HARRISON, N.J. (September 14, 2022) – The New York Red Bulls captain Aaron Long was selected to the United States Men’s National Team roster for their upcoming September friendlies, U.S. soccer announced today.
Long and the USMNT will play two international friendlies, first against Japan on Friday, September 23 in Dusseldorf, Germany and then on Tuesday, September 27 against Saudi Arabia in Murcia, Spain as they prepare for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Long will make his third USMNT roster this calendar year making four appearances in their last camp in June. The Oak Hills, California, native made his return to the USMNT on March 24 against Mexico, coming on as a substitute in the 80th minute. Long has amassed 27 caps for the U.S. with three goals, two assists and anchoring a backline to 13 clean sheets in 2,018 minutes played. He has donned the captain’s armband in five matches, all of which have been shutouts.
The defender has made 27 MLS appearances this season, while scoring four goals, which is a new career high. Long’s four goals in MLS is tied for first for the most goals scored by a defender this season. He has now scored 12 MLS goals in his Red Bulls career, which is the most by a defender in franchise history.
The USMNT qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2014 and have been placed in Group B alongside England, Iran, and Wales. The 2022 FIFA World Cup will run from Monday, November 21 to Sunday, December 18.
