Aaron Long Named Captain of USMNT for Panama Match
1/28/2019 2:36:00 PM | Men's Soccer
RIVERSIDE, Calif.—This past Sunday when the United States Men's National Team took the pitch against Panama, UC Riverside alumnus Aaron Long added another accolade to his already impressive stint in professional soccer. Before the match Long was given the the captain's armband, in what just his third cap, continuing his recent surge to the top of the sport after making the USMNT starting lineup last year and being named the MLS Defender of the Year.
"My road to get here has definitely been the road less traveled, that's for sure, and this is just one more step that's just a little bit different for me in my career," Long said. "To be named captain third cap is unbelievable, and it's a dream come true, but it's a bit surreal."
Long became the first new player since 2016 to wear the armband and the first Highlander in the program's history.
The US would shutout Panama 3-0 in the team's first match under new Head Coach, Gregg Berhalter, with Long getting the start as a central defender.
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"My road to get here has definitely been the road less traveled, that's for sure, and this is just one more step that's just a little bit different for me in my career," Long said. "To be named captain third cap is unbelievable, and it's a dream come true, but it's a bit surreal."
Long became the first new player since 2016 to wear the armband and the first Highlander in the program's history.
The US would shutout Panama 3-0 in the team's first match under new Head Coach, Gregg Berhalter, with Long getting the start as a central defender.
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