A. Long #33 Shocked Everyone — LAFC’s Unsung Wall Just Broke the Season!
If you follow Los Angeles FC, you know Aaron Long—number 33—anchors that back line. This season, things took a tough turn: Aaron ruptured his left Achilles, had surgery, and now he’s out for the rest of 2025. Brutal news, honestly.
He’s not just a big body back there; he’s loud, he’s steady, and he’s helped shape LAFC’s defense since day one.
Long’s story? It’s classic grit. He grew up out in Oak Hills, California, worked his way through college ball, and then clawed his way into the MLS spotlight. As a center-back, he mixes athleticism with smart positioning. LAFC fans feel his absence immediately—just check the reaction to his Achilles injury.
Let’s throw his 2025 stats on the board:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 18 | 2 | 0 |
So, what’s next for LAFC without their rock at center-back? Let’s dig in.
Contents
Who Is Aaron Long: LAFC Defender #33
Aaron Long stands out as the heartbeat of LAFC’s defense. His journey, his skills, and his impact on Major League Soccer are worth a closer look.
Background and Early Life
Aaron Long was born October 12, 1992, in Oak Hills, California. He grew up playing soccer in Southern California, sharpening his game with local youth teams.
He played at Serrano High School, then took his talents to UC Riverside for college soccer.
After college, the Portland Timbers drafted him in 2014. But let’s be real: it wasn’t a straight shot to the big time. He bounced around lower leagues, kept grinding, and eventually got his shot in MLS.
That resilience? It’s a big reason why he made it to the national stage.
Playing Style and Position
Long lines up as a center back—number 33 for LAFC. He’s right-footed, and you’ll notice his strong tackling, aerial dominance, and sharp reading of the game.
His defensive awareness helps him break up attacks and keep the backline organized.
Long brings a physical edge and discipline to the heart of defense. He’s vocal, a leader, and at 1.86 meters, he wins his share of headers.
He’s a big reason LAFC handles set pieces so well.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Center Back |
| Height | 1.86 m |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| LAFC Jersey No. | 33 |
| Defensive Style | Physical, Tactical |
| Strengths | Tackling, Aerial Duels, Positioning |
Personal Achievements
Coaches around the league have called Aaron Long one of the top central defenders in MLS. He won MLS Defender of the Year with a previous club and became a regular for the U.S. Men’s National Team.
At LAFC, Long helped guide the squad to big moments—multiple finals, a league championship in 2024. He joined LAFC in January 2023 and re-upped his contract through 2027 (see his profile).
He’s picked up international caps along the way. Even though his Achilles injury cut 2025 short, his leadership and experience still shape LAFC’s defensive identity (injury details).
Aaron Long’s Career at Los Angeles FC
Aaron Long, number 33, made his mark as a true defensive anchor for LAFC. He showed up big in big moments, leading from the back and setting the tone for LAFC’s results in the Western Conference.
Key LAFC Performances
Aaron Long’s fingerprints are all over LAFC’s key matches. He read the game, broke up attacks, and helped LAFC stay cool under pressure—especially against top rivals.
One game that stands out? LAFC’s 2-0 win over FC Dallas, where Long held down the fort until his injury. Here’s a quick look at his 2025 season stats in a few big matches:
| Match | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs FC Dallas | 60 | 0 | 0 | Yes |
| vs Austin FC | 90 | 0 | 0 | Yes |
| vs Seattle | 87 | 0 | 0 | No |
He kept LAFC competitive, even when the back line was under fire.
Role in the Team
From the second he joined, Long took charge. He organized the back four, kept midfielders in sync, and covered for fullbacks when they pushed forward.
His national team experience rubbed off on younger teammates. He led by example, both on and off the pitch, setting the bar for fitness and preparation.
When he left a match with that injury, you could feel the shift. The defense just wasn’t the same. No one really stepped in and filled the void.
Impact on MLS Western Conference Standings
Aaron Long’s presence kept LAFC near the top of the Western Conference. Before his injury, LAFC boasted one of the stingiest defenses in the league.
He anchored the back, helping LAFC push for the playoffs. But after his Achilles injury, the team’s form dipped—just check Fox Sports for the full story.
Without Long, LAFC had to scramble defensively. Results got shaky, and their playoff hopes took a real hit.
Major Career Highlights and Awards
Aaron Long’s run with LAFC is stacked with honors, big-game moments, and clutch plays against top rivals. Let’s run through some career-defining highlights.
MLS Defender of the Year
Winning MLS Defender of the Year in 2018? That’s huge. The league gives this to the best defender each season, and Long earned it with his rock-solid play and leadership.
He kept mistakes to a minimum, stayed calm under pressure, and led by example. Teammates and coaches across MLS took notice.
He racked up clearances, blocks, and timely tackles, helping his team stay in the hunt. That award really put him on the map as one of MLS’s most reliable defenders.
Key 2018 Defensive Stats:
| Season | Clearances | Blocks | Interceptions | Aerial Duels Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 120 | 27 | 66 | 145 |
Champions League Appearances
Long’s got big-game experience in the CONCACAF Champions League. He started at center-back for LAFC in knockout matches, facing the best from North and Central America and the Caribbean.
You saw him handle top strikers with discipline and smart positioning. He kept his cool, played out from the back, and helped LAFC go deep in the tournament.
Some of his best moments came in those tense, winner-take-all games. You can check his latest Champions League stats on his LAFC player profile.
MLS Supporters’ Shield
The Supporters’ Shield goes to the team with the best regular season record. Long helped LAFC lift that trophy—no small feat.
He anchored the defense, cleaned up set pieces, and took care of business against top forwards. The Shield rewards consistency over a long season, and Long’s work ethic stood out game after game.
Winning the Shield also punched LAFC’s ticket to continental play. You can see all of Long’s major titles and achievements from his time in the league.
Notable Games Against FC Dallas
FC Dallas has always brought the heat against LAFC, and Long’s been right in the thick of it. These games get fast and physical—real chess matches.
One game that jumps out: Long organized a defense that held a clean sheet under heavy pressure late. He logged interceptions, made clutch tackles, and kept LAFC in the hunt.
His discipline and leadership shine brightest in these rivalry matches. If you want to dig into his stats against FC Dallas, check his detailed game log.
International Experience with the U.S. National Team
Aaron Long has played a big role for the U.S. National Team in major tournaments. He’s brought experience and a steady presence, from World Cup matches to the Gold Cup, tallying a solid record of appearances and goals.
2022 World Cup Roster Participation
Let’s talk about Aaron Long and his spot on the 2022 World Cup roster. That was a pretty big moment for him and, honestly, for U.S. soccer fans who watched his progress. He earned his ticket to Qatar and gave the squad some extra depth at center-back.
The coaching staff and teammates counted on him for stability and leadership. Sure, he didn’t rack up a ton of minutes, but you could see he played a big part in training and around the locker room.
He kept the defensive group sharp and focused, especially when it came to discipline and awareness.
Getting chosen for the World Cup roster is huge for any American player—no doubt about it. The coaches clearly trusted him, and his strong run with Los Angeles FC really helped his case.
Performance at the Gold Cup
You might remember Aaron Long’s breakout at the 2019 Gold Cup. He was everywhere for the U.S.—steady, urgent, and hard to miss on the back line.
He started all five matches, scored twice, and landed a spot on the tournament’s Best XI. That’s not something you see every day from a defender.
Long dominated in the air and timed his tackles perfectly. During set pieces, he became a real threat, popping up for big goals when the team needed them.
He kept his cool when the pressure ramped up in knockout games. Fans and coaches took notice, and after that, he became a regular for the national team.
International Caps and Goals
If you want to know how consistent Aaron Long’s been, just check his international stats. He’s played 35 times for the U.S. National Team, with three goals and two assists.
Those appearances include friendlies, qualifiers, and big tournaments like the World Cup and Gold Cup.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Friendlies | 15 | 1 | 1 |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Gold Cup | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| Other | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 35 | 3 | 2 |
He’s started key games, stepped up when called, and built a rep as a dependable defender. You see a good balance of defensive strength and the occasional goal, which really sums up his value to the team.
Recent Injury and Season Status
Aaron Long’s been a key defender for Los Angeles FC, but this season dealt him a tough blow. If you’ve followed LAFC, you know how much he meant to the back line.
Achilles Injury and Surgery
Late in a 2-0 win over FC Dallas, Long ruptured his left Achilles tendon. It happened in the 76th minute, and the medical team jumped in right away.
Within days, he went under the knife for surgery.
Long started all 15 games for LAFC before the injury. His absence leaves a huge gap—no sugarcoating it.
LAFC announced he’ll miss the rest of the 2025 season as he heals up. You can find more details in the official LAFC statement.
Key injury facts:
| Date | Opponent | Minute Injured | Nature of Injury | Surgery Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 12, 2025 | FC Dallas | 76th minute | Ruptured Achilles | July 15, 2025 |
Impact on LAFC’s Season
Losing your starting center back at this point in the year? That’s a nightmare for any defense.
The rest of the back line now has to figure things out on the fly. You might see some communication issues and tactical changes, especially when things get tense.
Depth players will need to step up, and that’s never easy. Set pieces, transitions, even the team’s confidence—everything gets shaken up.
With Long out, LAFC faces some big questions about how they’ll handle the rest of the season.
The coaches now have to find the right mix to fill the hole Long leaves behind. Check out his defensive stats before the injury:
| Stat | 2025 Season (15 games) |
|---|---|
| Starts | 15 |
| Tackles | 39 |
| Clearances | 68 |
| Interceptions | 27 |
Recovery and Future Prospects
Achilles injuries? They’re brutal. Recovery takes months, sometimes close to a year.
Long will miss the rest of this season and probably faces a long rehab. His age and injury history will play a part in how soon he gets back to full speed.
Most players need nine to twelve months to recover from a ruptured Achilles. LAFC’s medical team will work with him every step of the way.
Nobody knows for sure if he’ll reclaim his starting spot in 2026, but there’s no question he’ll fight for it.
You can follow his progress through team news releases.
Off the Pitch: Personal Life and Interests
Aaron Long manages to juggle a demanding career and his ties to home. Off the field, those roots have played a big part in who he is today.
Education and Family
If you’re curious about where it all started, Long grew up in Oak Hills, California. His family always had his back, and that support really mattered.
He went to UC Riverside and played four seasons with the Highlanders while getting his degree. His parents pushed him to focus on school and soccer, which helped him keep a level head when things got stressful.
He credits his drive to a tight-knit family life. Long calls his childhood active and positive, and he’s carried that attitude into every stage of his career.
People close to him say he still visits home whenever he can, even with a packed MLS schedule. That foundation has shaped him as both a defender and a leader.
You can find more about his early days and college experience in his player profile.
College Career Stats
| Years | Team | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-2013 | UC Riverside | 77 | 13 |
Hobbies and Inspirations
Let’s take a peek behind the scenes at Aaron Long’s life away from the pitch. This guy absolutely loves being outdoors.
He grew up dabbling in all sorts of sports, but soccer just grabbed his attention and never let go. Even now, he’ll hit the hiking trails or go for a run—anything to clear his head after a tough match.
Aaron’s always quick to mention how those other sports built up his discipline and endurance. Honestly, you can see it in the way he plays.
He admires athletes who manage to juggle their careers and personal lives. Their work ethic? That really fires him up.
When he gets some downtime, you’ll find him relaxing with friends or catching up with family. That’s how he hits the reset button before diving back into the next challenge.
If you’re curious, here’s a look at Long’s off-field interests. You can tell these hobbies keep him grounded and hungry for more.
