Orlando City B.
Long led the defense to a league-best 21 goals allowed and 16 shutouts, and even earned a loan to the New York Red Bulls.
The center back played in three of the Red Bulls’ four CONCACAF Champions League group stage games, helping the team advance to the Knockout Stage for the first time in club history.
After winning USL Cup, Long was named 2016 USL Defender of the Year and was on the bench during the remaining MLS and MLS Cup Playoffs games for the Red Bulls.
NYRB II finished 15-1-6 in games that Long played this season and is primed for more success in 2017.
