New York Red Bulls: Aaron Long following Tyler Adams’ USMNT path

HARRISON, NJ - JUNE 23: New York Red Bulls midfielder Aaron Long (33) celebrates after he scores a goal during the first half of the Major League Soccer game between the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas on June 23, 2018, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HARRISON, NJ - JUNE 23: New York Red Bulls midfielder Aaron Long (33) celebrates after he scores a goal during the first half of the Major League Soccer game between the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas on June 23, 2018, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

New York Red Bulls’ Aaron Long and Tyler Adams have been called up for the USMNT for friendlies against Colombia and Peru. Long is following his teammates’ path to the national team.

Two of the New York Red Bulls’ key players will be representing the Stars and Stripes in the middle of the month for friendlies against Colombia and Peru.

Both Tyler Adams and Aaron Long have been called up to the US Men’s National Team for the October friendlies.

For Adams, call-ups to the United States Men’s National Team are becoming the norm. Since winning his first cap against Portugal in November of last year, Adams has impressed and quickly become a household name among U.S. soccer fans.

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The 19-year-old formally announced himself to the CONCACAF world last month when he scored in a “friendly” against Mexico to give the Americans a 1-0 win against their arch-rivals. Adams appears to be quickly establishing himself as a mainstay in the United States’ midfield, compounding the anchoring role that he has forged for himself in New York. With Michael Bradley’s inclusion in this camp, it’ll be interesting to see how, if at all, Adams’ role or position will change.

Long, meanwhile, earns another call into camp, as he did last month. Unlike Adams, Long did not play a part in the team’s matches against Brazil or Mexico. Long will likely train with extra motivation knowing his first cap could be on the horizon.

The Oak Hills, CA native will have his work cut out for him, though, as John Brooks and former Red Bull Matt Miazga currently sit as the preferred center-backs, per NBC Sports.

Long has earned his spot on New York’s backline last season, showing his capability of playing in both a back three and a traditional back four. After bouncing around between MLS and the USL, including a stint with Red Bull II before moving up to the senior team, Long has made 61 appearances for the squad since 2017. He started 30 out of 31 games last season and has made 28 starts this season. He, like Adams, is now a mainstay at New York and is wholly deserving of the national team call-up.

An interesting note about this current group of U.S. soccer as Long, a 25-year old, is one of the older players being brought in by interim Head Coach, Dave Sarachan. Long’s ‘experience’ — he doesn’t necessarily have more experience than the younger players but, given his age, could well be looked upon to lead and not just contribute — will be invaluable to this new youth revolution at the national level.

The US need cornerstone pieces to build upon. Adams is already cementing himself as one of those. Perhaps it’s now time for Long to follow in his footsteps. The New York Red Bulls’ stars are being recognised internationally. And deservedly so.