Centerback Aaron Long is one of two New York Red Bulls field players to log every MLS minute for the team this year (Felipe is the other).

Head Coach Jesse Marsch said Long is ahead of where the team expected him to be at this point in the season.

Drafted as a midfielder out of college, Long spent time with the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders before landing with the Red Bulls. Long trialed with New York prior to the 2016 season and eventually signed with New York Red Bulls II, and made a CONCACAF Champions League start for the first team last year.

"His presence in the back line will determine our overall success"

-Jesse Marsch on Aaron Long ➡️ https://t.co/ettb3uSH5M#RBNY pic.twitter.com/C8F1iWnbuA — New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) April 19, 2017

Long was named the USL Defender of the Year and to the USL All-League First Team after his 2016 campaign with New York Red Bulls II.

Now, he’s started and played every minute of the first team's MLS games in 2017, paired with either Damien Perrinelle or Aurelien Collin at the centerback position.

“We feel very strongly that he will be a big player for us,” Marsch said. “He’s a guy who’s eager to learn and prove himself every day. He’s a good addition to the group.”

The head coach said that Long has quickly grasped the feel of MLS games and has a “real hunger” to improve every day.

“He’s an important member of this team,” Marsch said. “His presence in the back line will determine our overall success.”