Aaron Long
LAF
Center Back
Back Line Anchor
Oct 12, 1992 (34)
Right
6'1"
174 lb
Back from suspension
Long missed Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Dallas due to suspension and is available again for the Vancouver clash on Oct. 10.
Analysis: Long had received a straight red card in the recent match against San Jose after a last man foul that left the team with 10 men after 36 minutes, an absence that opened the door for Nkosi Tafari in central defense. Long will likely get his starting role back when the club faces Vancouver on Oct. 10.
Sent off against San Jose
Long earned a straight red card in the first half of Saturday's match against San Jose Earthquakes.
Analysis: Long committed a last-man foul that led to his sending-off, leaving the visitors with 10 men after 36 minutes of the weekend's game. The defender will serve suspension in the next fixture versus FC Dallas, after which he may return to action against Vancouver. Meanwhile, his absence at center-back could be covered by Nkosi Tafari.
On bench Saturday
Long (leg) is on the bench Saturday against San Diego.
Analysis: Long could replace either Nkosi Tafari or Ryan Porteous during the weekend's clash, though he might not be risked after struggling with a leg injury in recent days. The experienced defender will aim to recover a starting spot in subsequent matches, having made four consecutive MLS starts prior to the issue. Over that period, he averaged 7.0 clearances per game while helping his team to two clean sheets.
Questionable with leg concern
Long is dealing with a leg problem, and his availability will be a late decision for Saturday's meeting with San Diego, according to the MLS player status report.
Analysis: Long is an experienced USMNT center-back who brings defensive leadership and aerial strength to LAFC's back line, and his leg concern comes at the worst possible time with Igor Jesus (knee) and Sergi Palencia (groin) also sidelined. If the veteran can't play, Nkosi Tafari could join Ryan Porteous in the central pairing, with the versatile Eddie Segura adding another alternative.
10 clearances in draw
Long recorded two tackles (two won), 10 clearances and one interception in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Analysis: Long piled up 10 clearances, two tackles (both won) and one interception as the anchor of LAFC's backline in a match Vancouver controlled with 56 percent possession and 20 shots. His dominance in the air was especially important in keeping the Whitecaps' set-piece threat in check despite Vancouver racking up 11 corners on the night.
Dominant in central defense
Long had eight clearances in Friday's 3-0 victory versus Los Angeles Galaxy.
Analysis: Long made eight clearances and won five of his eight duels in Friday's 3-0 El Trafico win at Dignity Health Sports Park, helping limit the Galaxy to just two shots on target in a match LAFC controlled defensively throughout. He also contributed to LAFC's high defensive line that repeatedly caught Galaxy attackers offside in the second half, with the hosts flagged three times across the match. Long has now started five of LAFC's last eight MLS games, suggesting he is fully back fit from the Achilles injury he had to begin the 2026 season.
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