HARRISON, N.J. – The New York Red Bulls announced on Wednesday the club had signed 2016 USL Defender of the Year Aaron Long to an MLS contract. A standout for the 2016 USL Cup winner New York Red Bulls II, Long was loaned to the Red Bulls during the 2016 season, and now joins the club permanently.

Long, a native of Oak Hills, Calif., made 22 appearances for the Red Bulls II after signing with the club after previously competing in the USL for Seattle Sounders FC 2. During the 2016 season Long recorded two goals in the USL regular season, and another two in the 2016 USL Cup Playoffs, while also helping the Red Bulls II defense concede the fewest goals in the league’s regular season.

“We are pleased to add Aaron to our MLS roster,” said Red Bulls Head Coach Jesse Marsch. “Aaron has shown a lot of development over the last year and has earned this opportunity. This is also a very proud moment for the club as we successfully transition another player from our USL team to a first-team contract.”

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Long did not appear in an MLS match for the Red Bulls last year, but made three appearances, all starts, in the group stage of CONCACAF Champions League as the side reached the tournament’s knockout stage.

Long is the fourth player to sign with the Red Bulls from the Red Bulls II over the past two offseasons, with goalkeeper Rafael Diaz and midfielder Dan Metzger also having made the move this offseason to the club’s MLS squad.