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The new contract is for three years, according
to reporting by the New York Post.
The 26-year-old Long was named the league's top defender after
helping the Red Bulls allow a league-low 33 goals.
Long added three goals and two assists in 34 matches (31 starts)
but the offensive contributions are just a bonus on top of his
stellar defensive work.
"This club gave me the opportunity I always wanted, and I will
be forever grateful for that," Long said in a statement. "These
coaches believed in me and allowed me to blossom into the player
I am today. I will do everything I can to get silverware for
this club."
Long, who recently ascended to a captain's role with the U.S.
Men's National Team, was given up on by two MLS teams before
joining the Red Bulls.
Long was initially a second-round pick by the Portland Timbers
in the 2014 draft. The Timbers released him and he had a short
shift with the Seattle Sounders before again being out of work.
Long joined the Red Bulls in 2016 and didn't see a single minute
of action.
He had a breakthrough season in 2017 when he played in 31 games
(30 starts) and continued his rise last season when he was a
member of the MLS All-Star team.
"Aaron has been a major part of our team's success over the last
two seasons," Red Bulls coach Chris Armas said in a statement.
"He solidified our back line in 2017 and helped us become the
best defense in the league in 2018.
"Aaron has also grown into a leader within our group and has
earned the respect of everyone here. We are thrilled to have the
opportunity to continue working with him and watching him grow
for our club and country."
Long made $73,125 last season, according to the MLS Players
Association salary database. Terms of the new deal were not
announced.
--Field Level Media
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