CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

The USMNT RETURNS TO THE WORLD CUP

When the US Men’s National Team failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, it was a setback to the growth of soccer in America. The disappointment of that failed qualification triggered changes at the top of the team, and a concerted effort to integrate a new group of young talent that could get the team back to the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2022. Players like Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Tyler Adams,  Yunus Musah, Antonee Robinson, Kellyn Acosta and others became fixtures of the starting XI through 2018 and into the 2019 Gold Cup in an effort to gain the experience needed to excel on the international stage.  

Aaron Long was in that group of players. He worked his way into the national team picture after becoming a stalwart defender under Jesse Marsch for the NY Red Bulls. Once he landed on the senior team roster, his impact was felt. Long became a starter and team captain. Then, after fighting through injuries, figured into the final stages of the World Cup Qualifiers before making the roster for the team’s trip to Qatar. 

Long joined Founding Futbol to talk about his journey through MLS and onto the national team. He discusses how then coach Gregg Berhalter gave the team clear focus on a return to the world’s biggest tournament, and what it was like learning to win with a young group of players. Long also reflects on the importance of the USMNT return to the World Cup, and how it helped continue to elevate the game in America.